Cauliflower glycemic index

Cauliflower has no measurable glycemic index: a 80 g serving (1 side portion) has only 2.4 g of available carbohydrate, so its glycemic load is about 0 and it barely raises blood sugar on its own.

Also known as: cauliflower rice

Glycemic indexNone
—
too little carbohydrate
Glycemic loadLow
<1
per 80 g
  • Serving80 g
  • Available carbs2.4 g
  • Fiber1.6 g
  • Sugars1.5 g
  • Protein1.5 g
  • Calories20 kcal

Serving: 1 side portion.

What to know

Cauliflower is low in carbohydrate and has no measurable GI. Cauliflower rice or a half-cauliflower mash lowers the glycemic load of rice and potato dishes.

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Frequently asked questions

Does cauliflower have a glycemic index?

Not a measurable one. GI can only be tested in foods with enough carbohydrate: the test needs a 25 or 50 g carbohydrate portion. Cauliflower has 3 g per 100 g, so its direct effect on blood sugar is minimal and its glycemic load is about 0.

Does cauliflower raise blood sugar?

Barely, on its own. What matters more is what you eat it with: bread, rice, potatoes, sauces or sugary drinks. Pairing carbohydrate foods with protein, fat or fiber tends to soften the rise.

How many carbs are in cauliflower?

A 80 g serving has about 4 g of total carbohydrate, including 1.6 g of fiber, leaving 2.4 g of available carbohydrate (the part that raises blood sugar). Per 100 g: 5 g of carbohydrate.

Nutrition facts

per 100 gServing (80 g)
Calories25 kcal20 kcal
Carbohydrates5 g4 g
Available carbs3 g2.4 g
Fiber2 g1.6 g
Sugars1.9 g1.5 g
Protein1.9 g1.5 g
Fat0.3 g0.2 g

Source: USDA FoodData Central, Cauliflower, raw (SR Legacy, FDC 169986). Available carbohydrate = total carbohydrate minus fiber.

Sources: Atkinson FS, Brand-Miller JC, Foster-Powell K, Buyken AE, Goletzke J. International tables of glycemic index and glycemic load values 2021: a systematic review. Am J Clin Nutr. 2021;114(5):1625–1632. USDA FoodData Central. How we calculate each value: Methodology & sources.

Data last reviewed 2026-09-29.