Pad Thai vs Fried Rice: Nutrition Comparison
A detailed side-by-side comparison of pad thai and fried rice, including calories, macronutrients, and which is better for your dietary goals.
Calorie & Macro Comparison
When comparing pad thai and fried rice per serving, fried rice contains 169 fewer calories (42% less). Here is how they stack up across all major nutrients:
| Nutrient | Pad Thai (1 serving (312g)) | Fried Rice (1 cup (198g)) | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Calories | 407 | 238 | Fried Rice Lower |
| Protein | 16.0g | 5.5g | Pad Thai More |
| Carbs | 52.0g | 34.0g | Fried Rice Lower |
| Fat | 14.0g | 8.5g | Fried Rice Lower |
| Fiber | 2.0g | 1.5g | Pad Thai More |
Per 100g Comparison
Comparing per 100 grams gives a standardized view that accounts for different serving sizes. This is especially useful when deciding how much of each food to include in your meals.
| Per 100g | Pad Thai | Fried Rice |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 130.4 | 120.2 |
| Protein | 5.1g | 2.8g |
| Carbs | 16.7g | 17.2g |
| Fat | 4.5g | 4.3g |
| Fiber | 0.6g | 0.8g |
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Visual Comparison
See how pad thai and fried rice compare at a glance with these charts:
Which Is Better For...
Weight Loss Pad Thai
Pad Thai wins for weight loss with a better overall calorie-to-nutrient ratio. When trying to lose weight, choosing foods with fewer calories and more fiber helps you stay full longer without consuming excess energy. Fried Rice has 238 calories per serving with 1.5g of fiber, making it a solid option for anyone watching their calorie intake. That said, both foods can fit into a weight loss diet when portioned correctly.
Muscle Building Pad Thai
Pad Thai is the better choice for muscle building with 16.0g of protein per serving compared to 5.5g. Protein is the primary macronutrient responsible for muscle repair and growth. To maximize muscle protein synthesis, aim for 1.6 to 2.2 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight daily. Pairing your protein source with resistance training is essential for the best results. Both pad thai and fried rice can contribute to your daily protein target as part of a balanced diet.
Low-Carb / Keto Fried Rice
Fried Rice is more suitable for low-carb diets with only 34.0g of carbs per serving versus 52.0g. On a standard ketogenic diet, you aim for 20 to 50 grams of net carbs per day. Choosing the lower-carb option lets you stay within your carb budget while still enjoying the other nutritional benefits. Keep in mind that net carbs equal total carbs minus fiber, so a food with high fiber relative to its total carbs is even more keto-friendly.
Key Takeaways
Both pad thai and fried rice have their place in a healthy diet. Here is a quick summary to help you decide:
- ✓ Pad Thai has 407 calories, 16.0g protein, 52.0g carbs, and 14.0g fat per 1 serving (312g).
- ✓ Fried Rice has 238 calories, 5.5g protein, 34.0g carbs, and 8.5g fat per 1 cup (198g).
- ✓ For weight loss, pad thai has the edge.
- ✓ For muscle building, pad thai provides more protein.
- ✓ For low-carb diets, fried rice is the better pick.
The best food is the one that fits your personal goals, preferences, and overall meal plan. Use the Calory app to track both foods and see how they fit into your daily targets.
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