Carrots Macros: Complete Nutrition Facts & Calories

Reviewed by Dr. Michael Torres, PhD

Fresh carrots nutrition facts - 52 calories per cup

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:

ServingCaloriesProteinCarbsFiberNet Carbs
1 cup chopped (128g)521.2g12g3.6g8.4g
1 medium carrot (61g)250.6g6g1.7g4.3g
1 cup baby carrots (128g)531.2g12g3.6g8.4g
10 baby carrots (80g)330.8g8g2.3g5.7g
100g raw410.9g10g2.8g7.2g

Key insight: Carrots have more carbs than most vegetables but are still low-calorie and nutritious.

Carrots vs. Other Vegetables

Vegetable (1 cup)CaloriesNet Carbs
Carrots528.4g
Cauliflower273.2g
Broccoli313.6g
Celery141.4g
Bell peppers304g
Spinach70.4g

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 + DipCaloriesNet CarbsFat
1 cup carrots alone528.4g0.3g
+ 2 tbsp ranch1469.4g15g
+ 2 tbsp hummus12212.4g5g
+ 2 tbsp guacamole10210.4g5g
+ 2 tbsp cream cheese15110g10g

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):

NutrientPer Cup Raw% Daily Value
Vitamin A1069mcg119%
Vitamin K16.9mcg14%
Vitamin C7.6mg8%
Potassium410mg9%
Fiber3.6g13%

One cup provides more than a full day’s vitamin A—essential for eye health, immune function, and skin.

Fresh vs. Cooked Carrots

FormCalories (1 cup)Notes
Raw52Crunchy, great for snacking
Boiled55Softer, sweeter
Roasted52 + oilCaramelized flavor
Steamed55Retains more nutrients

Cooking slightly increases sugar content (starches convert to sugar) but doesn’t significantly change macros.

Baby Carrots vs. Regular Carrots

TypeMacrosNotes
Baby carrotsSame per gramCut from larger carrots
Baby-cut carrotsSameJust regular carrots cut small
True baby carrotsSameHarvested 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.

Sarah Chen
Sarah Chen, MS, RD

Sarah Chen is a registered dietitian with over 10 years of experience helping clients achieve sustainable weight management through evidence-based nutrition strategies. She specializes in macro-based nutrition planning and has worked with competitive athletes, corporate wellness programs, and individual clients seeking body composition changes.

View all articles by Sarah →

Note: Nutrition values are approximate and may vary based on preparation method and source.