Is X healthier than Y?

Quinoa vs rice, ground turkey vs beef, almond vs peanut butter and more: calories, protein, fiber, sugar and Nutri-Score side by side, with a short, honest answer.

• Is Brown Sugar Healthier Than White Sugar?

  Not in any way that matters.

• Is Lamb Healthier Than Beef?

  Usually beef comes out slightly ahead.

• Is Frozen Yogurt Healthier Than Ice Cream?

  Somewhat, mostly because of fat.

• Is Almond Butter Healthier Than Peanut Butter?

  Slightly, but it's close.

• Is Quinoa Healthier Than White Rice?

  Yes, modestly.

• Is Ground Turkey Healthier Than Ground Beef?

  Usually, yes.

• Is Pork Healthier Than Beef?

  It depends on the cut; with lean roasts they're close.

• Is Brown Rice Healthier Than White Rice?

  Yes.

• Is Sweet Potato Healthier Than Potato?

  They're closer than their reputations.

• Is Oat Milk Healthier Than Almond Milk?

  Neither is clearly healthier.

• Is Almond Milk Healthier Than Cow's Milk?

  Lighter, not healthier across the board.

• Is Greek Yogurt Healthier Than Regular Yogurt?

  For most goals, yes.

• Is Salmon Healthier Than Tuna?

  For omega-3, clearly salmon: about 2,100 mg EPA+DHA per 100 g versus roughly 270 mg in canned tuna.

• Is Turkey Healthier Than Chicken?

  They're practically twins.

• Is Chicken Breast Healthier Than Chicken Thigh?

  Breast is leaner: about 160 vs 210 kcal per 100 g, with a third of the fat and more protein.

• Are Egg Whites Healthier Than Whole Eggs?

  Lighter, not better overall.

• Is Olive Oil Healthier Than Butter?

  Yes.

• Is Butter Healthier Than Margarine?

  No — a modern soft spread usually wins on saturated fat.

• Is Honey Healthier Than Sugar?

  Barely.

• Is Maple Syrup Healthier Than Honey?

  Slightly lighter, practically the same.

• Is Dark Chocolate Healthier Than Milk Chocolate?

  Yes.

• Is Whole Wheat Pasta Healthier Than Regular Pasta?

  Yes.

• Is Sourdough Healthier Than Whole Wheat Bread?

  Not if the sourdough is made from white flour.

• Is Cottage Cheese Healthier Than Greek Yogurt?

  Both are protein champions.

• Is Kale Healthier Than Spinach?

  Both earn the top Nutri-Score grade.

• Is Sorbet Healthier Than Ice Cream?

  Lower in fat, not in sugar.

• Is Coconut Oil Healthier Than Olive Oil?

  No.

• Is Popcorn Healthier Than Potato Chips?

  Yes, if it's air-popped.

• Is Orange Juice Healthier Than Soda?

  Somewhat — but not by sugar.

• Is Couscous Healthier Than White Rice?

  A little.

This page is for general information and is not a substitute for advice from a doctor or registered dietitian. With a medical condition, pregnancy or a therapeutic diet, talk to your doctor.