1 cup (chopped) of Red Cabbage (90 g) has 28 calories. That works out to 31 calories per 100 g. It contains 6.7 g of carbs, 1.3 g of protein, 0.2 g of fat and 1.9 g of fiber. Its 51.3 mg of Vitamin C covers 57% of the Daily Value. Its glycemic index is 10 (low), so it raises blood sugar slowly.

What is Red Cabbage?

Red cabbage is a firm-headed variety of cabbage, recognised by its tightly layered purple-red leaves. It can be eaten raw or cooked, and appears in many cuisines: finely shredded in slaws, pickled, or slowly braised as a side dish. Raw leaves are crisp, with a mild, slightly peppery sweetness; cooking softens them and brings out a gentler sweetness.

Serve it with roasted meats, tuck it into sandwiches, or combine it with apple or citrus for a bright salad. It provides fibre and vitamin C, while remaining low in calories. For a quick, tender slaw, slice it thinly and briefly massage with salt and a little lemon juice or vinegar.

Red Cabbage Nutrition Facts

Selected: 100 g

KCAL / 100G

Carbs

7.4g

· 3% DV

Protein

1.4g

· 3% DV

Fat

0.2g

· 0% DV

Fiber

2.1g

· 8% DV

DV is the share of the daily value covered, on a 2,000 kcal reference diet.

Calories come from: Carbs 80% · Protein 15% · Fat 5%

Red Cabbage Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamins

Vitamin C

57mg · 63% DV

Vitamin K

35µg · 29% DV

0.2mg · 12% DV

Folate

43µg · 11% DV

Minerals

Potassium ⭐

240mg · 7% DV

Iron

1mg · 6% DV

Calcium

45mg · 5% DV

Magnesium

16mg · 4% DV

How Nutritious Is Red Cabbage?

Nutrient density

Very high

85/ 100

How many vitamins, minerals and how much fiber this food carries per calorie. A high score means a lot of nutrition for few calories.

Satiety score

Medium

50/ 100

An EatBetter score computed from fiber, protein and calorie density. A high score means staying full longer on the same calories.

Both scores are calculated per 100 g and do not change with the selected portion. The satiety score is EatBetter's own calculation, not a clinical measure.

Red Cabbage Glycemic Index

GLYCEMIC INDEX

Low

0 Low5570100

GLYCEMIC LOAD

Low

Accounts for portion size — a more realistic measure than GI alone.

How to Burn Off Red Cabbage

To burn the 31 calories in 100 g:

🚶

8min

Walking (5 km/h)

🏃

3min

Running (8 km/h)

🚴

4min

Cycling

🏊

4min

Swimming

Times are calculated with the MET equation for a 70 kg adult. Actual burn varies with your weight, age and pace.

Is Red Cabbage Processed?

NOVA 1

Unprocessed

1. Unprocessed

2. Minimally Processed

3. Processed

4. Ultra-Processed

NOVA classifies foods into 4 groups by industrial processing. NOVA 1 (unprocessed) is the healthiest.

Does Red Cabbage Contain Allergens?

No known major allergens

Gluten free

Dairy free

Eggs free

Peanuts free

Tree nuts free

Fish free

Soy free

Sesame free

Which Diets Is Red Cabbage Good For?

Vegan

✓ Suitable

Vegetarian

✓ Suitable

Gluten-Free

✓ Suitable

Dairy-Free

— Not suitable

Mediterranean

✓ Suitable

Paleo

✓ Suitable

Whole30

— Not suitable

DASH

— Not suitable

Keto

✓ Suitable

Low FODMAP

— Not suitable

Red Cabbage Fat Profile

SATURATED

0.03g

MONOUNSATURATED

0.01g

POLYUNSATURATED

0.04g

⚖️

Omega 6:3 ratio 0.7:1

Below the ideal 4:1 — a good omega balance.

Compare Red Cabbage

🥬vs🍅

Red Cabbage vs Tomato13 kcal more per 100 g

→🥬vs🥗

Red Cabbage vs Mixed Green Salad13 kcal more per 100 g

→🥬vs🫑

Red Cabbage vs Red PepperSame calories per 100 g

→🥬vs🥄

Red Cabbage vs Boiled Beetroot13 kcal fewer per 100 g

→

Foods Similar to Red Cabbage

🍅

Tomato

18 kcal

🥗

Mixed Green Salad

18 kcal

🫑

Red Pepper

31 kcal

🥄

Boiled Beetroot

44 kcal

🫑

Green pepper

20 kcal

🥗

Potato Salad

110 kcal

🥗

Arugula

25 kcal

🥕🥦🍆

Oven-Roasted Mixed Vegetables

65 kcal

Frequently Asked Questions About Red Cabbage

Can you eat red cabbage raw?

Yes, red cabbage is safe to eat raw and is commonly shredded into slaws and salads. Its leaves are crisp and firm, so slice them thinly; tossing them with a little salt or dressing helps soften them before serving.

How do you keep red cabbage from turning blue when cooking?

Add an acidic ingredient such as vinegar, lemon juice, or apple to red cabbage while it cooks. Its natural pigments react to acidity, so a more acidic cooking liquid helps the cabbage keep a red-purple color instead of turning bluish.

How long does red cabbage last in the fridge?

A whole red cabbage can keep for weeks in the refrigerator when stored dry in the vegetable drawer. Wrap a cut side or seal the cut cabbage in a container, and use it sooner because exposed leaves dry out more quickly.

Can you freeze red cabbage?

Yes, red cabbage freezes well for cooked dishes. Shred it, briefly blanch it, cool and drain it, then pack it airtight for the freezer. Thawed cabbage becomes softer, so it works better in braises and soups than in crunchy slaw.

What does red cabbage taste like?

Red cabbage has a crisp texture and a mild, slightly peppery cabbage flavor, often with a touch of sweetness. Raw leaves taste fresher and crunchier, while slow cooking brings out more sweetness and makes them tender.

How do you shred red cabbage for coleslaw?

Cut the red cabbage into quarters, remove the firm core, and slice each quarter crosswise into thin strips. A sharp knife or mandoline makes even shreds; keep fingers clear if using a mandoline, as its blade is very sharp.

Why does red cabbage turn pink when you add vinegar?

Red cabbage turns brighter pink or red in vinegar because its natural pigments respond to acidic conditions. This color change is normal and is one reason vinegar or citrus is often added to cabbage salads and braised dishes.

Is red cabbage healthier than green cabbage?

Red cabbage offers anthocyanin pigments that give it its deep color, while both red and green cabbage are nutritious vegetables. Choosing red cabbage adds color and a different mix of plant compounds, but either variety can be part of a healthy diet.

Can you eat the outer leaves of red cabbage?

Yes, the outer leaves of red cabbage are edible if they are fresh and clean. Remove leaves that are damaged, wilted, or dirty, then rinse the remaining cabbage under running water before slicing or cooking it.

Can you cook red cabbage in a pan?

Yes, red cabbage cooks well in a pan; slice it thinly and sauté it with a little oil until tender. Add a splash of vinegar or lemon juice to balance its flavor and help the cooked cabbage retain its vivid color.

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Nutrition data compiled from USDA FoodData Central and scientific sources.

· Last updated: September 24, 2026