Bok Choy vs Cabbage: Calories and Nutrition Compared (2026)

Bok choy and cabbage are both nutritious vegetables with distinct profiles.

Medically reviewed by Dr. Emily Torres, Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN)

Bok choy has lower calories at 13 compared to cabbage's 25. It also has slightly higher protein at 1.5 g versus cabbage's 1.3 g.

Bok choy and cabbage are both popular leafy greens with unique nutritional benefits. This comparison will highlight their differences in calories, protein, and other key nutrients.

What Is the Difference Between Bok Choy and Cabbage?

Bok choy, also known as pak choi, is a type of Chinese cabbage that is rich in vitamins and minerals. It has a mild flavor and is often used in stir-fries and soups. Cabbage is a leafy vegetable that comes in various varieties, including green, red, and Savoy. It is commonly used in salads, coleslaw, and as a cooking ingredient.

Bok Choy vs Cabbage: Nutrition Side by Side

The following table provides a side-by-side comparison of bok choy and cabbage.

Nutrient (per 100 g) Bok choy (raw) Cabbage (raw)
Calories 13 kcal 25 kcal
Protein 1.5 g 1.3 g
Carbs 2.2 g 5.8 g
Sugar 1.2 g 3.2 g
Fat 0.2 g 0.1 g
Fiber 1 g 2.5 g
Sodium 65 mg 18 mg

Which Is Better, Bok Choy or Cabbage?

For weight loss: Bok choy is lower in calories at 13 compared to cabbage's 25, making it a better option for weight loss.

For muscle and protein: Bok choy has slightly more protein at 1.5 g compared to cabbage's 1.3 g, which may benefit muscle maintenance.

For low-carb or low-sugar: Bok choy has fewer carbs at 2.2 g and less sugar at 1.2 g compared to cabbage's 5.8 g carbs and 3.2 g sugar.

How to Track Bok choy and Cabbage Accurately

It's easy to misjudge portion sizes and macros, especially with leafy greens that can vary greatly in volume. Nutrola is an AI nutrition tracking app that identifies foods from a photo and returns calories and macros from a database of more than 1.8 million foods. It also supports barcode scanning and voice logging. Nutrola is available from EUR 2.50 per month and shows no ads on any tier.

How We Compiled These Numbers

The numbers provided are rounded reference values for educational use and are not intended as medical advice. This comparison is based on a per-100g basis. Values are per 100 g from USDA FoodData Central.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Which has more protein?

Bok choy has 1.5 g of protein, while cabbage has 1.3 g. Therefore, bok choy has more protein.

Which has fewer calories?

Bok choy has 13 calories, whereas cabbage has 25 calories. Thus, bok choy has fewer calories.

What is the carbohydrate content of bok choy?

Bok choy contains 2.2 g of carbohydrates per 100 g.

What is the fiber content in cabbage?

Cabbage contains 2.5 g of fiber per 100 g.

How much sugar is in bok choy?

Bok choy has 1.2 g of sugar per 100 g.

What is the sodium content of cabbage?

Cabbage contains 18 mg of sodium per 100 g.

Key Takeaways

  • Bok choy has 13 calories per 100 g.
  • Cabbage has 25 calories per 100 g.
  • Bok choy contains 1.5 g of protein.
  • Cabbage contains 1.3 g of protein.
  • Bok choy has 2.2 g of carbohydrates.
  • Cabbage has 5.8 g of carbohydrates.

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