Are Collard Greens High In Calories

Collard greens are not high in calories at all, and that’s one of the many reasons they deserve a spot on your plate.
 
A full cup of cooked collard greens contains only about 63 calories, which is incredibly low for such a nutrient-dense food.
 
So if you’ve been wondering, “are collard greens high in calories?”, the short answer is no — they’re actually one of the lowest-calorie leafy greens you can eat.
 
In this post, we’ll break down the calorie count of collard greens, why they’re considered a low-calorie superfood, and how you can enjoy them without worrying about your waistline.
 
Let’s dig in.
 

Why Collard Greens Are Not High in Calories

Collard greens are not high in calories, and here’s why they’re such a smart choice for anyone watching their weight.
 

1. They’re Mostly Water

Like most leafy greens, collard greens are made up of around 90% water.
 
Water adds volume and weight to your food without adding any calories.
 
That means you can eat a big, satisfying bowl of collard greens and still barely make a dent in your daily calorie budget.
 
This high water content is a big reason why collard greens are not high in calories.
 

2. They’re Packed With Fiber

A single cup of cooked collard greens gives you about 5 grams of dietary fiber.
 
Fiber keeps you feeling full for longer, so you’re less likely to snack on high-calorie junk later.
 
And here’s the best part: fiber itself has almost no calories because your body can’t fully digest it.
 
So when people ask if collard greens are high in calories, the fiber content is one reason the answer is a firm no.
 

3. They Have Almost No Fat

Collard greens contain less than half a gram of fat per cup.
 
That tiny amount of fat is mostly healthy unsaturated fat, which is good for your heart.
 
Since fat has 9 calories per gram, foods high in fat tend to be calorie bombs.
 
Collard greens don’t fall into that trap, which keeps their calorie count low.
 

4. They’re Low in Carbs and Sugar

One cup of cooked collard greens has only about 5 grams of net carbs and less than 1 gram of sugar.
 
That’s great news for anyone on a low-carb or keto diet.
 
Those carbs come mostly from fiber and complex starches, not simple sugars.
 
So collard greens are not high in calories because they simply don’t carry the heavy carbohydrate load that starchy vegetables do.
 

How Many Calories Are in Collard Greens?

Let’s get specific about the numbers, because this really shows why collard greens are not high in calories.
 

1. Raw Collard Greens

One cup of chopped raw collard greens has just 11 calories.
 
Yes, you read that right — 11 calories.
 
That’s about the same as a single almond.
 
Raw collard greens are almost calorie-free, which makes them perfect for salads and smoothies.
 

2. Cooked Collard Greens

One cup of boiled or steamed collard greens without added fat has around 63 calories.
 
The jump from 11 to 63 happens because cooking concentrates the leaves and removes water.
 
But even at 63 calories per cup, collard greens are still not high in calories.
 
Compare that to a cup of cooked macaroni, which has over 200 calories, and you’ll see the difference.
 

3. What About Southern-Style Collard Greens?

Traditional Southern collard greens are often cooked with smoked turkey, ham hocks, or bacon, which adds fat and calories.
 
A cup of collard greens cooked this way can jump to 150 calories or more.
 
But that extra calorie load comes from the meat and added oils, not from the greens themselves.
 
So collard greens are not high in calories — it’s the cooking method that changes things.
 

Are Collard Greens High in Calories Compared to Other Greens?

Collard greens are not high in calories compared to other popular leafy greens.
 
Here’s a quick comparison for one cup cooked:
 
Kale has about 36 calories, spinach about 41 calories, and mustard greens about 21 calories.
 
Collard greens come in at around 63 calories, which is slightly higher but still very low.
 
The difference is partly because collard greens are denser and hold up better to cooking.
 
But when you look at the big picture, collard greens are not high in calories at all.
 
They’re in the same low-calorie league as broccoli, cabbage, and Swiss chard.
 

1. Nutrient Density Matters More Than Calories

What really sets collard greens apart is how many nutrients they pack into those few calories.
 
One cup gives you over 100% of your daily vitamin K, plus vitamin A, vitamin C, calcium, and iron.
 
You’d have to eat hundreds of calories of other foods to get the same nutritional punch.
 
So collard greens are not high in calories — they’re high in value.
 

2. They Fit Into Weight Loss Diets Easily

Because collard greens are not high in calories, they’re a staple in many weight loss plans.
 
You can fill half your plate with them and still stay well under your calorie goal.
 
They also add fiber and water, which help curb cravings naturally.
 
That’s why nutritionists often recommend collard greens for anyone trying to shed pounds.
 

So, Are Collard Greens High in Calories?

Collard greens are not high in calories at all — a cup of cooked greens has only about 63 calories.
 
That low calorie count comes from their high water content, fiber, and minimal fat and carbs.
 
Just be mindful of how you cook them, since added meats and oils can raise the calories significantly.
 
So if you’re watching your weight, go ahead and enjoy collard greens — they’re a delicious, guilt-free choice.