This article has been Fact-Checked by Kendall Kennedy MS, RD, RYT
What are the best vegetables low in carbs to add to your diet? Check out our list of 20 vegetables to keep your diet low in carbohydrates.
Vegetables are great for you. They contain essential vitamins, minerals and fiber.
But some people prefer to limit their carb intake, including from vegetables. If this is you this list of vegetables low in carbs will benefit you a lot.
Net carbs vs total carbs
For some low carb diets you can only eat a certain amount of carbohydrates each day. However, something important is not always mentioned. Your body doesn’t absorb the same amount of calories from every kind of carbohydrate.
There is a difference between net carbs, the amount of carbs your body absorbs, and the total amount of carbohydrates in food.
This difference is mostly caused by fiber. Fiber gets counted as more total carbohydrate content but your body is unable to convert most fibre into calories for your body.
You can calculate the amount of net carbs in food by extracting total carbs by the amount of fiber.
Total carbs – Fiber = Net carbs
Guidelines to know what vegetables are low carb
There are some general guidelines to know what vegetables are low in carbohydrates. That way you don’t have to study lists every time you go shopping.
Low carb vegetables list
Here is a shopping list with 20 vegetables low in carbs.
1. Asparagus
Not everyone enjoys the taste of asparagus but it’s a great addition to your diet if you like it.
100 grams of asparagus contains around 3.9 grams of carbohydrates and around 2.1 of those grams are dietary fiber.
Asparagus can also help you reach your daily goal of vitamin a levels and iron.
2. Bell Peppers
Bell peppers are extremely nutritious.
100 grams of bell peppers contain around 9 grams of carbohydrates and around 1.5 of those grams are dietary fiber.
Bell peppers are also a great source of vitamin A, vitamin C and anti-oxidants
3. Cauliflower
Cauliflower is an extremely popular choice for low carb dieters thanks to its versatility. You can create many low carb alternatives of foods with it.
100 grams of cauliflower contains around 5 grams of carbohydrates and around 2 of those grams are dietary fiber.
Cauliflower is also a great source of vitamin K and vitamin C.
4. Zuchini
Zuchini is a great low carb pasta replacement, you can use it in dishes like low carb spaghetti and lasagna.
100 grams of zuchini contains around 3.1 grams of carbohydrates and around 1 of those grams is dietary fiber.
Zuchini can also help you reach your daily goal for vitamin C.
5. Avocados
Avocados are technically fruits but they have to be on this list.
100 grams of avocado contains around 9 grams of carbohydrates and around 7 of those grams are dietary fiber.
The health benefits of avocados are great. They contain plenty of vitamin C, folate and potassium. Don’t forget that they do contain a lot of calories.
6. Broccoli
Broccoli is one of the greatest vegetables out there and it’s low carb approved!
100 grams of broccoli contains around 7 grams of carbohydrates and around 2.6 of those grams are dietary fiber.
On top of that broccoli is a great source of vitamins C, K and other micronutrients.
7. Spinach
Spinach is also one of those vegetables that is such a great addition to the daily diet for most people.
100 grams of spinach contains around 3.6 grams of carbohydrates and around 2.2 of those grams are dietary fiber.
On top of that spinach is a great source of vitamins A and C.
8. Mushrooms
Mushrooms are not only nutritious. They can also reduce cognitive decline.
100 grams of mushrooms contain around 3.3 grams of carbohydrates and around 1 of those grams is dietary fiber.
They have anti-inflammatory porperties as well.
9. Green beans
Green beans may be part of the legume family but they contain less carbohydrates than the other family members
100 grams of green beans contain around 7 grams of carbohydrates and around 3.4 of those grams are dietary fiber.
Green beans are a tasty addition to your low carb diet.
10. Lettuce
Lettuce is a staple in almost every diet. It’s tasty, it fills you up, it doesn’t contain any calories and… it’s low in carbs.
100 grams of lettuce contains around 2.9 grams of carbohydrates and around 1.3 of those grams are dietary fiber.
On top of lettuce contains a fair amount of folate, an important compound for cell growth and metabolism.
11. Kale
Kale is another popular and nutrient-dense vegetable.
100 grams of kale contains around 9 grams of carbohydrates and around 1.3 of those grams are dietary fiber.
On top of that kale is a great source of vitamins A, C and antioxidants.
12. Celery
Celery is a great keto snack vegetable.
100 grams of celery contains around 3 grams of carbohydrates and around 1.6 of those grams are dietary fiber.
Celery also contains anti-oxidants.
13. Cucumbers
Cucumber is a vegetable very helpful for consuming enough water every day.
100 grams of cucumber contains around 3.6 grams of carbohydrates and around 0.5 of those grams are dietary fiber.
Cucumbers are not the greatest source of other vitamins but the water and fiber content still makes this vegetable a healthy snack.
14. Brussels sprouts
Brussels sprouts are another great addition to your diet.
100 grams of brussels sprouts contains around 9 grams of carbohydrates and around 3.8 of those grams are dietary fiber.
On top of that brussels sprouts are a great source of vitamin C and K.
15. Radishes
Radishes are not for everyone due to their sharper taste.
100 grams of radishes contains around 3.5 grams of carbohydrates and around 1.7 of those grams are dietary fiber.
On top of that radishes are a moderate source of vitamin C.
16. Eggplant
Eggplant is a great vegetable to add to certain dishes.
100 grams of eggplant contains around 6 grams of carbohydrates and around 3 of those grams are dietary fiber.
They are also high in vitamin C, Vitmin E and potassium.
17. Artichokes
Artichoke is another great low carb-approved vegetable.
100 grams of artichokes contains around 11 grams of carbohydrates and around 5 of those grams are dietary fiber.
Artichoke is a great source of prebiotics.
18. Tomatoes
Tomatoes are great for your healthy low carb salads.
100 grams of tomatoes contains around 3.9 grams of carbohydrates and around 1.2 of those grams are dietary fiber.
Tomatoes are a full house in terms of micronutrients, they are a great source of Vitamin A, C and K and potassium.
19. Cabbage
Cabbage is one of those vegetables you can combine with every meal. And that’s a good thing because it’s a good nutrient source.
100 grams of cabbage contains around 6 grams of carbohydrates and around 2.5 of those grams are dietary fiber.
Cabbag contains a nice amount of vitamin C and K.
20. Olives
Olives are a great low carb snack.
100 grams of broccoli contains around 6.3 grams of carbohydrates and around 3.2 of those grams are dietary fiber.
Olives don’t contain the greatest amount of micronutrients but they are tasty and easy to add to your diet.
Vegetables are almost always a great idea. Hopefully, these vegetables low in carbs provide you with ideas for mouth-watering low carb recipes.
