How much protein is in 100 calories of broccoli?

In this article, we will answer the question “How much protein is in 100 calories of broccoli?” and discuss what if the proteins in 100 calories of raw broccoli are the same as in 100 calories of cooked broccoli and if broccoli is a good source of protein. 

How much protein is in 100 calories of broccoli?

The protein in 100 calories of broccoli can vary greatly, depending on the variety of the broccoli and if the cooking method. Cooking can lead to significant changes of the nutritional properties of broccoli, resulting in the loss of minerals, carbohydrates and proteins (1).

According to the United States Department of Agriculture, in 100 calories of raw broccoli there are 6.58 g of proteins, while in fresh boiled broccoli there are 6.8 g of proteins and in frozen / boiled broccoli there are 11 g of proteins (2). 

How much protein is in 100 g of broccoli?

The amount of proteins and other nutrients of 100 g of broccoli raw, boiled and frozen /boiled are given in the table below (2):

NutrientUnitRaw broccoliFrozen and boiledFresh and boiled
Waterg9090.789.2
Energykcal392835
Proteing2.573.12.38
Total lipid (fat)g0.390.120.41
Ashg0.830.710.77
Carbohydratesg6.275.357.18
Fiberg2.433.3

Are the proteins in 100 calories of raw broccoli the same as in 100 calories of cooked broccoli?

No, the proteins in 100 calories of raw broccoli are not the same as in 100 calories of cooked broccoli. As mentioned above, cooking changes the nutritional content of the vegetables and, in the case of broccoli, cooking leads to a loss of the proteins, according to studies (1).

Cooking vegetables can affect vegetables differently. Cooking in water generally results in the loss of minerals and vitamins, especially the water soluble and thermal unstable vitamins, such as the B-vitamins and vitamin C and antioxidants, due to the leaching of nutrients. 

On the contrary, studies showed that microwave cooking and steaming could lead to increased concentrations of carotenoids and polyphenols, enhancing the antioxidant properties of the broccoli when compared to raw broccoli. Stir frying did not affect the antioxidants significantly (3).   

As a consequence, the water amount and the nutrient in the same amount of broccoli change after cooking by different cooking methods, resulting in the fact that the same caloric amount of broccoli will have different protein amounts.

Is broccoli a good source of proteins?

Yes, broccoli is considered a good source of protein, especially when compared to other vegetables (3). 

New varieties of broccoli have been bred in recent years to give improved nutritional properties. One example is the so-called kailan hybrid, which has twice the protein content compared to the conventional broccoli.

The protein content in broccoli varies from 1 to 4% im weight, depending on the variety. In general, the protein content in vegetables is below 1% in weight. 

However, broccoli has a very low protein content when compared to animal protein sources, such as meat and egg products, which contain 20 to 30% and 10.7 g of proteins, respectively (2); or other vegetables rich in proteins, such as wheat and barley, which contain 11 g of proteins in 100 g (4).

Can the proteins in 100 calories of raw broccoli vary?

Yes, the proteins in 100 calories of broccoli can vary. As any vegetable, broccoli can vary in its nutritional composition, depending on the variety, the growth conditions and the processing (in the case of processed vegetables).

Environmental conditions of growth and storage conditions and storage time can also result in different chemical and nutritional compositions and, finally, in different caloric amounts and protein amounts (3). 

Other FAQs about Broccoli that you may be interested in.

Can you cook broccoli in the oven?

Can you cook broccoli in air fryer?

Can you cook broccoli in a pan?

Conclusion

In this article, we answered the question “How much protein is in 100 calories of broccoli?” and discussed what if the proteins in 100 calories of raw broccoli are the same as in 100 calories of cooked broccoli and if broccoli is a good source of protein. 

References 

  1. Yuan GF, Sun B, Yuan J, Wang QM. Effects of different cooking methods on health-promoting compounds of broccoli. J Zhejiang Univ Sci B. 2009, 10, 580-8. 
  2. Food Central data. Broccoli. United States Department of Agriculture.
  3. Martínez-Hernandez, Ginés Benito, et al. New broccoli varieties with improved health benefits and suitability for the fresh–cut and fifth range industries: an opportunity to increase its consumption. Funct Genomics Health Benefits, 2013, 67-92. 
  4. González-Pérez, Sergio, and Juan B. Arellano. Vegetable protein isolates. Handbook of hydrocolloids. Woodhead Publishing, 2009. 383-419.