How healthy is cabbage?
Is cabbage healthy? Yes, for most people. Cabbage scores 92/100 on the HowHealthyIs Score: 100 g provides 25 kcal, 37 mg vitamin C and 2.5 g fiber. Cabbage is cheap, keeps for weeks and is a good source of vitamins C and K. Source: USDA FoodData Central.
Score explained
The score compares nutrient density per 100 kcal across every food we cover (NRF9.3 method). Cabbage ranks higher than 92% of them.
Counts in favor (% daily value per 100 kcal)
- Vitamin C100%
- Fiber36%
- Potassium14%
- Calcium12%
- Magnesium11%
- Iron10%
- Protein10%
- Vitamin E4%
- Vitamin A2%
Counts against
- Saturated fat1%
- Added sugars0%
- Sodium3%
Raw NRF9.3: 201 minus 4 = 197. The score is not a verdict on whether to eat a food; portion, the whole meal and your own health matter more. Full methodology
How many calories are in cabbage?
Calories22kcal
Protein1.1g
Carbohydrates5.2g
Fat<0.1g
Fiber2.2g
Sugars2.8g
| Nutrient | Per 100 g | Per portion | %DV |
|---|---|---|---|
| Energy and macronutrients | |||
| Calories | 25 kcal | 22 kcal | |
| Protein | 1.3 g | 1.1 g | 2% |
| Carbohydrates | 5.8 g | 5.2 g | 2% |
| Fiber | 2.5 g | 2.2 g | 8% |
| Sugars | 3.2 g | 2.8 g | |
| Added sugars | 0 g | 0 g | 0% |
| Fat | 0.1 g | <0.1 g | 0% |
| Saturated fat | <0.1 g | <0.1 g | 0% |
| Vitamins | |||
| Vitamin A | 5 µg | 4.5 µg | 0% |
| Vitamin C | 37 mg | 33 mg | 36% |
| Vitamin E | 0.1 mg | 0.1 mg | 1% |
| Minerals | |||
| Calcium | 40 mg | 36 mg | 3% |
| Iron | 0.5 mg | 0.4 mg | 2% |
| Potassium | 170 mg | 151 mg | 3% |
| Magnesium | 12 mg | 11 mg | 3% |
| Sodium | 18 mg | 16 mg | 1% |
Source: USDA FoodData Central, "Cabbage, raw" (FDC 169975). Values rounded.
Why is cabbage good for you?
- 33 mg vitamin C in 1 cup chopped, 36% of the daily value. Vitamin C contributes to the normal function of the immune system.
Good ways to use it
- Slaws and stir-fries
- Soups and stews
What should you watch out for?
- Coleslaw with lots of mayonnaise is much higher in calories than the cabbage itself.
Which vegetables score higher?
Other vegetables with more nutrition per calorie. Variety matters more than picking one winner.
How does cabbage compare?
Common questions about cabbage
How many calories are in cabbage?
100 g of cabbage has 25 kcal. A typical portion, 1 cup chopped (89 g), has about 22 kcal.
How much protein is in cabbage?
Cabbage has 1.3 g of protein per 100 g, or about 1.1 g in 1 cup chopped.
Is cabbage good for weight loss?
Cabbage is low in calories (25 kcal per 100 g), so it adds volume to meals without many calories. No single food causes weight loss; the overall diet does.