Does Broccoli Have Carbs? Decoding the Nutrition Behind This Low-Carb Vegetable

October 2, 2025 •

3 min read

A single cup (91g) of raw broccoli is almost 90% water and contains only 6 grams of total carbohydrates. This naturally low-calorie, nutrient-dense profile makes it a key vegetable in many healthy eating plans, but the question of does broccoli have carbs is crucial for those watching their intake.

Quick Summary

Broccoli is a low-carb vegetable with a modest total carbohydrate count, a significant portion of which is dietary fiber. Its low net carb value makes it an excellent choice for ketogenic and other low-carb diets, providing essential vitamins and minerals without a high carb load.

Key Points

Yes, broccoli contains carbs, but it is low-carb: Approximately one cup (91g) of raw broccoli contains about 6g of total carbs.
Net carbs are low due to high fiber: Subtracting the 2.4g of fiber per cup gives a net carb count of just over 3.5g, making it ideal for low-carb and keto diets.
Rich in essential vitamins and minerals: Broccoli is an excellent source of vitamin C, vitamin K, and folate, and a good source of potassium.
Packed with antioxidants: It contains potent antioxidants like sulforaphane that help fight inflammation and protect against cell damage.
Supports digestive and heart health: The high fiber and antioxidants benefit gut health, lower cholesterol, and improve cardiovascular function.
Cooking method affects nutrient retention: Steaming is the best way to preserve the maximum amount of water-soluble vitamins, while boiling can cause a significant loss.
Versatile for low-carb meal planning: It can be enjoyed raw in salads, steamed, or roasted, making it a flexible and nutritious addition to any meal.

The Truth About Broccoli's Carb Content

Yes, broccoli does have carbs, but its total number is quite low, and an important portion is indigestible fiber. Understanding the difference between total carbs and net carbs is key. Net carbs are calculated by subtracting the fiber from the total carbs, as fiber does not impact blood sugar levels in the same way digestible carbohydrates do. For example, one cup (91g) of raw broccoli contains:

Total Carbohydrates: 6g
Dietary Fiber: 2.4g
Net Carbs: 3.6g

This low net carb count is why broccoli is a staple in low-carb diets and a favorite among those following a ketogenic lifestyle. The small amount of digestible carbs is composed of natural sugars like fructose, glucose, and sucrose, which contribute to its mild, earthy flavor.

Raw vs. Cooked: How Preparation Affects Carbs

The way broccoli is prepared can slightly alter its nutritional composition, but it remains a low-carb option. Some water-soluble vitamins, such as vitamin C, can be reduced by boiling, while methods like steaming preserve more of the nutrient content.

Common cooking methods and their effects:

Steaming: Preserves nearly all of the vitamin C and minimizes the loss of other nutrients.
Microwaving: Also preserves a high percentage of vitamins and minerals.
Boiling: Can reduce the vitamin C content by up to 50% as it leaches into the water.
Roasting or Stir-Frying: A modest loss of vitamin C can occur, but it remains a healthy option.

A Nutritional Powerhouse Beyond Carbs

While its carb count is impressive for diet-conscious eaters, broccoli offers a wealth of other health benefits that make it a nutritional superstar. It is packed with vitamins, minerals, and potent bioactive compounds.

Here is a list of some of the key nutrients in broccoli:

Vitamin C: Provides almost a full day's requirement in a single cup, acting as a powerful antioxidant and supporting immune function.
Vitamin K: Important for blood clotting and essential for bone health.
Folate (Vitamin B9): Crucial for cell growth and DNA formation, especially during pregnancy.
Potassium: Helps regulate blood pressure and supports heart health.
Antioxidants: Contains compounds like sulforaphane, which fight cell damage and may have anti-cancer properties.
Fiber: Promotes healthy digestion, regular bowel movements, and can help manage blood sugar levels.

Health Benefits of Including Broccoli in Your Diet

Thanks to its rich nutrient profile, regular consumption of broccoli can support numerous aspects of your health:

Supports Digestive Health: The high fiber content promotes the growth of healthy gut bacteria and aids in proper digestion, preventing constipation.
Promotes Heart Health: Its antioxidants and fiber content help reduce cholesterol levels and protect against heart disease by lessening plaque buildup in arteries.
Enhances Bone Health: A great source of calcium and vitamin K, which are vital for maintaining strong, healthy bones and reducing the risk of conditions like osteoporosis.
Reduces Inflammation: Potent antioxidants like sulforaphane help combat oxidative stress and inflammation throughout the body.
May Aid in Weight Management: Being low in calories and high in fiber, broccoli helps you feel full and satisfied, which can support weight loss efforts.

How Broccoli Compares to Other Low-Carb Vegetables

To further illustrate why broccoli is a go-to for low-carb diets, here is a comparison with other popular keto-friendly vegetables. Figures are based on 100g servings.


Vegetable	Total Carbs (g)	Dietary Fiber (g)	Net Carbs (g)
Broccoli	6.64	2.6	4.04
Cauliflower	4.97	2.0	2.97
Spinach	3.6	2.2	1.4
Bell Peppers	5.88	1.2	3.51
Zucchini	3.11	1.0	2.11

As the table shows, broccoli's net carb count is comparable to or slightly higher than other low-carb favorites, but its overall nutrient density and versatile culinary uses make it an essential part of a healthy diet.

Conclusion: A Green Light for Carbs in Broccoli

In summary, yes, broccoli does have carbs, but its composition of high fiber and low net carbs solidifies its status as a cornerstone of healthy, low-carb nutrition. Beyond its suitable macronutrient profile, broccoli offers a profound boost of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that support everything from digestive and heart health to immune function and bone strength. Whether enjoyed raw, steamed, or roasted, including this versatile and nutrient-packed vegetable in your meals is an excellent choice for a balanced and healthy diet.

Diet Doctor: The Best Low-Carb and Keto Broccoli Recipes

Frequently Asked Questions

A cup (91g) of raw broccoli contains about 6g of total carbohydrates and 2.4g of dietary fiber, resulting in approximately 3.6g of net carbs.

Yes, broccoli is very keto-friendly. Its low net carb count and high fiber content make it an excellent choice for those following a ketogenic or other low-carbohydrate diet.

No, cooking broccoli does not increase its carb count. However, it can slightly change its nutritional density by causing some water-soluble vitamins to be lost during processes like boiling.

No, the fiber in broccoli is largely indigestible by humans. It passes through the digestive system and is crucial for promoting bowel health and regularity.

Both are low-carb, but cauliflower has a slightly lower net carb count. Per 100g, cauliflower has about 2.97g net carbs compared to broccoli's 4.04g, but both are excellent options for low-carb diets.

While broccoli is a low-carb vegetable, it's not carb-free. It's important to track your total daily carb intake, but you can typically consume generous portions of broccoli without exceeding your limit.

The carbohydrates in broccoli consist mainly of dietary fiber and natural sugars such as fructose, glucose, and sucrose.

While the nutritional content can vary slightly between the florets, stems, and leaves, all parts of the broccoli plant are very low in carbohydrates.