Early version. Nutrient values from USDA FoodData Central; dietitian review in progress. Not medical advice.

Arugula vs romaine lettuce: which is healthier?

They are about equally nutrient-dense: arugula scores 97/100 and romaine lettuce 96/100, so pick by your goal. Both can be part of a healthy diet; the table below shows where each one is stronger. Source: USDA FoodData Central.

Arugula

97/100Excellent nutrient density

25 kcal per 100 g. 1 cup: 20 g

Romaine lettuce

96/100Excellent nutrient density

17 kcal per 100 g. 1 cup shredded: 47 g

Which to pick for your goal

  • Fewer caloriesRomaine lettuce25 vs 17 kcal per 100 g
  • More proteinArugula2.6 vs 1.2 g per 100 g
  • More fiberRomaine lettuce1.6 vs 2.1 g per 100 g
  • Less sugarRomaine lettuce2 vs 1.2 g per 100 g
  • More potassiumArugula369 vs 247 mg per 100 g
  • Less saturated fatAbout even<0.1 vs <0.1 g per 100 g

Nutrition side by side

Per 100 g and per typical portion. Bold marks the better value for each row.
NutrientArugula, 100 gRomaine lettuce, 100 gArugula, 20 gRomaine lettuce, 47 g
Calories25 kcal17 kcal5 kcal8 kcal
Protein2.6 g1.2 g0.5 g0.6 g
Carbohydrates3.6 g3.3 g0.7 g1.5 g
Sugars2 g1.2 g0.4 g0.6 g
Fiber1.6 g2.1 g0.3 g1 g
Fat0.7 g0.3 g0.1 g0.1 g
Saturated fat<0.1 g<0.1 g<0.1 g<0.1 g
Vitamin C15 mg4 mg3 mg1.9 mg
Vitamin A119 µg436 µg24 µg205 µg
Potassium369 mg247 mg74 mg116 mg
Iron1.5 mg1 mg0.3 mg0.5 mg
Calcium160 mg33 mg32 mg16 mg
Magnesium47 mg14 mg9.4 mg6.6 mg
Sodium27 mg8 mg5.4 mg3.8 mg

Last updated . Scores use the HowHealthyIs Score method.

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