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Vital wheat gluten vs Miso: Which Is Better?

This article explains the key similarities and differences between vital wheat gluten and miso, foods from the grains and legumes food groups. Read on to learn more about the vital wheat gluten vs miso comparison.
Dennis Gillett, Health & Fitness Writer

Written by Dennis Gillett, Health & Fitness Writer. Updated on February 5, 2023.

Although vital wheat gluten and miso belong to different food groups, while vital wheat gluten belong is a grain, and miso 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 vital wheat gluten and miso, 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 vital wheat gluten and miso compare specifically.

Vital wheat gluten

Vital wheat gluten, also known as wheat gluten (Triticum aestivum), is a plant-based protein derived from wheat.

It is a rich source of micro and micronutrients, including essential amino acids, vitamins such as B-vitamins and minerals like iron, zinc, and magnesium.

Consuming vital wheat gluten has been linked to a variety of health benefits, including improved digestion, weight management, and muscle development. It is also a good source of protein for vegetarians and vegans. It can also be used as a meat substitute.

It is also beneficial for gluten sensitivity as it is gluten-free. Still, it is derived from wheat and contains gluten, so people with celiac disease should avoid it.

Vital wheat gluten is not an excellent source of any particular vitamin.

Miso

Miso (fermented soybean paste) is a traditional Japanese condiment made by fermenting soybeans with salt and a type of fungus called koji.

It is a thick, paste-like substance that adds flavor to various dishes, such as soups, sauces, and marinades.

Miso is an important part of Japanese cuisine and has been used for centuries to preserve and enhance food flavor.

One of the main health benefits of miso is its high protein content. Miso is made from soybeans, a good source of plant-based protein, making it a popular choice for vegetarians and vegans.

Miso also contains many nutrients, including vitamins, minerals, and amino acids. The fermentation process used to make miso also helps to increase the bioavailability of these nutrients, making them easier for the body to absorb.

In terms of health benefits, miso has been shown to have many positive effects on the body.

It is a good source of probiotics, which are beneficial bacteria that help balance the gut microbiome.

Miso may also help to reduce the risk of certain health conditions, such as high blood pressure and high cholesterol, due to its high content of antioxidants and other beneficial compounds.

Miso is not an excellent source of any particular vitamin.

However, it also contains a good amount of Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin), Vitamin B6 (Pyroxidine), and Vitamin K and some Vitamin B1 (Thiamine), Vitamin B3 (Niacin), Vitamin B5 (Pantothenic acid), and Vitamin B9 (Folate).

Vital wheat gluten vs Miso Nutrition

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

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

Vital wheat glutenMiso
Energy370 kcal198 kcal
Carbs13.8 g25.4 g
Sugar0 g6.2 g
Fiber0.6 g5.4 g
Protein75.2 g12.8 g
Fat1.85 g6.01 g
Saturated Fat0.272 g1.02 g

Vital wheat gluten vs Miso 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 miso vs vital wheat gluten for weight loss, miso is slightly lower in calories, with 198 calories per 100 grams, compared to 370 calories per 100 grams of vital wheat gluten.

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

Vital wheat gluten vs Miso Protein

Legumes and most legume products, including vital wheat gluten and miso, are important sources of plant-based protein.

Vital wheat gluten offers around 83% more protein than miso.

Vital wheat gluten has 75.2 grams of protein per 100 grams, while miso has 12.8 grams of protein per 100 grams.

Vital wheat gluten vs Miso 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 vital wheat gluten and miso.

The total amount of carbohydrates is around 46% higher in miso than in vital wheat gluten. It have 25.4 grams per 100 grams, compared to 13.8 grams in vital wheat gluten.

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There’s less sugar in vital wheat gluten than in miso, 100% precisely.

One handful of vital wheat gluten (28 grams) contains 0 grams of sugar, while the same amount of miso contains 1.7 grams.

Lastly, let’s take a look at the dietary fiber in vital wheat gluten and miso.

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

With 1.5 grams of fiber per portion, miso is a better source of fiber than vital wheat gluten which offers 0.2 grams per portion.

Vital wheat gluten vs Miso Fats

Like most other grains and legumes, with the exception of lupins and peanuts, vital wheat gluten and miso are low in fat.

Fats in vital wheat gluten and miso are mostly healthy unsaturated fats. They are naturally cholesterol-free and trans-fat-free.

Total fat in vital wheat gluten and miso:

  • Vital wheat gluten: 1.9 grams per 100 grams
  • Miso: 6 per 100 grams

Speaking of saturated fats, vital wheat gluten is 70% lower in saturated fats.

Vital wheat gluten and miso contain 0.3 grams and 1 grams of saturated fat per 100 grams, respectively.

Vital wheat gluten vs Miso Vitamins Content

This section will discuss the vitamin content of vital wheat gluten and miso.

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

Vital wheat gluten has a higher amount of vitamin A, vitamin B1 (Thiamine), vitamin B2 (Riboflavin), vitamin B3 (Niacin), vitamin B5 (Pantothenic acid), vitamin B6 (Pyroxidine), vitamin B9 (Folate), vitamin B12 (Cobalamin), vitamin E, and vitamin K.

Vital wheat gluten and miso contain the same amount of vitamin C, and vitamin D.

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

Vital wheat glutenMiso
Vitamin A087 IU
Vitamin C00
Vitamin D00
Vitamin B1 (Thiamine)00.098 mg
Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin)00.233 mg
Vitamin B3 (Niacin)00.906 mg
Vitamin B5 (Pantothenic acid)00.337 mg
Vitamin B6 (Pyroxidine)00.199 mg
Vitamin B9 (Folate)019 µg
Vitamin B12 (Cobalamin)00.08 µg
Vitamin E00.01 mg
Vitamin K029.3 µg

Vital wheat gluten vs Miso 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 vital wheat gluten and miso comparison focuses on their mineral content.

Vital wheat gluten is a better source of copper, magnesium, manganese, potassium, sodium, and zinc than miso.

On the other hand, miso is a higher amount of calcium, iron, phosphorus, and selenium.

Vital wheat gluten and miso contain the same amount of fluoride.

Check out the table below to learn how vital wheat gluten and miso compare when it comes to mineral content.

Vital wheat glutenMiso
Calcium142 mg57 mg
Copper0.182 mg0.42 mg
Fluoride00
Iron5.2 mg2.49 mg
Magnesium25 mg48 mg
Manganese00.859 mg
Phosphorus260 mg159 mg
Potassium100 mg210 mg
Selenium39.7 µg7 µg
Sodium29 mg3730 mg
Zinc0.85 mg2.56 mg

The Final Word

Vital wheat gluten and miso are highly nutritious and a great addition to a plant-based diet.

Both vital wheat gluten and miso 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

Holy Peas has strict sourcing guidelines and draws only from high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical journals, associations and government institutions. Read more about our process.

How we ensure this article is accurate?
  1. It's written and or reviewed by an expert.
  2. We cite relevant studies and trusted sources.
  3. It's regularly updated.

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