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

Teff vs Spelt: 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?

Teff is generally healthier

Teff comes out ahead in this comparison, winning in 3 out of 5 key nutritional categories. It has fewer calories (365 vs 404), less sugar (1.2g vs 1.8g), less sodium (1mg vs 3mg)making it the better choice for most health goals.

Quick Summary

Fewer Calories

Teff

365 kcal

More Protein

Spelt

17g

More Fiber

Spelt

10.7g

Less Sugar

Teff

1.2g

Visual Comparison

Caloriesper 100g
Teff
365
Spelt
404
Proteinper 100g
Teff
13g
Spelt
17g
Carbohydratesper 100g
Teff
73g
Spelt
68g
Fatper 100g
Teff
2.4g
Spelt
2.4g

Side-by-Side Nutrition Table

NutrientTeffSpeltDifference
Calories365kcal404kcal-39.0kcal
Protein13g17g-4.0g
Carbohydrates73g68g+5.0g
Fat2.4g2.4g0.0g
Fiber8g10.7g-2.7g
Sugar1.2g1.8g-0.6g
Sodium1mg3mg-2.0mg

Serving Size Comparison

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

Teff

Per 100g:365 calories
Per cup (150g):548 calories
Per serving (85g):310 calories

Spelt

Per 100g:404 calories
Per cup (150g):606 calories
Per serving (85g):343 calories

Diet Compatibility

Teff

VeganVegetarianLow-Sodium

Spelt

High-ProteinVeganVegetarianLow-Sodium

When to Choose Teff

  • Lower in calories (365 vs 404)
  • Less sugar (1.2g vs 1.8g)
  • Lower sodium (1mg vs 3mg)

Common Uses

Side dishesBreakfastMeal baseEnergy food
View full Teff nutrition →

When to Choose Spelt

  • Higher in protein (17g vs 13g)
  • More fiber (10.7g vs 8g)
  • Lower in carbs (68g vs 73g)

Common Uses

Side dishesBreakfastMeal baseEnergy food
View full Spelt nutrition →

Teff vs Spelt: Nutritional Analysis

Spelt is more calorie-dense at 404 calories per 100g compared to 365 for Teff, a difference of 39 calories. On the protein front, Spelt delivers more with 17g per 100g versus 13g, 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 Teff and Spelt tell different nutritional stories. Teff provides 73g of carbohydrates, 2.4g of fat, and 8g of fiber per 100g, while Spelt contains 68g carbs, 2.4g fat, and 10.7g fiber. The higher fiber content in Spelt supports digestive health, helps regulate blood sugar after meals, and contributes to longer-lasting satiety. Sugar content also differs: Teff contains 1.2g while Spelt has 1.8g per 100g. Lower sugar options are generally preferable for blood sugar management and dental health.

Key Takeaways

  • For weight management: Teff is the lower-calorie choice at 365 cal/100g, making it more suitable for calorie-controlled diets.
  • For muscle building: Spelt provides more protein (17g/100g), supporting muscle repair and growth.
  • For sustained energy: Spelt offers more fiber (10.7g/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, Teff or Spelt?

Spelt has more calories with 404 kcal per 100g, compared to Teff with 365 kcal. That's a difference of 39 calories per 100g serving.

Is Teff healthier than Spelt?

Based on our nutritional analysis, Teff is generally the healthier choice, winning in 3 out of 5 key nutritional categories. Teff has 365 calories, 13g protein, and 8g fiber per 100g. However, the best choice depends on your specific dietary goals.

What is the protein difference between Teff and Spelt?

Spelt has more protein with 17g per 100g, compared to Teff with 13g. Spelt provides 4.0g more protein per 100g serving.

Which is better for weight loss, Teff or Spelt?

For weight loss, Teff is the better choice with only 365 calories per 100g compared to 404 calories in Spelt. Spelt also offers 10.7g of fiber per 100g, which helps you feel fuller longer.

Does Teff or Spelt have fewer carbs?

Spelt has fewer carbs with 68g per 100g, compared to Teff with 73g. If you're following a low-carb diet, Spelt is the better option with 5.0g 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.