How healthy are carrots?
Are carrots healthy? Yes, for most people. Carrots score 90/100 on the HowHealthyIs Score: 100 g provide 41 kcal, 835 µg vitamin A and 2.8 g fiber. One medium carrot provides most of a day's vitamin A, mostly as beta-carotene, for about 25 kcal. Source: USDA FoodData Central.
Score explained
The score compares nutrient density per 100 kcal across every food we cover (NRF9.3 method). Carrots rank higher than 90% of them.
Counts in favor (% daily value per 100 kcal)
- Vitamin A100%
- Fiber24%
- Potassium17%
- Vitamin C16%
- Vitamin E11%
- Magnesium7%
- Calcium6%
- Protein5%
- Iron4%
Counts against
- Saturated fat0%
- Added sugars0%
- Sodium7%
Raw NRF9.3: 189 minus 8 = 182. 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 carrots?
Calories25kcal
Protein0.6g
Carbohydrates5.8g
Fat0.1g
Fiber1.7g
Sugars2.9g
| Nutrient | Per 100 g | Per portion | %DV |
|---|---|---|---|
| Energy and macronutrients | |||
| Calories | 41 kcal | 25 kcal | |
| Protein | 0.9 g | 0.6 g | 1% |
| Carbohydrates | 9.6 g | 5.8 g | 2% |
| Fiber | 2.8 g | 1.7 g | 6% |
| Sugars | 4.7 g | 2.9 g | |
| Added sugars | 0 g | 0 g | 0% |
| Fat | 0.2 g | 0.1 g | 0% |
| Saturated fat | <0.1 g | <0.1 g | 0% |
| Vitamins | |||
| Vitamin A | 835 µg | 509 µg | 57% |
| Vitamin C | 5.9 mg | 3.6 mg | 4% |
| Vitamin E | 0.7 mg | 0.4 mg | 3% |
| Minerals | |||
| Calcium | 33 mg | 20 mg | 2% |
| Iron | 0.3 mg | 0.2 mg | 1% |
| Potassium | 320 mg | 195 mg | 4% |
| Magnesium | 12 mg | 7.3 mg | 2% |
| Sodium | 69 mg | 42 mg | 2% |
Source: USDA FoodData Central, "Carrots, raw" (FDC 170393). Values rounded.
Why are carrots good for you?
- 509 µg vitamin A in 1 medium carrot, 57% of the daily value. Vitamin A contributes to the maintenance of normal vision.
Good ways to use them
- Crunchy snacks with hummus
- Roasting, soups and slaws
What should you watch out for?
- Your body absorbs beta-carotene better when carrots are eaten with a little fat.
Which vegetables score higher?
Other vegetables with more nutrition per calorie. Variety matters more than picking one winner.
How do carrots compare?
Common questions about carrots
How many calories are in carrots?
100 g of carrots has 41 kcal. A typical portion, 1 medium carrot (61 g), has about 25 kcal.
How much protein is in carrots?
Carrots have 0.9 g of protein per 100 g, or about 0.6 g in 1 medium carrot.
Are carrots good for weight loss?
Carrots are low in calories (41 kcal per 100 g), so they add volume to meals without many calories. No single food causes weight loss; the overall diet does.