How many calories are in 1 white radish?

December 15, 2025 •

3 min read

According to the USDA, a single cup of raw, sliced radish contains just 19 calories. This makes the white radish, or daikon, an incredibly low-calorie and nutrient-dense vegetable. Understanding the specific calorie count of one whole white radish can help you better incorporate this vegetable into a healthy and balanced diet.

Quick Summary

This guide breaks down the calorie count for a single white radish and its various serving sizes, along with an overview of its nutritional content. It also compares the calorie density of white radishes to other common vegetables.

Key Points

Low Calorie Count: One hundred grams of white radish (daikon) contains only about 16 to 18 calories, depending on the specific variety.
High Water Content: The radish is composed of 95% water, which contributes to its low calorie density and hydrating properties.
Size Varies Calories: Since radishes vary in size, using a standard measurement like 100 grams or 1 cup of sliced radish (approx. 19 calories) provides the most accurate calorie estimate.
Nutrient-Dense: Despite its low calorie count, white radish is rich in essential nutrients like Vitamin C, folate, fiber, and antioxidants.
Digestive Health: The fiber content and mustard oils in white radish aid digestion, promote regularity, and have a detoxification effect.
Supports Weight Management: Its low calories and high fiber can help increase feelings of fullness, making it a valuable addition to a weight loss diet.

Understanding the Calories in 1 White Radish

Pinpointing the exact calorie count for a single white radish, or daikon, can vary because radishes come in different sizes. However, by using standard nutritional data, we can provide a reliable estimate. A standard 100-gram serving of white radish contains roughly 16 to 18 calories, making it exceptionally low in energy density. For context, a medium-sized daikon weighing around 338 grams would contain approximately 61 calories. For most smaller, common white radishes found in a grocery store, the calorie count will be very minimal, often less than 20 calories per radish, especially for those closer to 100 grams.

How to Calculate Calories by Serving Size

Since not all radishes are uniform in size, calculating the calories based on a standard measure like 100 grams or a cup of sliced radish is the most accurate approach. This method allows for easy customization based on how you plan to consume the vegetable.

Here are some common serving size conversions:

100 Grams: 16-18 calories
1 Cup Sliced: 19 calories (116g)
½ Cup Sliced: 9 calories (58g)
1 Large Daikon (338g): ~61 calories

Using these conversions, you can estimate the calories for your specific white radish. For example, if you have a white radish that weighs 200 grams, you can easily deduce that it contains roughly 32-36 calories. This simple math ensures that your dietary tracking remains precise, regardless of the vegetable's size.

Comparing White Radish to Other Vegetables

White radishes are a non-starchy vegetable known for their high water content and low carbohydrate count, which is why they are so low in calories. This makes them an excellent choice for a low-calorie diet compared to many other vegetables.


Vegetable (100g serving)	Approx. Calories	Primary Benefit
White Radish	16-18 kcal	High in Vitamin C, low in carbs
Carrot	41 kcal	High in Vitamin A
Potato	77 kcal	High in potassium, starchy
Broccoli	34 kcal	High in Vitamin C and K
Cucumber	15 kcal	Extremely high water content

As the table shows, the white radish is one of the lowest-calorie vegetable options available, comparable to cucumber in its energy density. Its high water and fiber content also contribute to a feeling of fullness, which can be beneficial for weight management.

Beyond Calories: The Nutritional Profile of White Radish

While the low calorie count is a significant draw, the white radish offers an impressive nutritional profile. It is a cruciferous vegetable packed with health-promoting compounds.

Rich in Vitamin C: A single cup provides a substantial portion of your daily recommended intake, which is crucial for immune function and overall health.
Good Source of Fiber: The dietary fiber in white radish aids digestion, helps prevent constipation, and promotes regularity.
Provides Folate (Vitamin B9): This vitamin is essential for cellular growth and is particularly important during pregnancy.
Contains Antioxidants: White radishes contain antioxidants like quercetin and ferulic acid, which protect the body's cells from oxidative stress and inflammation.
Supports Detoxification: The enzymes and bioactive compounds present in white radish are known to support liver function and detoxification processes.

How to Incorporate White Radish into Your Diet

Given its versatility, incorporating white radish into your meals is easy. Its mild, slightly peppery flavor works well in both raw and cooked dishes.

Raw in Salads: Grate or thinly slice fresh daikon for a crunchy, hydrating addition to any salad.
Pickled: Pickled daikon, known as takuan in Japanese cuisine, is a popular condiment or side dish.
In Soups and Stews: Add chunks of daikon to miso soup, beef radish soup, or other stews to absorb the flavors while adding a tender texture.
Roasted: For a milder, sweeter flavor, roast daikon cubes with a drizzle of olive oil and spices until tender and caramelized.
Stir-Fried: Slice and stir-fry daikon with other vegetables, garlic, and a touch of soy sauce for a quick and healthy side dish.

Conclusion

In summary, the number of calories in 1 white radish is very low, typically ranging from 16 to 18 calories per 100 grams, or around 19 calories per cup of sliced radish. The exact number depends on the size of the vegetable, but its high water content and low carbohydrate count make it a fantastic choice for those monitoring their caloric intake. Beyond its minimal caloric impact, white radish is rich in essential nutrients like Vitamin C, fiber, and potent antioxidants, offering numerous health benefits. Whether enjoyed raw, cooked, or pickled, this versatile root vegetable is a valuable and healthful addition to any diet. For more in-depth nutritional data and research on Daikon, refer to the USDA FoodData Central database.

Source: USDA FoodData Central: https://fdc.nal.usda.gov/

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, white radish is highly suitable for a low-calorie diet. With only about 16 to 18 calories per 100 grams, its high water and fiber content help promote satiety without adding significant calories.

Yes, daikon is the Japanese term for white radish. They are the same long, white root vegetable often used in Asian cuisine, with a mild, slightly peppery flavor.

To calculate calories for different sizes, you can use the standard 100-gram value of 16-18 calories. If you have a 200g radish, for example, you can double the 100g value to get 32-36 calories. For smaller radishes, a 1-cup serving of slices contains approximately 19 calories.

Cooking white radish typically does not change its calorie count significantly unless you add fats like oil or other high-calorie ingredients. Roasting or sautéing it with oil will increase the total caloric value.

White radish is an excellent source of Vitamin C. A one-cup serving can provide a significant percentage of your recommended daily intake, which is vital for immune health.

Yes, white radish is a good source of dietary fiber. This roughage is beneficial for digestive health, helping to prevent constipation and promote a healthy gut.

Yes, the leaves of a daikon radish are edible and nutritious. They can be cooked, often stir-fried or added to soups, and are a good source of additional vitamins and minerals.