Calories in Cauliflower

Updated July 2026 · Reviewed by CaloriesCalc Team · Source: USDA FoodData Central

25
kcal
per 100g
4.97
g
Carbs
1.92
g
Protein
0.28
g
Fat
2.0
g
Fiber
27
kcal per cup florets (107g)
40
kcal per head (160g)
7
kcal per oz (28g)
✔ Excellent low-carb substitute✔ Good vitamin C✔ Rich in choline✔ Fat free✔ Gluten free✔ Vegan
Cauliflower nutrition facts and calories per 100g
🥦Best low-carb rice/potato substitute
🛡Good vitamin C — 48mg per 100g
🧠Rich in choline — brain health
🔬Sulforaphane — anti-cancer
🔥Only 25 kcal per 100g
😌Keto friendly — 3.0g net carbs

🥦 Calculate Calories for Any Cauliflower Weight

Weight100g

Nutrition Facts

Per 100g (raw cauliflower)

* % Daily Value based on a 2,000 kcal diet.


Quick summary: Cauliflower contains 25 calories per 100g and 27 calories per cup. With only 3.0g of net carbs per 100g, it is the premier low-carb cooking substitute for rice, potato, and pizza crust. It provides 54% of daily vitamin C per 100g and is one of the few plant sources of choline — a critical nutrient for brain health that 92% of adults are deficient in.

Vitamins & Minerals — per 100g

NutrientAmount% Daily ValueBar
Vitamin C48.2 mg54%
Vitamin K15.5 µg13%
Potassium299 mg6%
Choline44.3 mg8%
Vitamin B60.18 mg11%
Folate (B9)57 µg14%
Manganese0.16 mg7%
Magnesium15 mg4%
Phosphorus44 mg4%
Calcium22 mg2%

Calories in Cauliflower by Weight

WeightCaloriesCarbsProteinFat

Calories in Different Cauliflower Servings

ServingWeightCaloriesCarbsNet CarbsFat
⭐ 1 cup florets107g27 kcal5.3g3.2g0.3g
1 medium head160g40 kcal7.9g4.8g0.4g
1 large head840g210 kcal41.7g25.3g2.4g
1 spear25g6 kcal1.2g0.8g0.1g
1 oz28g7 kcal1.4g0.8g0.1g
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Macronutrient Breakdown — per 100g

Carbohydrates4.97g · 75% of calories
Protein1.92g · 31% of calories
Fat0.28g · 10% of calories
Fiber2.0g (included in carbs)

Cauliflower is 92% water. Net carbs are 3.0g per 100g — exceptionally low, making it the best low-carb substitute for rice, mashed potato, and pizza crust. It has a mild flavour that absorbs seasonings well.

Micronutrient Highlights

🛡
Vitamin C
48.2 mg
54% Daily Value
More vitamin C than an orange per 100g
🧠
Choline
44.3 mg
8% Daily Value
Brain development, liver function, nerve signalling
🔬
Glucosinolates
~55 mg
Phytochemicals
Converted to sulforaphane — anti-cancer
Potassium
299 mg
6% Daily Value
Blood pressure support
🦴
Vitamin K
15.5 µg
13% Daily Value
Bone health and blood clotting
🌿
Fiber
2.0 g
7% Daily Value
Digestive health

Cauliflower Health Benefits & Nutrition

Choline — The Underrated Nutrient

Cauliflower is one of the few plant foods with meaningful choline content — 44.3mg per 100g. Choline is essential for brain development, liver function, nerve signal transmission, and cell membrane integrity. Most adults are deficient in choline (only 8% of Americans meet the adequate intake). Choline deficiency is associated with fatty liver disease, neurological impairment, and impaired fetal brain development. As a plant-based choline source, cauliflower is particularly valuable for vegans who cannot rely on eggs and meat.

Low-Carb Culinary Versatility

Cauliflower's mild flavour and texture make it the most versatile low-carb substitute in cooking. Cauliflower rice (grated and sautéed) provides a grain-free alternative with 3g net carbs vs 28g in white rice. Mashed cauliflower replaces mashed potato with 70% fewer calories. Cauliflower pizza crust reduces carbs by 60% vs flour crust. These substitutions have driven enormous cauliflower popularity in low-carb and keto communities.

Vitamin C — More Than an Orange

Cauliflower provides 48.2mg of vitamin C per 100g — 54% of the daily requirement, and slightly more than a medium orange (53mg per 100g). The vitamin C in cauliflower supports immune function, collagen synthesis, and iron absorption. Because cauliflower is not typically thought of as a vitamin C source, this is frequently overlooked.

Anti-Cancer — Glucosinolates and Sulforaphane

Like broccoli, cauliflower contains glucosinolates that convert to sulforaphane and other isothiocyanates when chewed. These compounds activate detoxification enzymes (phase II enzymes) that neutralise carcinogens before they can damage DNA. Population studies consistently show that high cruciferous vegetable consumption is associated with reduced risk of lung, colorectal, breast, and prostate cancer. Cauliflower provides a meaningful dose of these protective compounds in a low-calorie package.

Is Cauliflower Suitable for Your Diet?

Weight loss
Excellent — 25 kcal, very filling
Keto
Yes — 3.0g net carbs, best substitute
Vegan
Yes
Paleo
Yes
Gluten-free
Yes
Diabetic
Yes — GI ~15
⚠️
Low-FODMAP
Small portions — can cause gas
Mediterranean
Yes

Frequently Asked Questions

How many calories in cauliflower?
Cauliflower contains 25 calories per 100g. A cup of cauliflower florets (107g) has 27 calories. A medium head (160g) has 40 calories. Use the slider above for any weight.
Is cauliflower good for keto?
Yes — cauliflower is the best keto-friendly vegetable for cooking substitutes. With only 3.0g of net carbs per 100g, it can replace rice (28g net carbs), mashed potato (15g net carbs), and pizza crust. A cup of cauliflower rice has 3.2g net carbs vs 36g in a cup of cooked white rice.
Is cauliflower or broccoli more nutritious?
Broccoli is generally more nutritious: it has more vitamin C (89mg vs 48mg), more vitamin K (102µg vs 16µg), more protein (2.82g vs 1.92g), more sulforaphane, and more fibre. Cauliflower has more choline and fewer calories. Both are excellent — eating a variety of cruciferous vegetables is optimal.
Why does cauliflower cause gas?
Cauliflower contains raffinose (a trisaccharide) and glucosinolates that are fermented by gut bacteria, producing gas. This is more pronounced in people with fewer Bacteroides bacteria (which efficiently digest these compounds). Cooking reduces the gas-causing compounds. Introducing cruciferous vegetables gradually allows gut bacteria to adapt.
Can you eat cauliflower raw?
Yes — raw cauliflower retains more glucosinolates and vitamin C than cooked. It can be eaten as crudités with dip, grated into salads, or used in raw preparations. Raw cauliflower has a firmer texture and slightly bitter, peppery flavour from glucosinolates. Cutting it 40+ minutes before eating allows myrosinase to convert more glucosinolates to beneficial compounds.
How many calories does cauliflower rice save compared to regular rice?
A cup of cooked white rice (186g) has approximately 242 calories and 53g of carbs. A cup of cauliflower rice (107g) has 27 calories and 3.2g net carbs. That is a saving of 215 calories and 50g of carbs per serving — very significant for weight loss or carb reduction.

Nutrition values sourced from USDA FoodData Central. Not medical advice.