Carrots Macros: Complete Nutrition Facts & Calories
Reviewed by Dr. Michael Torres, PhD
Carrots are the perfect healthy snack—crunchy, naturally sweet, and loaded with vitamin A. At 52 calories per cup with 8 grams of net carbs, they’re low enough to fit most diets while offering satisfying volume and excellent nutrition.
This guide covers carrot macros so you can enjoy this classic vegetable confidently.
Carrots Macros: Quick Reference
Here’s the complete carrot nutrition breakdown:
| Serving | Calories | Protein | Carbs | Fiber | Net Carbs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 cup chopped (128g) | 52 | 1.2g | 12g | 3.6g | 8.4g |
| 1 medium carrot (61g) | 25 | 0.6g | 6g | 1.7g | 4.3g |
| 1 cup baby carrots (128g) | 53 | 1.2g | 12g | 3.6g | 8.4g |
| 10 baby carrots (80g) | 33 | 0.8g | 8g | 2.3g | 5.7g |
| 100g raw | 41 | 0.9g | 10g | 2.8g | 7.2g |
Key insight: Carrots have more carbs than most vegetables but are still low-calorie and nutritious.
Carrots vs. Other Vegetables
| Vegetable (1 cup) | Calories | Net Carbs |
|---|---|---|
| Carrots | 52 | 8.4g |
| Cauliflower | 27 | 3.2g |
| Broccoli | 31 | 3.6g |
| Celery | 14 | 1.4g |
| Bell peppers | 30 | 4g |
| Spinach | 7 | 0.4g |
Carrots are higher-carb than most vegetables but still fit well in most diets.
Understanding Macronutrients
Carrots are a carbohydrate-containing vegetable. To understand how carbs fit your nutrition plan, learn about what macronutrients are.
How Carrots Fit Different Diets
Keto and Low-Carb
Carrots require portion awareness on keto:
- 1 cup = 8.4g net carbs (moderate)
- 1 medium carrot = 4.3g net carbs (fits easier)
- 10 baby carrots = 5.7g net carbs
Keto strategy: Use carrots as an accent or crunchy snack, not a main vegetable side. Pair with high-fat dips.
Calorie Deficit / Weight Loss
Carrots are excellent for weight loss:
- 52 calories per cup
- Satisfying crunch reduces cravings
- Takes time to eat (slows consumption)
- Pairs with low-calorie dips
High-Volume Eating
Carrots provide satisfying volume:
- Crunchy and filling
- Portable for snacking
- Kid-friendly healthy option
Flexible Dieting
Carrots fit flexible dieting easily—track them and enjoy. The carbs are moderate but manageable.
Carrots with Dips (Macros)
| Carrots + Dip | Calories | Net Carbs | Fat |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 cup carrots alone | 52 | 8.4g | 0.3g |
| + 2 tbsp ranch | 146 | 9.4g | 15g |
| + 2 tbsp hummus | 122 | 12.4g | 5g |
| + 2 tbsp guacamole | 102 | 10.4g | 5g |
| + 2 tbsp cream cheese | 151 | 10g | 10g |
Lowest calorie dip: Salsa (~10 cal/2 tbsp) or plain Greek yogurt dip (~20 cal/2 tbsp)
Meal Ideas with Carrots
Healthy Snack Plate (180 cal, 8g protein, 18g carbs, 9g fat)
- 1 cup baby carrots
- 3 tbsp hummus
- Cucumber slices
Roasted Carrot Side (120 cal, 2g protein, 16g carbs, 5g fat)
- 1.5 cups carrots
- 1 tsp olive oil
- Herbs, honey glaze
Carrot Salad (150 cal, 4g protein, 20g carbs, 6g fat)
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- Raisins (1 tbsp)
- Light mayo dressing
Stir-Fry with Carrots (280 cal, 30g protein, 18g carbs, 8g fat)
- 1/2 cup sliced carrots
- 4 oz chicken
- Other vegetables
- Soy sauce, ginger
Carrot Sticks Lunch (100 cal, 3g protein, 16g carbs, 3g fat)
- 10 baby carrots
- 1 tbsp almond butter
Calculate Your Macros
Use our macro calculator to determine your daily targets, then fit carrots into your vegetable choices.
Vitamin A Powerhouse
Carrots are famous for vitamin A (beta-carotene):
| Nutrient | Per Cup Raw | % Daily Value |
|---|---|---|
| Vitamin A | 1069mcg | 119% |
| Vitamin K | 16.9mcg | 14% |
| Vitamin C | 7.6mg | 8% |
| Potassium | 410mg | 9% |
| Fiber | 3.6g | 13% |
One cup provides more than a full day’s vitamin A—essential for eye health, immune function, and skin.
Fresh vs. Cooked Carrots
| Form | Calories (1 cup) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Raw | 52 | Crunchy, great for snacking |
| Boiled | 55 | Softer, sweeter |
| Roasted | 52 + oil | Caramelized flavor |
| Steamed | 55 | Retains more nutrients |
Cooking slightly increases sugar content (starches convert to sugar) but doesn’t significantly change macros.
Baby Carrots vs. Regular Carrots
| Type | Macros | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Baby carrots | Same per gram | Cut from larger carrots |
| Baby-cut carrots | Same | Just regular carrots cut small |
| True baby carrots | Same | Harvested young (rare in stores) |
Bottom line: Baby carrots and regular carrots have identical nutrition. Choose based on convenience.
Common Carrot Questions
Do Carrots Spike Blood Sugar?
Carrots have a low glycemic load despite moderate glycemic index. The fiber content means they don’t significantly spike blood sugar for most people. Diabetics can generally eat carrots in reasonable portions.
Can Carrots Turn Your Skin Orange?
Yes, eating very large amounts (multiple pounds) can cause carotenemia—a harmless orange tint to skin from excess beta-carotene. This is rare with normal consumption and reverses when you reduce intake.
Are Carrots High in Sugar?
Carrots have 6g natural sugar per cup—sweet for a vegetable but low compared to fruits. The sugar is natural and comes with fiber, vitamins, and minimal calories.
Raw or Cooked—Which Is Healthier?
Both are nutritious. Raw carrots have slightly more vitamin C. Cooking increases beta-carotene absorption. Eat both ways for optimal nutrition.
How Long Do Carrots Last?
- Whole carrots: 3-4 weeks refrigerated
- Baby carrots: 2-3 weeks refrigerated
- Peeled/cut: 2-3 days in water, refrigerated
- Cooked: 3-5 days refrigerated
Final Thoughts
Carrots are a smart addition to any diet:
- 52 calories per cup—low and satisfying
- 8.4g net carbs—moderate but manageable
- Loaded with vitamin A—119% daily value per cup
- Perfect snack—crunchy, portable, no prep
For strict keto, watch portions. For everyone else, carrots offer excellent nutrition with minimal caloric impact. Keep baby carrots on hand for healthy snacking, and you’ll always have a macro-friendly option ready.
Note: Nutrition values are approximate and may vary based on preparation method and source.


