Pasta vs pumpernickel bread: which is healthier?

They are about equally nutrient-dense: pasta scores 34/100 and pumpernickel bread 37/100, so pick by your goal. Both can be part of a healthy diet; the table below shows where each one is stronger. Source: USDA FoodData Central.

Pasta

34/100Lower nutrient density

158 kcal per 100 g. 1 cup cooked: 140 g

Pumpernickel bread

37/100Lower nutrient density

250 kcal per 100 g. 1 slice: 32 g

Which to pick for your goal

  • Fewer caloriesPasta158 vs 250 kcal per 100 g
  • More proteinPumpernickel bread5.8 vs 8.7 g per 100 g
  • More fiberPumpernickel bread1.8 vs 6.5 g per 100 g
  • Less sugarAbout even0.6 vs 0.5 g per 100 g
  • More potassiumPumpernickel bread44 vs 208 mg per 100 g
  • Less saturated fatAbout even0.2 vs 0.4 g per 100 g

Nutrition side by side

Per 100 g and per typical portion. Bold marks the better value for each row.
NutrientPasta, 100 gPumpernickel bread, 100 gPasta, 140 gPumpernickel bread, 32 g
Calories158 kcal250 kcal221 kcal80 kcal
Protein5.8 g8.7 g8.1 g2.8 g
Carbohydrates31 g48 g43 g15 g
Sugars0.6 g0.5 g0.8 g0.2 g
Fiber1.8 g6.5 g2.5 g2.1 g
Fat0.9 g3.1 g1.3 g1 g
Saturated fat0.2 g0.4 g0.2 g0.1 g
Vitamin C0 mg0 mg0 mg0 mg
Vitamin A0 µg0 µg0 µg0 µg
Potassium44 mg208 mg62 mg67 mg
Iron1.3 mg2.9 mg1.8 mg0.9 mg
Calcium7 mg68 mg9.8 mg22 mg
Magnesium18 mg54 mg25 mg17 mg
Sodium1 mg596 mg1.4 mg191 mg

Last updated . Scores use the HowHealthyIs Score method.

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