Bananas vs. Plantains: Expert Opinion on Swapping Them Out

Plantains and bananas are similar in shape, color, and nutrients, but differ in carbohydrate content and taste. While bananas are naturally sweet and commonly eaten raw, plantains have a more starchy taste unless cooked. A 100-gram serving of banana yields 23 grams of carbs and 12 grams of sugar, whereas the same size serving of plantain yields 32 grams of carbohydrates and 18 grams of sugar. Plantains can be eaten raw, but are best cooked for a sweet, mapley flavor. While plantains can be swapped for bananas, they are less convenient and not as sweet.