Are Rice Cakes Better Than Bread?
Both rice cakes and bread have carbohydrates to help supply your body with energy. This brings us to the following question: are rice cakes better than bread?
In general, rice cakes are better and healthier than bread. White bread is highly processed and can lead to obesity, heart disease, and diabetes – when consumed in excess.
A slice of white bread has 70 calories, where brown bread has 80 calories. Rice cakes made of white or brown rice have 34 to 35 calories.
Comparing Calories, Fat & Fiber
When looking at nutrition, rice cakes contain fewer calories and carbs than bread. They are made with air that give them a puffy consistency and also makes them more filling.
Rice cakes have no fat due to the rice from which they are made. A thin slice of white bread will have 0.49 grams of fat and a thick slice is 0.82 grams of fat.
Most of us like bread and will often eat more than one slice. This, of course, adds calories and carbs. Both rice cakes and white bread are low in fiber.
At the end of the day, it comes down to the specific type of food. Whole grain bread or rice cakes contain more fiber than white rice cakes or bread.
Rice Cakes vs Bread – Which is Better?
Rice cakes made from brown rice contain more nutrition than white. They have vitamins, minerals, and about 7 grams of carbs per serving.
Although low in calories, eating too many rice cakes can raise your blood sugar. Whole grain rice cakes have more nutrition than those made with white rice.
A slice of white bread has more fat, calories, 20 grams of carbs, and some vitamins and minerals too. Both rice cakes and white bread are low in nutritional value.
Gluten and Glycemic Index Rating
Plain rice cakes do not contain gluten. Flavored rice cakes might contain gluten if they have other ingredients. White, or whole grain bread made with wheat flour has gluten.
Some people are not able to eat gluten because they cannot digest it. The glycemic index measures how fast the food you eat digests and increases the level of glucose in your blood.
The foods are measured from 0 to 100, low, medium, and high. Rice cakes and white bread measure 70 in the high range. If you eat too many you will feel hungry quicker.
Rice cakes can be eaten with protein, fruit, cheese, or vegetables to increase their nutritional value.
What Are Rice Cakes and White Bread Made From?
White or brown rice is heated for rice cakes until it puffs up. The rice is put in a mold to give it a round flat shape. They make a delicious and nutritional snack when combined with other healthy ingredients.
White bread is made with wheat flour, and other ingredients; milk, eggs, and yeast to make it rise. It’s not the best food choice for people looking to lose weight.
Whole grain rice cakes and whole grain bread have more nutritional value than white rice cakes or bread.
What Can You Put on Rice Cakes?
Below are some ideas for toppings to add to rice cakes for more nutritional value when eating them.
- Hummus and chopped veggies
- Peanut butter or low-calorie cream cheese
- Tuna salad
- Salsa
- Egg Salad
- Slice Turkey or Roast Beef with veggies
- Smoked Salmon
It’s no secret that rice cakes are a better choice than bread for losing weight and maintaining your weight. Eating them in moderation with healthy toppings will satisfy your appetite and you will consume fewer calories.
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