Grains & pasta

Amaranth grain, cooked

FDC 170683cup (246 g)

Source: USDA FoodData Central · Public domain

Original analysis by NutriVerdict

Density 73 · +9 vs Grains & pasta median

Cooked amaranth posts a 73 of 100 Nutrient Density Score, landing in the Good band and ranking 9th of 60 in Grains & pasta, well ahead of the category's median score of 64. Magnesium reaches 15% of the Daily Value and iron follows at 12%.

This ancient grain cooks down into a porridge-like texture that works well as a breakfast bowl or a stand-in for rice alongside vegetables, and a cup (246 g) delivers 3.8 g of protein alongside 18.7 g of carbohydrate. Sodium is minimal at just 6 mg per 100 g, making it an easy grain to season to taste without worrying about built-in salt.

Source: USDA FoodData Central · Public domain

Fig. 1 · Macronutrient composition
Protein 3.8 g · 15%Carb 18.7 g · 72%Fat 1.6 g · 14%

Percent of calories derived by NutriVerdict from USDA grams

Nutrition facts

NutrientAmount% DV
Calories102 kcal5%
Total fat1.6 g2%
Saturated fat-
Cholesterol-
Sodium6 mg0%
Carbohydrate19 g7%
Dietary fiber2.1 g8%
Sugars-
Protein3.8 g8%
Potassium135 mg3%
Calcium47 mg4%
Iron2.1 mg12%
Magnesium65 mg15%
Vitamin C-
Vitamin A-
Vitamin E0.19 mg1%

Source: USDA FoodData Central · Public domain

FDC 170683

Original analysis by NutriVerdict

What it is rich in

Nutrients supplying at least 10% of the Daily Value per 100 grams. 20% or more is an excellent source.

Magnesium15% DV
Iron12% DV

Original analysis by NutriVerdict

Versus the grains & pasta median

Nutrient density73 vs 64 median
Protein / 100 g3.8 vs 11 median
Fiber / 100 g2.1 vs 6.7 median
Sodium / 100 g6 vs 5 median

Original analysis by NutriVerdict

More nutrient-dense swaps

Foods in the same category that score higher on nutrient density.

Vital wheat glutenDensity 76 vs 73Wheat germ, crudeDensity 78 vs 73Rye flour, darkDensity 83 vs 73

View the USDA source record