How Many Calories in Radicchio? Nutrition Facts & Macros
100 grams of radicchio has 23 calories
Protein 1.4g · Carbs 4.5g · Fat 0.3g
Radicchio is a vibrant red Italian chicory with a distinctive bitter flavor. At just 23 calories per 100g, it packs an impressive 255µg of vitamin K (212% DV), 60µg folate, 2.26mg vitamin E, and a remarkable 8830µg of lutein+zeaxanthin for eye health. Its deep red-purple color comes from anthocyanins — powerful antioxidants linked to heart health.
96 kJ · per 100g · Water: 93.1 g
Calorie Calculator: Radicchio
100 g Radicchio contains 23 kcal
Calories by Portion Size
| Portion | Calories | Protein | Carbs | Fat |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 cup shredded (40 g) | 9 kcal | 0.6g | 1.8g | 0.1g |
| 1 medium head (206 g) | 47 kcal | 2.9g | 9.2g | 0.5g |
| 100 grams | 23 kcal | 1.4g | 4.5g | 0.3g |
Radicchio — Nutrition Facts
| Radicchio | per 100g |
|---|---|
| Calories | 23 kcal |
| Protein | 1.43 g |
| Fat | 0.25 g |
| Carbs | 4.48 g |
| Saturated Fat | 0.06 g |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 0.01 g |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.11 g |
| Cholesterol | 0 mg |
| Fiber | 0.9 g |
| Sugar | 0.6 g |
| Sodium | 22 mg |
| Potassium | 302 mg |
| Calcium | 19 mg |
| Magnesium | 13 mg |
| Phosphorus | 40 mg |
| Iron | 0.57 mg |
| Zinc | 0.62 mg |
| Manganese | 0.138 mg |
| Selenium | 0.9 mcg |
| Vitamin A | 1 mcg |
| Vitamin C | 8 mg |
| Thiamine (B1) | 0.016 mg |
| Riboflavin (B2) | 0.028 mg |
| Niacin (B3) | 0.255 mg |
| Vitamin B6 | 0.057 mg |
| Folate | 60 mcg |
| Vitamin B12 | 0 mcg |
| Vitamin D | 0 mcg |
| Vitamin E | 2.26 mg |
| Vitamin K | 255 mcg |
| Water | 93.1 g |
Source: USDA FoodData Central (FDC ID: 168564) · Data verified September 2026
Variations
Chioggia (round)
The most common type — round, cabbage-like heads with deep burgundy-red leaves and prominent white ribs. The classic radicchio found in most supermarkets. Firm, compact, and the most intensely bitter variety. Best for grilling (halved) or shredding raw into salads.
Treviso (elongated)
Elongated like a large endive with more delicate, narrower leaves. Named after the Treviso province in Veneto, Italy. More refined flavor — still bitter but sweeter and more complex than Chioggia. Premium variety, often more expensive. Excellent grilled whole or halved lengthwise.
Grilled radicchio
Grilling transforms radicchio — the heat caramelizes the sugars, reducing bitterness and adding smoky sweetness. Cut in halves or quarters, brush with olive oil, grill 2-3 minutes per side. Calories increase slightly due to oil. A classic Italian antipasto, often drizzled with balsamic reduction.
Dietary Perspectives
For Weight Loss
Radicchio has only 23 calories per 100g — an extremely low-calorie food. At 93.1% water, it adds volume and crunch to meals without significant calories. The bitter compounds (lactucopicrin) may help reduce appetite. A full medium head (206g) has just 47 calories. Use it as a salad base instead of lettuce for vastly more nutrition at similar calories.
For Athletic Performance
Radicchio provides 302mg potassium — an important electrolyte for muscle function. The 255µg vitamin K supports bone health and blood clotting. The 8830µg lutein+zeaxanthin content is exceptional for eye health — relevant for outdoor athletes exposed to UV. The 60µg folate supports red blood cell production. Low in calories, so use as a nutrient-dense addition rather than a fuel source.
For Keto
Radicchio has 3.58g net carbs per 100g (4.48g total minus 0.9g fiber). Very keto-friendly — a generous salad serving of 80g has under 3g net carbs. The bitter flavor pairs exceptionally well with high-fat keto foods: grilled with olive oil and parmesan, wrapped around prosciutto and cream cheese, or in a warm salad with bacon and blue cheese. The bitterness stimulates bile production, which aids fat digestion.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many calories are in radicchio?
100g of radicchio has 23 calories with 4.48g carbs, 1.43g protein, and 0.25g fat. One medium head (~206g) has about 47 calories. It is 93.1% water. Radicchio has similar calories to lettuce but far more nutrients due to its pigmentation.
Why is radicchio so healthy?
Radicchio is exceptionally high in vitamin K (255µg — 212% DV), which is critical for blood clotting and bone health. It also contains 8830µg of lutein+zeaxanthin (one of the highest of any food — excellent for eye health), 60µg folate, and 2.26mg vitamin E. The red-purple pigments are anthocyanins with anti-inflammatory properties.
Can you eat radicchio on keto?
Radicchio has 4.48g carbs per 100g with 0.9g fiber = 3.58g net carbs. Very keto-friendly. A typical serving in a salad (50g) has under 2g net carbs. It adds beautiful color and bitter crunch to keto salads.
What does radicchio taste like?
Radicchio has a distinctive bitter, slightly spicy flavor with a crisp, crunchy texture. The bitterness mellows significantly when grilled, roasted, or braised. Raw, it adds a sophisticated bitter note to salads — similar to endive but more intense. Italian cuisine uses it extensively.
How do you prepare radicchio?
Raw in salads (tear leaves, pair with sweet elements like pear or balsamic). Grilled or roasted (halved, brushed with olive oil — the heat caramelizes and reduces bitterness). In risotto (stirred in at the end). As a pizza topping. Braised with wine and butter as a side dish. Remove the bitter core before using.
What are the different types of radicchio?
The most common is Chioggia (round, cabbage-like head). Treviso is elongated like a large endive with more delicate leaves. Castelfranco has pale green-cream leaves speckled with red — the mildest variety. All are Italian varieties of chicory (Cichorium intybus).