Grains & pasta

Quinoa, uncooked

FDC 168874cup (170 g)

Source: USDA FoodData Central · Public domain

Original analysis by NutriVerdict

Density 68 · +4 vs Grains & pasta median

Uncooked quinoa carries its reputation as a complete-protein grain into the numbers, scoring 68 of 100 on the Nutrient Density Score (Good band) and ranking 16th of 60 in Grains & pasta, ahead of the category's median score of 64. Magnesium leads at 47% DV per 100 grams, with protein at 28% DV, dietary fiber at 25% DV and iron at 25% DV rounding out a well-balanced profile for a grain.

It's simmered in water or broth until the germ ring separates, then used as a base for grain bowls, pilafs or a rice substitute, with a dry cup (170 grams) yielding roughly three cooked cups. Those percentages are calculated on the uncooked grain, so the dose that actually reaches the plate is diluted by the water absorbed during cooking, worth remembering when comparing it to already-cooked grains on a label.

Source: USDA FoodData Central · Public domain

Fig. 1 · Macronutrient composition
Protein 14.1 g · 15%Carb 64.2 g · 70%Fat 6.1 g · 15%

Percent of calories derived by NutriVerdict from USDA grams

Nutrition facts

NutrientAmount% DV
Calories368 kcal18%
Total fat6.1 g8%
Saturated fat0.71 g4%
Cholesterol0 mg0%
Sodium5 mg0%
Carbohydrate64 g23%
Dietary fiber7 g25%
Sugars-
Protein14 g28%
Potassium563 mg12%
Calcium47 mg4%
Iron4.6 mg25%
Magnesium197 mg47%
Vitamin C-
Vitamin A1 µg0%
Vitamin E2.4 mg16%

Source: USDA FoodData Central · Public domain

FDC 168874

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.

Magnesium47% DV
Protein28% DV
Dietary fiber25% DV
Iron25% DV
Vitamin E16% DV
Potassium12% DV

Original analysis by NutriVerdict

Versus the grains & pasta median

Nutrient density68 vs 64 median
Protein / 100 g14 vs 11 median
Fiber / 100 g7 vs 6.7 median
Sodium / 100 g5 vs 5 median

Original analysis by NutriVerdict

More nutrient-dense swaps

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

Teff, uncookedDensity 69 vs 68Triticale flour, whole-grainDensity 69 vs 68Bulgur, cookedDensity 70 vs 68

View the USDA source record