How healthy are rice cakes?
Are rice cakes healthy? Yes, in moderate portions. Rice cakes score 27/100 on the HowHealthyIs Score: 100 g provide 387 kcal, 131 mg magnesium and 8.2 g protein. Brown rice cakes are low in calories per cake but also low in protein and fiber, so they are not very filling alone. Source: USDA FoodData Central.
Score explained
The score compares nutrient density per 100 kcal across every food we cover (NRF9.3 method). Rice cakes rank higher than 27% of them.
Counts in favor (% daily value per 100 kcal)
- Magnesium8%
- Protein4%
- Fiber4%
- Iron2%
- Vitamin E2%
- Potassium2%
- Calcium0%
- Vitamin A0%
- Vitamin C0%
Counts against
- Saturated fat1%
- Added sugars0%
- Sodium0%
Raw NRF9.3: 22 minus 1 = 21. The score is not a verdict on whether to eat a food; portion, the whole meal and your own health matter more. Full methodology
How many calories are in rice cakes?
| Nutrient | Per 100 g | Per portion | %DV |
|---|---|---|---|
| Energy and macronutrients | |||
| Calories | 387 kcal | 70 kcal | |
| Protein | 8.2 g | 1.5 g | 3% |
| Carbohydrates | 82 g | 15 g | 5% |
| Fiber | 4.2 g | 0.8 g | 3% |
| Sugars | 0.9 g | 0.2 g | |
| Added sugars | 0 g | 0 g | 0% |
| Fat | 2.8 g | 0.5 g | 1% |
| Saturated fat | 0.6 g | 0.1 g | 1% |
| Vitamins | |||
| Vitamin A | 0 µg | 0 µg | 0% |
| Vitamin C | 0 mg | 0 mg | 0% |
| Vitamin E | 1.2 mg | 0.2 mg | 1% |
| Minerals | |||
| Calcium | 11 mg | 2 mg | 0% |
| Iron | 1.5 mg | 0.3 mg | 1% |
| Potassium | 290 mg | 52 mg | 1% |
| Magnesium | 131 mg | 24 mg | 6% |
| Sodium | 26 mg | 4.7 mg | 0% |
Source: USDA FoodData Central, "Snacks, rice cakes, brown rice, plain, unsalted" (FDC 170250). Values rounded.
Why are rice cakes good for you?
A typical portion does not supply 10% or more of the daily value for any of the nine nutrients we score.
Good ways to use them
- A base for peanut butter, hummus or avocado
- Light snacks
What should you watch out for?
- Flavored rice cakes can carry added sugar or salt.
Which grains score higher?
Other grains with more nutrition per calorie. Variety matters more than picking one winner.