When it comes to breakfast food, there are limitless options out there. If you’re a fan of breakfast cereal, you may have tried cream of wheat or cream of rice and topped with some fruit and nuts, they're both delicious! Due to their similarities, many wonder about the difference between cream of rice vs. cream of wheat.
The main difference between cream of rice vs cream of wheat is the ingredients. Cream of rice is made from rice flour while cream of wheat is made from wheat flour. Their nutritional values are comparable although cream of wheat is slightly lower in carbs and higher in fiber. Cream of rice is higher in manganese.
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If you’re considering cream of rice or cream of wheat for your next breakfast, keep reading to find out the difference which ones make a healthier breakfast.
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Cream of Rice vs Cream of Wheat: What is the Difference?
The main difference between cream of rice and cream of wheat is their ingredients. Cream of rice is made of ground rice while cream of wheat is made of wheat kernels. The nutritional differences between them are relatively minimal, although there are a few differences to note.
In one serving, cream of wheat is higher in sodium and protein. Cream of rice is slightly higher in carbs and calories, but they both provide 45% of your daily iron. Cream of rice and cream of wheat have slightly different flavors as well. Since it’s made from wheat kernels, cream of wheat has a nuttier flavor, while the flavor of cream of rice is milder.
Both cream of rice and cream of wheat can be made like a breakfast cereal by combining it with milk or water. You can also use them in other recipes, such as a casserole. Although cream of rice is gluten-free, cream of wheat is not.
What is Cream of Rice?
Cream of rice is a type of cereal made from finely ground rice. You can use it as a thickening agent in recipes or as a breakfast food. To add it to your morning routine, you would combine the cream of rice with milk and the sweetener of your choice.
You can typically purchase cream of rice in instant form at the grocery store, but you can also make it yourself if you prefer. Since it’s made out of rice, cream of rice is gluten-free and it’s a good source of carbohydrates.
The taste of cream of rice is similar to rice pudding, but it has more nutrients and less sugar. When purchased pre-made, it usually comes in packets that you can mix with water or milk. The process of making cream of rice is similar to oatmeal, and it can also be sweetened with honey or agave and topped with fruit, nuts, or cinnamon.
What is Cream of Wheat?
Cream of wheat is a type of breakfast cereal or porridge made from ground wheat kernels. The appearance of cream of wheat is similar to grits but with a much smoother texture. Like cream of rice, you can purchase a box of cream of wheat or instant cream of wheat in the form of packets.
When you make cream of wheat at home as breakfast cereal, you typically add milk, sweetener, and toppings such as fruit or nuts. Some brands also sell cream of wheat in different flavors such as apples n’ cinnamon or maple brown sugar.
Even though the added sugar in cream of wheat isn’t healthy, the cream of wheat itself has many benefits. One serving of cream of wheat provides a significant amount of iron as well as 3 grams of protein.
What Are Cream of Rice and Cream of Wheat Used For?
There are several different uses for cream of rice and cream of wheat in recipes, but most people choose to eat them as a breakfast cereal like oatmeal. Both cream of rice and cream of wheat come in packets or boxes that you can purchase at the grocery store. You can then mix the powder with water or milk, add sweeteners, and any other toppings you choose.
Cream of wheat and cream of rice are actually a popular food in the body-building and fitness community. They’re both a good source of several vitamins, minerals, and complex carbs. Compared to low-carb diets, those who are looking to build muscle need higher amounts of carbs like those found in cream of rice and cream of wheat.
Nutritional Values of Cream of Rice vs Cream of Wheat
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Can You Substitute Cream of Rice for Cream of Wheat?
Cream of wheat and cream of rice are similar in their preparation. Even though they have different ingredients, it may be easy to confuse them based on their appearance and packaging. Cream of rice does make a great substitute for cream of wheat, especially if you’re looking for a gluten-free option.
Compared to cream of wheat, cream of rice may seem a bit bland. It may need a bit more sweetener than cream of wheat or you might choose to use milk instead of water. If you’re dairy-free, you can also use a milk alternative such as almond milk or oat milk to prepare your cream of rice.
