Brussels Sprouts vs Carrots

Side-by-side macro comparison. Brussels Sprouts vs Carrots per their standard serving sizes.

Brussels Sprouts

per 1 cup (88g)

38 cal
3g Protein
8g Carbs
0.3g Fat
Full Brussels Sprouts macros →
vs

Carrots

per 1 medium (61g)

25 cal
0.6g Protein
6g Carbs
0.1g Fat
Full Carrots macros →

Macro Comparison Table

Macro Brussels Sprouts Carrots Difference
Calories 38 cal 25 cal +52% Brussels
Protein 3g 0.6g +400% Brussels
Carbs 8g 6g +33% Brussels
Fat 0.3g 0.1g +200% Brussels

Differences shown relative to Brussels Sprouts. Positive = Brussels Sprouts has more.

Quick Take

Brussels Sprouts delivers 38 calories per serving with 3g protein, 8g carbs, and 0.3g fat. Carrots delivers 25 calories with 0.6g protein, 6g carbs, and 0.1g fat. The most meaningful difference: they're within 13 calories per serving, so calorie load is essentially equivalent. Both deliver similar protein density.

When to Pick Each

For Cutting / Weight Loss

When cutting on a tight calorie budget, Carrots gives you 13 more calories of headroom per serving — that's room for an extra snack, more vegetables, or a higher-protein second portion. If protein density matters more (which it does for preserving muscle on a deficit), Brussels Sprouts delivers more grams of protein per calorie consumed.

For Bulking / Muscle Gain

For muscle gain, you want calories AND protein. Brussels Sprouts brings 38 calories — useful when you're chasing a surplus and struggling to eat enough. Brussels Sprouts delivers 3g of protein per serving, which directly feeds muscle protein synthesis. The best pick depends on whether you need more total calories or more usable protein.

For Keto / Low-Carb

Both Brussels Sprouts and Carrots are keto-friendly with under 10g carbs per serving.

Frequently Asked

Which has more protein, Brussels Sprouts or Carrots?

Brussels Sprouts has more protein: 3g vs 0.6g per serving. That's a difference of 2.4g.

Which has fewer calories, Brussels Sprouts or Carrots?

Carrots has 25 calories per serving vs 38 calories in Brussels Sprouts — a difference of 13 calories.

Is Brussels Sprouts or Carrots better for keto?

Carrots is the better keto choice at 6g carbs per serving vs 8g carbs in Brussels Sprouts.

Is Brussels Sprouts or Carrots better for weight loss?

For weight loss, Carrots gives you more calorie flexibility (13 cal less per serving). For preserving muscle during a deficit, Brussels Sprouts delivers more protein per calorie. Most people on cuts benefit from Brussels Sprouts.

Which Is Better for Your Goal?

🔥 Weight Loss

Brussels Sprouts

Higher protein-to-calorie density + lower absolute fat = more satiety per calorie.

💪 Muscle Gain

Brussels Sprouts

Higher absolute protein per serving better supports muscle protein synthesis.

🥑 Low-Carb / Keto

Carrots

Lower carbohydrate content fits keto and low-carb macros without burning your carb budget.

Both fit most balanced diets. These verdicts reflect macro-only comparisons — taste, satiety, cost, and personal preference also matter.

Find Your Personal Macros

The "right" food depends on your individual macro targets. Calculate yours in 60 seconds:

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Related Comparisons

Other ways Brussels Sprouts and Carrots stack up:

Full Brussels Sprouts guideFull Carrots guideAll comparisons