Head-to-head comparison

Oats (rolled, dry) vs Quinoa (cooked): Which Has More Protein?

On paper, Oats (rolled, dry) and Quinoa (cooked) solve a similar problem — protein intake — but they get there differently enough to be worth a direct look.

Oats (rolled, dry)

13.2gprotein / 100g

379 cal · 6.5g fat · $ · Quality 0.58

Quinoa (cooked)

4.4gprotein / 100g

120 cal · 1.9g fat · $$ · Quality 0.85

This isn't close. Oats (rolled, dry) packs 13.2g of protein per 100g against Quinoa (cooked)'s 4.4g — a 8.8g gap driven mostly by how concentrated or diluted each food naturally is.

Quinoa (cooked) pulls ahead on protein quality specifically (one of the few complete-protein grains (technically a seed)), even in categories where Oats (rolled, dry) wins on raw grams.

Oats (rolled, dry) is also the cheaper option ($ vs $$), which matters if you're eating either one regularly rather than occasionally.

Oats (rolled, dry)'s typical serving also delivers more leucine (850mg vs Quinoa (cooked)'s 350mg) — relevant if the goal is maximizing the muscle-protein-synthesis trigger per meal, not just total grams.

Verdict

If raw protein density is what you're optimizing for, Oats (rolled, dry) wins clearly. Choose Quinoa (cooked) instead if its lower fat, cost, or prep time matters more to you than the extra grams.

Full nutrition comparison

Per 100gOats (rolled, dry)Quinoa (cooked)
Protein13.2g4.4g
Calories379120
Fat6.5g1.9g
Carbs67.7g21.3g
Fiber10.1g2.8g
Quality score0.580.85
Relative cost$$$
Prep time5 min20 min

Frequently asked

Which has more protein, oats (rolled, dry) or quinoa (cooked)?

Oats (rolled, dry) has 13.2g of protein per 100g compared to Quinoa (cooked)'s 4.4g.

Which is lower in calories?

Quinoa (cooked) is lower in calories per 100g, at 120 vs the other's 379.