Some other substitutes for cream of wheat are:
- Oatmeal
- Grits
- Cream of buckwheat
- Tapioca
If you’re in a pinch and can’t find cream of wheat, cream of rice can be an excellent substitute with a few adjustments. However, if you don’t have access to either, you may find some of these substitutes, such as oatmeal or grits, in your pantry.
- 4-serving meals starting at $3.77 per serving (up to 25% cheaper than HelloFresh).
- Incredible variety with 10+ weekly meal options, delivered directly to you.
- Easy to prepare meals ready in 30-minutes or less.
Which is Healthier: Cream of Rice or Cream of Wheat?
When you’re trying to eat healthy, nutrient-dense foods, you might wonder whether cream of wheat is healthier than cream of rice. When you compare their nutritional values, they’re actually pretty similar.
It’s important to note that since cream of rice is gluten-free, it may be more suitable for someone with gluten sensitivity or celiac disease. Another important distinction is their glycemic index. Cream of rice is made from ground white rice, which has a glycemic index of medium to high. Wheat, on the other hand, has a low glycemic index.
This may not affect everyone, but for those who have diabetes or need to be careful about spikes in blood sugar, cream of wheat may be the better option.
When it comes to which is healthier, there’s no obvious choice. Cream of rice is a great source of energy, especially for those who are active, and it’s gluten-free. Cream of wheat is also a significant source of iron and other nutrients, but it’s higher in sodium and does contain gluten.
Final Thoughts
- Cream of rice is made from rice flour, while cream of wheat is made from wheat flour. This difference in ingredients gives these two dishes differences in nutrition and taste.
- Cream of wheat has more sodium and protein than cream of rice. While the extra protein is great for those looking to lose weight or build muscle, the extra sodium may be bad for some.
- The flavor of cream of rice is fairly mild, while cream of wheat tastes nutty.
For breakfast, it’s important to eat food that will fill you up and give you the energy to conquer the day. Both cream of rice and cream of wheat are a great choice for breakfast. The main difference between cream of rice vs cream of wheat is their ingredients.
Even though they’re both breakfast cereal, cream of rice is made from ground white rice while cream of wheat is made from ground wheat kernels, also known as milled wheat. Their nutritional values are similar and they’re both an excellent source of calories, carbs, and iron.
No matter which one you choose, cream of rice and cream of wheat are best when you prepare them with milk and choose toppings such as fruit and nuts to add flavor and color to your dish. Don’t forget your sweetener since it may be bland without it. If you’ve never tried cream of wheat or cream of rice, consider trying it for your next breakfast!
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Cream of Rice
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Ingredients
- 1/2 cup rice (long-grain white rice works well)
- 2 cups water
- 1/2 cup milk (whole milk or a milk alternative like almond milk)
- Sugar, honey, or maple syrup (to taste)
- Pinch of salt (optional)
- Optional toppings: cinnamon, nutmeg, vanilla extract, fresh fruit, nuts, or raisins
Instructions
- Rinse the rice under cold running water to remove excess starch. Drain it thoroughly.
- In a medium-sized saucepan, bring 2 cups of water to a boil. Add the rinsed rice to the boiling water and reduce the heat to a low simmer. Cover the pot and let it cook for about 18-20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed.
- Once the rice is tender, add 1/2 cup of milk (or your milk alternative) to the saucepan. You can adjust the amount of milk to achieve your desired creaminess. If you prefer a thicker consistency, use less milk.
- Add sugar, honey, or maple syrup to taste, and a pinch of salt if desired. Start with a small amount of sweetener and adjust to your preference. You can also add a dash of vanilla extract for extra flavor.
- Stir the mixture well and let it simmer for an additional 5-7 minutes, or until the rice has absorbed most of the milk and the mixture has thickened to your liking. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Once the cream of rice reaches your desired consistency, remove it from the heat. It will continue to thicken as it cools. Serve it hot in bowls.
- Customize your cream of rice by adding toppings like cinnamon, nutmeg, fresh fruit (sliced bananas, berries, or chopped apples), nuts (chopped almonds or walnuts), or raisins.