Vital wheat gluten vs Wheat germ, crude
Original comparison by NutriVerdict
Bottom line: Wheat germ, crude is the more nutrient-dense of the two, scoring 78 of 100 to 76 for Vital wheat gluten.
Wheat germ, crude scores 78 of 100, just ahead of vital wheat gluten at 76 of 100, despite vital wheat gluten's much higher protein count, 75.2 g per 100 g versus 23.2 g. The score favors wheat germ because it brings meaningfully more fiber (13.2 g vs 0.6 g) and less than half the sodium, 12 mg versus 29 mg, along with fewer calories, 360 versus 370.
Choose vital wheat gluten when you need maximum protein density for bread-making and sodium is not a concern. Choose wheat germ, crude when you want fiber alongside protein and lower sodium per 100 g. The two-point score gap is narrow, so either can fit depending on whether protein concentration or fiber and sodium matter more.
Head to head, per 100 g
| Metric | Vital wheat gluten | Wheat germ, crude |
|---|---|---|
| Nutrient Density Score | 76 | 78 |
| Calories | 370 kcal | 360 kcal |
| Protein | 75 g | 23 g |
| Carbohydrate | 14 g | 52 g |
| Dietary fiber | 0.6 g | 13 g |
| Sugars | 0 g | - |
| Total fat | 1.9 g | 9.7 g |
| Saturated fat | 0.3 g | 1.7 g |
| Sodium | 29 mg | 12 mg |
| Potassium | 100 mg | 892 mg |
| Calcium | 142 mg | 39 mg |
| Iron | 5.2 mg | 6.3 mg |
| Magnesium | 25 mg | 239 mg |
| Vitamin C | 0 mg | 0 mg |
| Vitamin A | 0 ug | 0 ug |
| Vitamin E | 0 mg | - |
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0 mg |
Source: USDA FoodData Central · Public domain
Frequently asked questions
Is Wheat germ, crude healthier than Vital wheat gluten?
On our Nutrient Density Score, which measures beneficial nutrients per calorie, Wheat germ, crude scores higher, 78 of 100 to 76. Both can fit a balanced diet; the score reflects nutrients per calorie, not a whole-diet judgement.
Which has more protein, Vital wheat gluten or Wheat germ, crude?
Vital wheat gluten has more protein, 75.2 g per 100 g to 23.2 g.
Which has fewer calories?
Wheat germ, crude is lower in calories, 360 kcal per 100 g to 370 kcal.
Which has more fiber?
Wheat germ, crude has more dietary fiber, 13.2 g per 100 g to 0.6 g.
Full Vital wheat gluten profile Full Wheat germ, crude profile