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Broccoli vs Cauliflower

Broccoli vs Cauliflower compared per 100 g — use protein density, fat profile, and the goal of the swap to pick.

Macro table

MetricBroccoliCauliflower
Calories35 kcal25 kcal
Protein2.4 g1.9 g
Carbs7 g5 g
Fat0.4 g0.3 g
Fiber2.6 g2 g
Protein per 100 kcal6.9 g7.6 g

Reference macros from AskCalories food pages (USDA FoodData Central where available). Your plate still needs portion and cooking-fat edits.

Decision rule

Pick broccoli when you want classic green cruciferous volume with a bit more familiar meal-prep pairing. Pick cauliflower when you want a neutral base for rice swaps, mash, or roasting.

Pick Broccoli when

Sides with chicken and beef, or steamed meal-prep veg.

Pick Cauliflower when

Cauliflower rice, pizza crust bases, or mash swaps (still log any oil/butter).

Caveats

  • Cauliflower “rice” still has carbs — it is not zero. Sauces dominate.

Food notes

🥦 Broccoli

Highest vitamin C of common vegetables. Volume-eating champion — 1 cup is ~30 kcal.

🥦 Cauliflower

Common rice/mash substitute on low-carb diets. Riced cauliflower is ~25 kcal/cup vs ~200 for rice.

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FAQ

Is cauliflower lower calorie than broccoli?
They are in the same low-calorie band. The swap is culinary more than a large macro win.
Broccoli or cauliflower for carbs?
Both are low-calorie crucifers. Cauliflower “rice” still has carbs — it is a volume swap, not a zero-carb food.