What is the average weight of a bunch of kale?

January 10, 2026 •

4 min read

While definitions vary by vendor, the average weight of a bunch of kale typically falls between 6.5 ounces and 1 pound. This wide range reflects significant differences depending on the supplier, the variety of kale, and whether the bundle is sold by weight or packed visually.

Quick Summary

The average weight of a kale bunch fluctuates, with common ranges from 6.5 ounces to 1 pound. Factors like vendor practices, kale variety, and harvest conditions influence the weight. Recipes calling for a "bunch" can be inaccurate, so weighing the produce or referencing specific serving sizes is more reliable for consistent results.

Key Points

Weight Varies: The average weight of a bunch of kale is not standard and can range from 6.5 ounces to 1 pound.
Vendor is Key: The supplier, whether a supermarket or a local farm, significantly influences how much a bunch of kale weighs.
Variety Matters: Different types of kale, such as Lacinato versus curly, have different leaf densities and weights.
Stems Add Weight: The weight of the stems can substantially contribute to the total weight of a bunch, and recipes often require their removal.
Use a Scale: The most accurate method for consistent recipe results is to measure your kale using a kitchen scale rather than relying on the imprecise "bunch" measurement.
Estimate with Volume: When a scale is unavailable, 1 pound of trimmed kale leaves is roughly equivalent to 6-7 packed cups or 10-12 loosely packed cups.

Understanding the Average Weight of Kale

For home cooks and professional chefs alike, the term "bunch of kale" can be a vague and frustrating measurement. Unlike pre-packaged salads with a consistent weight, a fresh bunch of kale can be highly variable. One farmer's market bunch might be a small handful, while another from a large supermarket is nearly double the size. The standard for what constitutes a "bunch" is not universal, making precise recipe execution difficult without additional information.

Factors Influencing a Bunch's Weight

Several factors contribute to the variability in the weight of a bunch of kale. Understanding these can help you better estimate what you're buying.

Vendor and Source: The most significant factor is the seller. A farm that bundles its own produce might have a different standard for a bunch than a large-scale grocery store. Some retailers may weigh the bunch, while others rely on a more arbitrary visual estimation.
Kale Variety: Not all kale is created equal in weight. Lacinato kale (also known as dinosaur or Tuscan kale) often has heavier leaves than its curly kale counterpart. This density difference means a bunch of Lacinato could be heavier than a bunch of curly kale of the same size.
Harvest Conditions: The growing environment can influence the plant's final weight. Factors such as light intensity, water availability, and temperature can impact the biomass yield of kale, leading to variations in weight per plant.
Inclusion of Stems: The weight of the thick, fibrous stems can be substantial. For recipes that require only the leaves, the total weight of the bunch will be higher than the usable portion. Some vendors may include more stem in their bundles, adding to the overall weight.

Practical Weight Examples

Based on various reports and vendor data, here are some practical weight examples for a bunch of kale:

Grocery Store Standard: Many large supermarkets aim for a standard weight, with 1 pound (approximately 454g) being a common target for a bunch.
Farm Stand Sizing: Bunches from local farms can range from 1/2 to 3/4 of a pound (227-340g), depending on the harvest and local custom.
Online and Speciality Grocers: Some specialized online or organic grocers specify their bunch weight more precisely, with some indicating their kale bunches are "approximately 1/2 lb or more".

How to Measure Kale Accurately for Recipes

For those seeking precision in the kitchen, relying on the vague "bunch" measurement is a recipe for inconsistency. Here are more accurate methods:

Use a Kitchen Scale: The most reliable method is to weigh your produce. Measure the bunch, then subtract the weight of the stems if you plan to remove them. This gives you the exact weight of the edible leaves.
Estimate by Volume: For recipes where weight is less critical, you can measure by volume. One pound of raw kale leaves, stems removed, typically yields about 10-12 loosely packed cups or 6-7 packed cups.
Count the Leaves: For certain recipes, counting the leaves can provide a more consistent measure. However, as leaf size varies greatly, this is still less reliable than using weight.

Comparison of Typical Kale Bunch Weights


Kale Source	Typical Weight Range	Notes
Supermarket (Commercial)	1 lb (454g)	Tends to be a more standardized, heavier bunch for consistent pricing.
Local Farm / CSA	0.5 - 0.75 lb (227-340g)	Variable depending on the farm and growing season. Often sold by visual bunch size.
Specialty Produce Store	0.5 lb or more	May explicitly state the minimum weight, but actual weight can vary.
DIY Weight from Scratch	6.5 oz (184g)	Calculated from specific experiments, a bunch from one source weighed this much with stems. Not a market average.

Conclusion

While a precise average weight for a bunch of kale is difficult to pinpoint due to significant variance, a general rule of thumb is that a typical market bunch will weigh between 6.5 ounces and 1 pound. The weight is influenced by the variety of kale, the vendor's bundling practices, and the inclusion of stems. For reliable cooking results, especially when scaling recipes, it's best to use a kitchen scale to measure the kale by weight. This will help ensure consistency and prevent disappointment in your final dish. For more cooking and measurement tips, you can explore resources like The Kitchn's article on weighing produce, which offers helpful visuals and context.

Ultimately, a flexible mindset is key when cooking with kale. If a recipe calls for a bunch, use your best judgment based on the context of the dish. For soups and stews, a larger bunch might be ideal, while a simple side dish could use a smaller, more tender one.

Frequently Asked Questions

A market bunch from a large grocery store is often more standardized and may weigh around 1 pound, while a bunch from a local farm or CSA can be more variable, potentially weighing less, such as 1/2 to 3/4 of a pound.

Yes, on average, lacinato kale is often heavier per bunch than curly kale. This is due to its denser, flat leaves, which can add more weight to a bundle of the same size.

The most accurate way to measure kale is with a kitchen scale. First, weigh the entire bunch. Then, after removing the stems, weigh the leaves to determine the precise amount of usable kale for your recipe.

One pound of raw, stemmed kale leaves typically measures out to about 6 to 7 firmly packed cups or 10 to 12 loosely packed cups. The exact volume depends on how tightly the leaves are compressed.

The term is unreliable because there is no universal standard for what constitutes a "bunch." The size can vary significantly based on the vendor, type of kale, and bundling method, leading to inconsistent results if not measured by weight.

For dishes like soup or stew where exact quantities are less critical, weighing is not always necessary. You can use a single bunch and add more if needed, but for more consistent flavor profiles, a scale is recommended.

Several factors cause weight variation, including the specific kale variety, the vendor's bundling practices, and the growing conditions such as light and water levels.