Triticale vs Wild rice: How To Choose?

This article explains the key similarities and differences between triticale and wild rice, foods from the grains food group. Read on to learn more about the triticale vs wild rice comparison.
Esther Bumpus, Health Writer

Written by Esther Bumpus, Health Writer. Updated on January 27, 2023.

Triticale and wild rice 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 wild rice 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.

Wild rice

Wild rice (Zizania aquatica) is a type of cereal grain that is native to North America, specifically the Great Lakes region and the St. Lawrence River area.

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.

Wild rice has a nutty and slightly earthy flavor and is often used as a side dish or as an ingredient in salads, soups, and stuffings. It is also gluten-free and easy to digest, making it a great option for people with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease.

Wild rice is considered a functional food, as it has been shown to positively impact health when consumed regularly as part of a balanced diet. It is also considered a sustainable crop, as it can be grown in various habitats, including shallow water, and doesn’t require chemical fertilizers or pesticides.

Wild rice is an excellent source of Vitamin B3 (Niacin).

It also contains a good amount of Vitamin B1 (Thiamine), Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin), Vitamin B5 (Pantothenic acid), Vitamin B6 (Pyroxidine), and Vitamin B9 (Folate) and some Vitamin E.

Triticale vs Wild rice 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 wild rice.

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

TriticaleWild rice
Energy336 kcal357 kcal
Carbs72.1 g74.9 g
Sugar0 g2.5 g
Fiber3.4 g6.2 g
Protein13 g14.7 g
Fat2.09 g1.08 g
Saturated Fat0.366 g0.156 g

Triticale vs Wild rice Calories

Most calories in grains come from carbs.

Comparing triticale vs wild rice for weight loss, triticale is slightly lower in calories, with 336 calories per 100 grams, compared to 357 calories per 100 grams of wild rice.

However, both triticale and wild rice 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 Wild rice Protein

Grains and most grain products, including triticale and wild rice, 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.

Wild rice offers around 12% more protein than triticale.

Wild rice has 14.7 grams of protein per 100 grams, while triticale has 13 grams of protein per 100 grams.

Triticale vs Wild rice 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 wild rice.

The total amount of carbohydrates is around 4% higher in wild rice than in triticale. It has 74.9 grams per 100 grams, compared to 72.1 grams in triticale.

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

That said, 100 grams of triticale contains 0 grams of sugar, while the same amount of wild rice contains 2.5 grams.

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

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

With 6.2 grams of fiber per 100 grams, wild rice is a better source of fiber than triticale which offers 3.4 grams per 100 gram portion.

Triticale vs Wild rice Fats

Like most other grains, triticale and wild rice are low in fat.

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

Total fat in triticale and wild rice:

  • Triticale: 2.1 grams per 100 grams
  • Wild rice: 1.1 per 100 grams

Speaking of saturated fats, wild rice is 50% lower in saturated fats.

Wild rice and triticale contain 0.2 grams and 0.4 grams of saturated fat per 100 grams, respectively.

Triticale vs Wild rice Vitamins Content

This section will discuss the vitamin content of triticale and wild rice.

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 B2 (Riboflavin), vitamin B3 (Niacin), vitamin B6 (Pyroxidine), vitamin B9 (Folate), and vitamin K.

However, wild rice has a higher amount of vitamin B1 (Thiamine), vitamin B5 (Pantothenic acid), and vitamin E.

Triticale and wild rice contain the same amount of vitamin C, vitamin D, and vitamin B12 (Cobalamin).

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

TriticaleWild rice
Vitamin A019 IU
Vitamin C00
Vitamin D00
Vitamin B1 (Thiamine)0.416 mg0.115 mg
Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin)0.134 mg0.262 mg
Vitamin B3 (Niacin)1.43 mg6.73 mg
Vitamin B5 (Pantothenic acid)1.32 mg1.07 mg
Vitamin B6 (Pyroxidine)0.138 mg0.391 mg
Vitamin B9 (Folate)73 µg95 µg
Vitamin B12 (Cobalamin)00
Vitamin E0.9 mg0.82 mg
Vitamin K0.9 µg1.9 µg

Triticale vs Wild rice 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 wild rice comparison focuses on their mineral content.

Triticale is a better source of copper, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, selenium, sodium, and zinc than wild rice.

On the other hand, wild rice is a higher amount of calcium, iron, and manganese.

Triticale and wild rice contain the same amount of fluoride.

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

TriticaleWild rice
Calcium37 mg21 mg
Copper0.457 mg0.524 mg
Fluoride00
Iron2.57 mg1.96 mg
Magnesium130 mg177 mg
Manganese3.21 mg1.33 mg
Phosphorus358 mg433 mg
Potassium332 mg427 mg
Selenium2.7 µg2.8 µg
Sodium5 mg7 mg
Zinc3.45 mg5.96 mg

The Final Word

This article highlighted the similarities and differences between triticale and wild rice.

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.

Sources

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