Triticale vs Wheat germ: Which Is Better?

Triticale and wheat germ belong to the grains food group, one of the staple food groups for people on a plant-based diet.

Grains and grain products are an affordable source of carbohydrates, as well as essential vitamins and minerals, including B vitamins (such as thiamin, riboflavin, and niacin), iron, and zinc, minerals that are usually harder to get on a plant-based diet.

They also provide a small amount of protein and healthy fats.

However, it is important to note that whole grains are generally a better source of these nutrients than refined grains.

This article will thoroughly compare triticale and wheat germ and help you learn more about their similarities and differences.

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.

Wheat germ

Wheat germ (Triticum aestivum) is a by-product of wheat milling and is derived from the inner part of the wheat kernel.

It is a good source of essential nutrients, including vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and healthy fats. It is particularly high in vitamin E, folate, and minerals like zinc, magnesium, and phosphorus.

Wheat germ is also a good source of plant-based protein, making it a valuable food for vegetarians and vegans.

It is often used as an ingredient in breakfast cereals, granolas, and baked goods or as a topping for yogurt, oatmeal, and salads. It can also be added to smoothies and other drinks for an extra boost of nutrition.

Wheat germ is an excellent source of Vitamin B1 (Thiamine), Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin), Vitamin B3 (Niacin), Vitamin B5 (Pantothenic acid), Vitamin B6 (Pyroxidine), and Vitamin B9 (Folate).

It also contains Vitamin E, and Vitamin K in a small amount.

Triticale vs Wheat germ 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 wheat germ.

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

Triticale vs Wheat germ Calories

Most calories in grains come from carbs.

Comparing triticale vs wheat germ for weight loss, triticale is slightly lower in calories, with 336 calories per 100 grams, compared to 360 calories per 100 grams of wheat germ.

However, both triticale and wheat germ 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 Wheat germ Protein

Grains and most grain products, including triticale and wheat germ, are important sources of plant-based protein.

However, it should be noted that most grains, with the exception of quinoa and buckwheat, for example, are low in lysine and methionine.

That said, you can combine grains with legumes to get a complete protein.

Wheat germ offers around 44% more protein than triticale.

Wheat germ has 23.2 grams of protein per 100 grams, while triticale has 13 grams of protein per 100 grams.

Triticale vs Wheat germ 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 wheat germ.

The total amount of carbohydrates is around 28% higher in triticale than in wheat germ. It has 72.1 grams per 100 grams, compared to 51.8 grams in wheat germ.

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

That said, 100 grams of triticale contains 0 grams of sugar, while the same amount of wheat germ contains 1 grams.

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

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

With 13.2 grams of fiber per 100 grams, wheat germ is a better source of fiber than triticale which offers 3.4 grams per 100 gram portion.

Triticale vs Wheat germ Fats

Like most other grains, triticale and wheat germ are low in fat.

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

Total fat in triticale and wheat germ:

• Triticale: 2.1 grams per 100 grams
• Wheat germ: 9.7 per 100 grams

Speaking of saturated fats, triticale is 76% lower in saturated fats.

Triticale and wheat germ contain 0.4 grams and 1.7 grams of saturated fat per 100 grams, respectively.

Triticale vs Wheat germ Vitamins Content

This section will discuss the vitamin content of triticale and wheat germ.

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 B1 (Thiamine), vitamin B2 (Riboflavin), vitamin B3 (Niacin), vitamin B5 (Pantothenic acid), vitamin B6 (Pyroxidine), vitamin B9 (Folate), and vitamin K.

However, wheat germ has a higher amount of vitamin E.

Triticale and wheat germ contain the same amount of vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin D, and vitamin B12 (Cobalamin).

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

Triticale vs Wheat germ 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 wheat germ comparison focuses on their mineral content.

Triticale is a better source of calcium, copper, iron, magnesium, manganese, phosphorus, potassium, selenium, sodium, and zinc than wheat germ.

Triticale and wheat germ contain the same amount of fluoride.

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

The Final Word

This article highlighted the similarities and differences between triticale and wheat germ.

Grains, also known as cereal grains, are an important source of nutrition for many people around the world. They are a rich source of carbohydrates, which provide energy for the body.

Whole grains contain important vitamins and minerals, such as B vitamins and iron. Whole grains, in particular, are high in dietary fiber and can help with digestion and weight management.

They may also have other health benefits, such as reducing the risk of heart disease, diabetes, and certain types of cancer.

Grains are also a staple food and an important source of food security in many parts of the world.