Triticale vs Soy: How Do They Compare?

This article explains the key similarities and differences between triticale and soy, foods from the grains and legumes food groups. Read on to learn more about the triticale vs soy comparison.
Catherine Toledo, Journalist

Written by Catherine Toledo, Journalist. Updated on February 17, 2023.

Although triticale and soy belong to different food groups, while triticale belong is a grain, and soy belong to legumes food group, and it’s not that common to compare foods from different groups, people are often interested in these comparisons as well.

That’s why we decided to create an in-depth article that compares triticale and soy, their nutritional values, similarities, differences, macronutrients, and micronutrients – vitamins and minerals.

Generally speaking, foods from grains and legume food groups are both high in carbs and protein and valuable addition to a plant-based diet.

Now, let’s see how triticale and soy compare specifically.

Triticale

Triticale (× Triticosecale) is a hybrid cereal grain that is a cross between wheat (Triticum) and rye (Secale).

It is a good source of carbohydrates, dietary fibers, and small amounts of vitamins and minerals like zinc, iron, and B-vitamins. It is also rich in antioxidants and protein, making it a valuable food for vegetarians and vegans.

Triticale is often used in baking and traditional dishes such as porridge and crisp bread. Its unique nutritional profile, which combines the best features of wheat and rye, makes it a good option for people looking for a healthier alternative to wheat or rye.

Triticale is gluten-rich. Thus it is not suitable for people with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease. It can be enjoyed as part of a balanced diet, combined with vegetables, lean protein sources, and healthy fats.

Triticale is an excellent source of Vitamin B1 (Thiamine), and Vitamin B5 (Pantothenic acid).

It also contains a good amount of Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin), and Vitamin B9 (Folate) and some Vitamin B3 (Niacin), Vitamin B6 (Pyroxidine), and Vitamin E.

Soy

Soybeans (Glycine max) are a type of legume native to East Asia.

They are a popular ingredient in many vegan and vegetarian dishes due to their high protein and fiber content. Soy protein is one of the complete sources of a plant-based protein.

Soybeans can be enjoyed in a variety of dishes, including tofu, soy milk, and soy-based meat substitutes, and can also be ground into flour and used in baked goods such as bread and cookies.

In addition to being a tasty and nutritious food, soybeans have been shown to have many potential health benefits.

They are a good source of antioxidants and have been linked to lower cholesterol levels and improved blood sugar control.

Soybeans are also a good source of several important minerals, including iron, zinc, and magnesium.

Soy are an excellent source of Vitamin B1 (Thiamine), Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin), Vitamin B9 (Folate), and Vitamin K.

They also contain a good amount of Vitamin B3 (Niacin), Vitamin B5 (Pantothenic acid), and Vitamin B6 (Pyroxidine) and some Vitamin C, and Vitamin E.

Triticale vs Soy Nutrition

Now that we’ve described the origin, taste, and usage of these foods, we can move to the most interesting part – comparing triticale vs soy.

This comparison will start by comparing the caloric value of triticale and soy and their macronutrients and then go more in-depth by analyzing their vitamin and mineral content.

TriticaleSoy
Energy336 kcal446 kcal
Carbs72.1 g30.2 g
Sugar0 g7.33 g
Fiber3.4 g9.3 g
Protein13 g36.5 g
Fat2.09 g19.9 g
Saturated Fat0.366 g2.88 g

Triticale vs Soy Calories

Most calories in raw grains and legumes come from carbs. Peanuts are an exception here, but they are often considered a nut instead of a legume because of their nutritional profile.

Comparing triticale vs soy for weight loss, triticale is slightly lower in calories, with 336 calories per 100 grams, compared to 446 calories per 100 grams of soy.

However, both triticale and soy can and should be a part of a healthy diet, and neither one shouldn’t be avoided if you’re looking to lose weight.

Triticale vs Soy Protein

Legumes and most legume products, including triticale and soy, are important sources of plant-based protein.

Soy offer around 64% more protein than triticale.

Soy have 36.5 grams of protein per 100 grams, while triticale has 13 grams of protein per 100 grams.

Triticale vs Soy Carbs

Counting carbs can be important for some people for different reasons, including blood sugar control, weight management, or athletic performance.

