How healthy are green peas?
Are green peas healthy? Yes, for most people. Green peas score 82/100 on the HowHealthyIs Score: 100 g provide 81 kcal, 40 mg vitamin C and 5.7 g fiber. Peas have more protein and fiber than most vegetables, plus 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). Green peas rank higher than 82% of them.
Counts in favor (% daily value per 100 kcal)
- Vitamin C55%
- Fiber25%
- Protein13%
- Iron10%
- Magnesium10%
- Potassium6%
- Vitamin A5%
- Calcium2%
- Vitamin E1%
Counts against
- Saturated fat0%
- Added sugars0%
- Sodium0%
Raw NRF9.3: 128 minus 1 = 128. 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 green peas?
Calories58kcal
Protein3.9g
Carbohydrates10g
Fat0.3g
Fiber4.1g
Sugars4.1g
| Nutrient | Per 100 g | Per portion | %DV |
|---|---|---|---|
| Energy and macronutrients | |||
| Calories | 81 kcal | 58 kcal | |
| Protein | 5.4 g | 3.9 g | 8% |
| Carbohydrates | 14 g | 10 g | 4% |
| Fiber | 5.7 g | 4.1 g | 15% |
| Sugars | 5.7 g | 4.1 g | |
| Added sugars | 0 g | 0 g | 0% |
| Fat | 0.4 g | 0.3 g | 0% |
| Saturated fat | <0.1 g | <0.1 g | 0% |
| Vitamins | |||
| Vitamin A | 38 µg | 27 µg | 3% |
| Vitamin C | 40 mg | 29 mg | 32% |
| Vitamin E | 0.1 mg | <0.1 mg | 1% |
| Minerals | |||
| Calcium | 25 mg | 18 mg | 1% |
| Iron | 1.5 mg | 1.1 mg | 6% |
| Potassium | 244 mg | 176 mg | 4% |
| Magnesium | 33 mg | 24 mg | 6% |
| Sodium | 5 mg | 3.6 mg | 0% |
Source: USDA FoodData Central, "Peas, green, raw" (FDC 170419). Values rounded.
Why are green peas good for you?
- 29 mg vitamin C in 1/2 cup, 32% of the daily value. Vitamin C contributes to the normal function of the immune system.
- 4.1 g fiber in 1/2 cup, 15% of the daily value. Most adults eat well under the 28 g daily value for fiber.
Good ways to use them
- Pasta, rice and soups
- Frozen, as a quick side
What should you watch out for?
- Starchier than leafy vegetables, so portions count if you are watching carbohydrates.
Which vegetables score higher?
Other vegetables with more nutrition per calorie. Variety matters more than picking one winner.
How do green peas compare?
Common questions about green peas
How many calories are in green peas?
100 g of green peas has 81 kcal. A typical portion, 1/2 cup (72 g), has about 58 kcal.
How much protein is in green peas?
Green peas have 5.4 g of protein per 100 g, or about 3.9 g in 1/2 cup.
Are green peas good for weight loss?
Green peas are low in calories (81 kcal per 100 g), so they add volume to meals without many calories. No single food causes weight loss; the overall diet does.