Food Guide

Quinoa

Buying Tips

Find prepackaged quinoa in most natural foods or grocery stores; buy in bulk for maximum savings.

Varieties

Quinoa is found in cereals and baked goods, crackers, cookies, and breads. It is also available in whole-grain, flakes, or flour form. Black quinoa, native to Bolivia and thought to be nutritionally superior, is sometimes available.

Preparation, Uses, & Tips

Combine small amounts of quinoa flour in baked goods. Cook quinoa in orange juice and serve it with honey and toasted pecans as a breakfast cereal. Or, cook it with cubed butternut squash for a hearty winter porridge. Note: The outer part of quinoa is coated with saponin, a sticky, bitter-tasting substance that protects it in growing but can cause indigestion. Rinse quinoa well in cool water before cooking to remove the saponin.

Storing

Store it in a cool, dry area in a sealed glass or plastic container, because air, moisture, and sunlight can cause the oils to go rancid.

Nutrition Highlights

Quinoa, 1 cup (160g)

  • Calories: 636
  • Protein: 22.3g
  • Carbohydrate: 117g
  • Total Fat: 9.8g
  • Fiber: 10g

*Excellent Source of: Iron (15.7mg), Magnesium (357mg), and Potassium (1258 mg)

*Good Source of: Calcium (102mg)

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The information presented in the Food Guide is for informational purposes only and was created by a team of US–registered dietitians and food experts. Consult your doctor, practitioner, and/or pharmacist for any health problem and before using any supplements, making dietary changes, or before making any changes in prescribed medications. Information expires December 2024.