Calories in Sweet Potato
Source: USDA FoodData Central · Raw, Unprepared · Data verified by CaloriesCalc
Source: USDA FoodData Central · Raw, Unprepared · Data verified by CaloriesCalc
* % Daily Value based on a 2,000 kcal diet.
| Nutrient | Amount | % Daily Value | Bar |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vitamin A (β-carotene) | 8509 µg | 946% | |
| Potassium | 337 mg | 7% | |
| Vitamin B6 | 0.29 mg | 17% | |
| Manganese | 0.26 mg | 11% | |
| Fiber | 3.0 g | 11% | |
| Magnesium | 25 mg | 6% | |
| Vitamin C | 2.4 mg | 3% | |
| Phosphorus | 47 mg | 4% | |
| Niacin (B3) | 0.61 mg | 4% | |
| Iron | 0.61 mg | 3% |
| Weight | Calories | Carbs | Protein | Fat |
|---|
| Serving | Weight | Calories | Carbs | Net Carbs | Fat |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 small sweet potato | 100g | 86 kcal | 20.1g | 17.1g | 0.1g |
| ⭐ 1 medium sweet potato | 130g | 112 kcal | 26.2g | 22.2g | 0.1g |
| 1 large sweet potato | 180g | 155 kcal | 36.2g | 30.6g | 0.1g |
| 1 cup cubed | 133g | 114 kcal | 26.8g | 22.7g | 0.1g |
| 1 oz | 28g | 24 kcal | 5.6g | 4.8g | 0.0g |
Sweet potato is 77% water. Carbs are a mix of starch and natural sugars. Net carbs are 17.1g per 100g. The orange colour comes from beta-carotene — the more intense the colour, the more beta-carotene.
Sweet potatoes contain an extraordinary 8,509µg of beta-carotene per 100g — providing 946% of the daily vitamin A requirement. This makes sweet potato the single richest common dietary source of beta-carotene, surpassing carrots (8,285µg), pumpkin (3,100µg), and all other vegetables. Beta-carotene is a provitamin A carotenoid that the body converts to vitamin A as needed — unlike preformed vitamin A from animal sources, it cannot cause toxicity. The deep orange colour is a direct indicator of beta-carotene content.
Despite their sweetness, sweet potatoes have a lower glycemic index (~63 boiled) than regular potatoes (~78). The combination of fiber, resistant starch, and a unique protein called adiponectin helps moderate blood sugar response. A 2022 review found that sweet potato consumption improved insulin sensitivity and reduced fasting blood glucose in people with type 2 diabetes. Boiling rather than baking keeps the GI lower by preserving more resistant starch.
Sweet potatoes contain multiple classes of antioxidants beyond beta-carotene: anthocyanins in purple varieties, chlorogenic acid, and sporamins (storage proteins with antioxidant activity unique to sweet potatoes). The combination creates broad-spectrum antioxidant protection. Evidence suggests sweet potato antioxidants are particularly effective at reducing LDL oxidation and protecting against oxidative stress in the digestive tract.
Sweet potato fiber is a mix of soluble (pectin) and insoluble types. The soluble fiber feeds beneficial gut bacteria and slows digestion, improving blood sugar control. Insoluble fiber adds bulk and promotes bowel regularity. A medium sweet potato provides 3.9g of fiber — 14% of the daily requirement — making it a meaningful contributor to gut health.
Nutrition values sourced from USDA FoodData Central. Not medical advice.