It’s also important for people on a keto diet, so let’s compare the carbs content in triticale and soy.

The total amount of carbohydrates is around 58% higher in triticale than in soy. It have 72.1 grams per 100 grams, compared to 30.2 grams in soy.

There’s less sugar in triticale than in soy, 100% precisely.

One handful of triticale (28 grams) contains 0 grams of sugar, while the same amount of soy contains 2.1 grams.

Lastly, let’s take a look at the dietary fiber in triticale and soy.

Dietary fiber keeps the digestive system healthy and helps with weight management by promoting a sense of fullness.

With 2.6 grams of fiber per portion, soy are a better source of fiber than triticale which offer 1 grams per portion.

Triticale vs Soy Fats

Like most other grains and legumes, with the exception of lupins and peanuts, triticale and soy are low in fat.

Fats in triticale and soy are mostly healthy unsaturated fats. They are naturally cholesterol-free and trans-fat-free.

Total fat in triticale and soy:

  • Triticale: 2.1 grams per 100 grams
  • Soy: 19.9 per 100 grams

Speaking of saturated fats, triticale is 86% lower in saturated fats.

Triticale and soy contain 0.4 grams and 2.9 grams of saturated fat per 100 grams, respectively.

Triticale vs Soy Vitamins Content

This section will discuss the vitamin content of triticale and soy.

Vitamins are micronutrients, meaning we need only a small amount. However, they are very important for many processes in our bodies.

Triticale has a higher amount of vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin B1 (Thiamine), vitamin B2 (Riboflavin), vitamin B3 (Niacin), vitamin B6 (Pyroxidine), vitamin B9 (Folate), and vitamin K.

However, soy have a higher amount of vitamin B5 (Pantothenic acid), and vitamin E.

Triticale and soy contain the same amount of vitamin D, and vitamin B12 (Cobalamin).

The following table shows the exact amount of vitamins triticale and soy contain side by side, so you can easily compare them.

TriticaleSoy
Vitamin A022 IU
Vitamin C06 mg
Vitamin D00
Vitamin B1 (Thiamine)0.416 mg0.874 mg
Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin)0.134 mg0.87 mg
Vitamin B3 (Niacin)1.43 mg1.62 mg
Vitamin B5 (Pantothenic acid)1.32 mg0.793 mg
Vitamin B6 (Pyroxidine)0.138 mg0.377 mg
Vitamin B9 (Folate)73 µg375 µg
Vitamin B12 (Cobalamin)00
Vitamin E0.9 mg0.85 mg
Vitamin K0.9 µg47 µg

Triticale vs Soy Minerals Content

Minerals are important for our body to function properly. We need only a small amount of minerals, so they are called micronutrients.

Some minerals, like iron, calcium, zinc or, iodine, are relatively hard to get on a plant-based diet, so it’s important to choose your foods thoughtfully. This part of the triticale and soy comparison focuses on their mineral content.

Triticale is a better source of calcium, copper, fluoride, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, selenium, and zinc than soy.

On the other hand, soy are a higher amount of manganese, and sodium.

Check out the table below to learn how triticale and soy compare when it comes to mineral content.

TriticaleSoy
Calcium37 mg277 mg
Copper0.457 mg1.66 mg
Fluoride02.2 µg
Iron2.57 mg15.7 mg
Magnesium130 mg280 mg
Manganese3.21 mg2.52 mg
Phosphorus358 mg704 mg
Potassium332 mg1800 mg
Selenium2.7 µg17.8 µg
Sodium5 mg2 mg
Zinc3.45 mg4.89 mg

The Final Word

Triticale and soy are highly nutritious and a great addition to a plant-based diet.

Both triticale and soy are high in specific vitamins and minerals, and including them in your diet will give you the most benefits they offer.

Antioxidants found in grains and legumes can help to protect cells from damage and may reduce the risk of certain diseases and the effects of aging.

Additionally, the fiber and other nutrients in these foods can support the health of the digestive system and may even help to prevent certain digestive cancers.

Legumes and grains are a versatile food that can be incorporated into any meal of the day, including breakfast, lunch, or dinner. They can be served hot or cold, making them a convenient and tasty addition to a variety of dishes.

Sources

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