Nutrition Diet: Which Has More Carbs, Carrots or Broccoli?

October 30, 2025 •

4 min read

Gram for gram, carrots contain slightly more total and net carbohydrates than broccoli. For those managing their intake, understanding which has more carbs, carrots or broccoli? is an important aspect of planning a well-balanced nutrition diet.

Quick Summary

Carrots have a slightly higher total and net carbohydrate count than broccoli. Both are excellent sources of fiber and rich in different essential vitamins and minerals, fitting well into various healthy eating plans.

Key Points

Carb Comparison: Carrots have slightly more total and net carbs per serving than broccoli, though both are considered low-carb vegetables.
Micronutrient Strengths: Carrots are an exceptional source of Vitamin A, while broccoli is a powerhouse for Vitamins C and K.
Dietary Versatility: Both vegetables are low in calories, high in fiber, and can be easily incorporated into various diets, including low-carb plans.
Cooking Matters: Steaming is a good way to prepare both vegetables to preserve nutrients, while cooking carrots slightly enhances the absorption of beta-carotene.
Overall Health: Rather than choosing one over the other, incorporating both carrots and broccoli into your diet ensures a wider range of essential vitamins, minerals, and health-promoting compounds.

Understanding the Carbohydrate Difference

When comparing carrots and broccoli on a 100-gram basis, carrots have a higher carbohydrate content overall. However, it's essential to look at both total carbohydrates and net carbohydrates, especially for those on specific diets like keto. Net carbs are calculated by subtracting dietary fiber from total carbohydrates, as fiber is a type of carb that the body does not digest for energy. While carrots contain more total carbohydrates, a significant portion is fiber, which is beneficial for digestive health and can help you feel full longer.

According to nutritional data, per 100 grams, carrots contain approximately 9.58 grams of total carbs, while broccoli contains about 6.64 grams. This difference becomes more evident when looking at the net carb count, which is more relevant for blood sugar management. Carrots have about 6.78 grams of net carbs, compared to broccoli's lower 4.04 grams. This is also why broccoli is a popular choice on very low-carb or keto diets, although carrots are not strictly off-limits in moderation. The carbohydrate difference between these two nutrient-dense vegetables is relatively small, so focusing on overall diet quality and micronutrients is often more important than obsessing over minimal carb variations.

Beyond the Carbs: A Nutritional Comparison

Carrots and broccoli are both nutritional powerhouses, but they excel in different areas. While broccoli might win the low-carb battle, carrots offer a unique set of benefits, particularly for eye health. The best strategy is to include a variety of both in your diet to get a broader spectrum of nutrients.

Carrots: High in Vitamin A

Exceptional Vitamin A Source: Carrots are famous for their high beta-carotene content, which the body converts into vitamin A. One medium carrot can provide over 500 micrograms of vitamin A RAE (retinol activity equivalent), a substantial amount of the daily requirement.
Eye Health: This vitamin A content is crucial for vision, especially night vision, and helps reduce the risk of age-related macular degeneration.
Fiber for Digestion: They also offer a good dose of dietary fiber, which promotes a healthy digestive system and helps prevent constipation.
Other Nutrients: Carrots are also a source of potassium, which is important for managing blood pressure, and antioxidants like lutein and lycopene, which have been linked to cancer prevention.

Broccoli: A Vitamin C and K Powerhouse

Rich in Vitamin C: Broccoli is a phenomenal source of vitamin C, containing substantially more than carrots. A cup of raw broccoli can provide over 90% of the daily value. Vitamin C is a potent antioxidant that supports the immune system, promotes skin health, and aids in collagen production.
High in Vitamin K: It also delivers a high amount of vitamin K1, which is essential for blood clotting and contributes to bone health.
Cancer-Fighting Compounds: As a cruciferous vegetable, broccoli contains a sulfur-containing compound called sulforaphane, which has been researched for its potential to protect against various cancers.
Good for Heart Health: The fiber, vitamins, and other compounds in broccoli may help lower cholesterol levels and support overall cardiovascular health.

How Preparation Affects Nutrition

The way you prepare vegetables can influence their nutritional content, though the difference in total carbohydrates remains minor. For both carrots and broccoli, minimal cooking is often best for nutrient retention. Steaming is a great option that preserves most nutrients, whereas boiling can lead to the loss of water-soluble vitamins like Vitamin C. Cooking carrots actually increases the availability of beta-carotene, but it can slightly increase the glycemic index. For the best nutrient profile, a mix of raw and lightly cooked vegetables is recommended. For example, enjoying raw carrot sticks with hummus and lightly steaming broccoli for a main meal.

Carbohydrates and Nutrition Comparison Table


Nutrient (per 100g raw)	Carrots	Broccoli	Source(s)
Total Carbohydrates	9.58 g	6.64 g
Net Carbs	6.78 g	4.04 g
Fiber	2.8 g	2.6 g
Protein	0.93 g	2.82 g
Vitamin A (RAE)	835 mcg	31 mcg
Vitamin C	5.9 mg	89.2 mg
Vitamin K	13.2 mcg	101.6 mcg
Folate (B9)	19 mcg	63 mcg

Conclusion: Both Offer Significant Value to a Healthy Diet

Ultimately, the question of which has more carbs, carrots or broccoli? is less important than recognizing that both are excellent, low-calorie additions to a healthy diet. While broccoli contains fewer net carbs, the difference is not significant enough to justify excluding carrots, which offer superior vitamin A content. For optimal nutrition, a balanced approach that includes both vegetables is recommended. Whether you're focused on weight management, a low-carb diet, or simply aiming for better overall health, both carrots and broccoli deliver a host of essential vitamins, minerals, and fiber. The best dietary choice is one that incorporates a variety of nutrient-rich foods, and these two vibrant vegetables certainly fit the bill.

For more information on the health benefits of both vegetables and their place in a balanced diet, consult reliable sources such as Healthline.

Frequently Asked Questions

The carbohydrate difference between carrots and broccoli is minimal. While broccoli has fewer net carbs, both vegetables are considered low-carb and can be consumed in moderation as part of a low-carb diet.

Both carrots and broccoli are excellent for weight loss due to their low-calorie and high-fiber content, which promotes feelings of fullness. Incorporating both into your diet is beneficial for overall health.

Cooking doesn't significantly alter the total carb count, but it can affect the glycemic index of carrots. The method of cooking is more important for retaining vitamins, especially water-soluble ones like Vitamin C in broccoli.

Carrots and broccoli have very similar fiber contents. Per 100 grams, carrots contain 2.8 grams and broccoli has 2.6 grams, both contributing positively to digestive health.

Carrots are superior for eye health due to their high beta-carotene content, which is converted to Vitamin A in the body. However, broccoli also contains carotenoids like lutein and zeaxanthin, which are beneficial for vision.

It is a misconception that carrots are bad for diabetics. They are a non-starchy vegetable with a low glycemic index, meaning they don't cause a rapid spike in blood sugar. Their fiber content also helps regulate blood sugar levels.

Both vegetables are rich in antioxidants, but of different types. Carrots are high in beta-carotene, while broccoli is rich in sulforaphane, Vitamin C, and other flavonoids with potent antioxidant properties.