Broccoli vs Cauliflower: Calories and Nutrition Compared (2026)

Broccoli and cauliflower are both nutritious vegetables with distinct differences.

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

Broccoli is higher in protein at 2.8 g compared to cauliflower's 1.9 g. Cauliflower is lower in calories, containing 25 calories versus broccoli's 34 calories.

Broccoli and cauliflower are both members of the cruciferous vegetable family, offering a range of health benefits. This comparison highlights their nutritional profiles to help you make informed dietary choices.

What Is the Difference Between Broccoli and Cauliflower?

Broccoli is a green vegetable that belongs to the cabbage family, known for its high nutrient content and health benefits. It is commonly consumed steamed, roasted, or raw. Cauliflower is a white vegetable that is also part of the cabbage family, recognized for its versatility in cooking and low-calorie content. It can be eaten raw, steamed, or used as a rice substitute.

Broccoli vs Cauliflower: Nutrition Side by Side

Below is a side-by-side comparison of the nutritional values of broccoli and cauliflower.

Nutrient (per 100 g) Broccoli (raw) Cauliflower (raw)
Calories 34 kcal 25 kcal
Protein 2.8 g 1.9 g
Carbs 6.6 g 5.0 g
Sugar 1.7 g 1.9 g
Fat 0.4 g 0.3 g
Fiber 2.6 g 2 g
Sodium 33 mg 30 mg

Which Is Better, Broccoli or Cauliflower?

For weight loss: Cauliflower has fewer calories, with 25 calories compared to broccoli's 34 calories.

For muscle and protein: Broccoli contains more protein at 2.8 g, while cauliflower has 1.9 g.

For low-carb or low-sugar: Broccoli has 6.6 g of carbs and 1.7 g of sugar, while cauliflower has 5.0 g of carbs and 1.9 g of sugar.

How to Track Broccoli and Cauliflower Accurately

It's easy to misjudge portion sizes and macros, especially when vegetables are prepared in different ways. 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 should not be considered medical advice. Always consult a health professional for personalized dietary guidance. Values are per 100 g from USDA FoodData Central.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Which has more protein?

Broccoli has 2.8 g of protein, while cauliflower has 1.9 g.

Which has fewer calories?

Cauliflower has fewer calories at 25, compared to broccoli's 34.

What are the carbohydrate contents?

Broccoli has 6.6 g of carbs, while cauliflower has 5.0 g.

How much sugar is in each vegetable?

Broccoli contains 1.7 g of sugar, whereas cauliflower has 1.9 g.

What is the fiber content of broccoli?

Broccoli has 2.6 g of fiber per 100 g.

What is the sodium level in cauliflower?

Cauliflower contains 30 mg of sodium per 100 g.

Key Takeaways

  • Broccoli has 34 calories per 100 g.
  • Cauliflower has 25 calories per 100 g.
  • Broccoli contains 2.8 g of protein.
  • Cauliflower contains 1.9 g of protein.
  • Broccoli has 6.6 g of carbs.
  • Cauliflower has 5.0 g of carbs.

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