Written by CalorieData Nutrition TeamReviewed by a Registered DietitianLast Updated: March 2026

Quinoa vs Almond Butter: Nutrition Comparison

Which is healthier? Compare calories, protein, carbs, and more

Complete side-by-side nutrition comparison per 100g serving | Updated 2026

Which is Healthier?

Both foods have similar nutritional profiles

Both foods have similar nutritional profiles with each winning in different categories. Your choice should depend on your specific dietary goals and preferences. Quinoa has 120 calories while Almond Butter has 614 calories per 100g.

Quick Summary

Fewer Calories

Quinoa

120 kcal

More Protein

Almond Butter

21g

More Fiber

Almond Butter

10g

Less Sugar

Quinoa

1.6g

Visual Comparison

Caloriesper 100g
Quinoa
120
Almond Butter
614
Proteinper 100g
Quinoa
4.4g
Almond Butter
21g
Carbohydratesper 100g
Quinoa
21g
Almond Butter
19g
Fatper 100g
Quinoa
1.9g
Almond Butter
56g

Side-by-Side Nutrition Table

NutrientQuinoaAlmond ButterDifference
Calories120kcal614kcal-494.0kcal
Protein4.4g21g-16.6g
Carbohydrates21g19g+2.0g
Fat1.9g56g-54.1g
Fiber2.8g10g-7.2g
Sugar1.6g6g-4.4g
Sodium7mg7mg0.0mg

Serving Size Comparison

All values above are per 100g. Here's how they compare in common serving sizes:

Quinoa

Per 100g:120 calories
Per cup (150g):180 calories
Per serving (85g):102 calories

Almond Butter

Per 100g:614 calories
Per cup (150g):921 calories
Per serving (85g):522 calories

Diet Compatibility

Quinoa

VeganVegetarianLow-Sodium

Almond Butter

High-ProteinVeganVegetarianPaleoLow-Sodium

When to Choose Quinoa

  • Lower in calories (120 vs 614)
  • Less sugar (1.6g vs 6g)
  • Lower sodium (7mg vs 7mg)

Common Uses

Side dishesBreakfastMeal baseEnergy food
View full Quinoa nutrition →

When to Choose Almond Butter

  • Higher in protein (21g vs 4.4g)
  • More fiber (10g vs 2.8g)
  • Lower in carbs (19g vs 21g)

Common Uses

SnackingToppingsTrail mixBaking
View full Almond Butter nutrition →

Quinoa vs Almond Butter: Nutritional Analysis

Almond Butter is more calorie-dense at 614 calories per 100g compared to 120 for Quinoa, a difference of 494 calories. On the protein front, Almond Butter delivers more with 21g per 100g versus 4.4g, which matters for muscle maintenance, satiety, and overall metabolic health. These differences become meaningful when you consider how each food fits into your daily dietary pattern rather than looking at any single nutrient in isolation.

Macronutrient Breakdown

The macronutrient profiles of Quinoa and Almond Butter tell different nutritional stories. Quinoa provides 21g of carbohydrates, 1.9g of fat, and 2.8g of fiber per 100g, while Almond Butter contains 19g carbs, 56g fat, and 10g fiber. The higher fiber content in Almond Butter supports digestive health, helps regulate blood sugar after meals, and contributes to longer-lasting satiety. Sugar content also differs: Quinoa contains 1.6g while Almond Butter has 6g per 100g. Lower sugar options are generally preferable for blood sugar management and dental health.

Key Takeaways

  • For weight management: Quinoa is the lower-calorie choice at 120 cal/100g, making it more suitable for calorie-controlled diets.
  • For muscle building: Almond Butter provides more protein (21g/100g), supporting muscle repair and growth.
  • For sustained energy: Almond Butter offers more fiber (10g/100g), which slows digestion and provides steadier energy release.
  • Overall: Neither food is universally "better" than the other. The right choice depends on your specific nutritional goals, meal context, and dietary preferences. Both can play a role in a balanced diet.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which has more calories, Quinoa or Almond Butter?

Almond Butter has more calories with 614 kcal per 100g, compared to Quinoa with 120 kcal. That's a difference of 494 calories per 100g serving.

Is Quinoa healthier than Almond Butter?

Quinoa and Almond Butter have similar nutritional profiles, with each food winning in different categories. The healthier choice depends on your specific dietary goals and nutritional needs.

What is the protein difference between Quinoa and Almond Butter?

Almond Butter has more protein with 21g per 100g, compared to Quinoa with 4.4g. Almond Butter provides 16.6g more protein per 100g serving.

Which is better for weight loss, Quinoa or Almond Butter?

For weight loss, Quinoa is the better choice with only 120 calories per 100g compared to 614 calories in Almond Butter. Almond Butter also offers 10g of fiber per 100g, which helps you feel fuller longer.

Does Quinoa or Almond Butter have fewer carbs?

Almond Butter has fewer carbs with 19g per 100g, compared to Quinoa with 21g. If you're following a low-carb diet, Almond Butter is the better option with 2.0g fewer carbohydrates.

About Our Data

All nutrition data in this comparison is sourced from the USDA FoodData Central, the official food composition database maintained by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Values are based on 100g servings for accurate comparison.

Health Disclaimer: This comparison is for informational purposes only and is not intended as medical or dietary advice. Nutritional needs vary by individual. The best food choice depends on your personal health goals, dietary requirements, and preferences. Consult a healthcare provider or registered dietitian for personalized nutrition guidance.