Microgreens vs Sprouts: What's the Difference?
19 May 2026
They sound similar, but microgreens and sprouts are not the same. Here is how they differ in growing, eating and handling.
How they are grown
Sprouts are germinated seeds grown in water, in a warm and humid low-light environment, and eaten after just a few days. Microgreens are grown in a medium with light over one to three weeks, and only the stem and leaves are harvested.
What you eat
With sprouts you eat the entire thing, seed, root and shoot. With microgreens you eat the leaves and stem, snipped above the growing medium.
Flavour and texture
Sprouts are mild and crunchy. Microgreens are more developed, with fuller flavour and a leafier texture that ranges from sweet to peppery depending on the variety.
A note on freshness
Because sprouts grow in warm, moist conditions, they need careful handling. Microgreens are grown with light and airflow and harvested fresh. Whichever you choose, fresh and well-grown is what matters most.