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Onions, cooked, boiled, drained, without salt

Vegetables Per 100 g · Per 100g serving
Data sources: 42 AFCD 48 SR Legacy

Onions, cooked, boiled, drained, without salt is a vegetable, providing just 44.0 calories per 100g. It is a good source of Vitamin C, providing 30% of the Daily Value per 100g. This vegetable is a useful source of fiber, virtually fat-free. Vegetables provide essential vitamins, minerals, and dietary fiber with relatively few calories. They are a cornerstone of virtually every dietary guideline worldwide. Our database tracks 90 nutrients for this food, plus insulin index, polyphenol profile, environmental footprint data.

44.0
Calories
kcal
1.4
Protein
g
0.20
Fat
g
10.2
Carbs
g
4.0
Fiber
g

Top Nutrients

☀️
Vitamin C
27.0 mg
30% DV
💎
Iron
1.1 mg
14% DV
☀️
Vitamin B6
0.17 mg
13% DV

Data for 90 of 150 tracked nutrients

Nutrient Fingerprint

How this food scores across key nutrient categories, as a percentage of the daily recommended value per 100 g. Based on USDA DRIs for adults.

Complete Nutrient Profile

Macronutrients 10
NutrientPer 100gUnitPer Serving% DV
Water AFCD88.5g
2%
Calories SR44.0kcal
Energy (kJ) SR184kj
Protein SR1.4g
2%
Total Fat AFCD0.20g
Carbohydrate SR10.2g
8%
Fiber AFCD4.0g
10%
Total Sugars SR4.7g
Starch AFCD0g
Ash AFCD1.1g
Minerals 10
NutrientPer 100gUnitPer Serving% DV
Calcium AFCD84.0mg
8%
Iron AFCD1.1mg
14%
Magnesium AFCD49.0mg
12%
Phosphorus AFCD61.0mg
9%
Potassium AFCD271mg
8%
Sodium AFCD2.0mg
0%
Zinc AFCD0.61mg
6%
Copper SR0.07mg
7%
Manganese SR0.15mg
7%
Selenium AFCD0.70µg
1%
Vitamins 29
NutrientPer 100gUnitPer Serving% DV
Vitamin A (RAE) AFCD16.0µg
2%
Vitamin A (IU) SR0IU
Retinol AFCD0µg
Beta-Carotene AFCD97.0µg
Alpha-Carotene SR0µg
Beta-Cryptoxanthin SR0µg
Lycopene SR0µg
Lutein + Zeaxanthin SR4.0µg
Vitamin C AFCD27.0mg
30%
Vitamin D SR0µg
Vitamin D (IU) AFCD0IU
Vitamin D2 AFCD0µg
Vitamin D3 AFCD0µg
Vitamin E AFCD0.30mg
2%
Beta-Tocopherol SR0mg
Gamma-Tocopherol SR0mg
Delta-Tocopherol SR0mg
Vitamin K1 SR0.50µg
0%
Thiamin (B1) AFCD0.08mg
6%
Riboflavin (B2) AFCD0.13mg
10%
Niacin (B3) AFCD1.1mg
7%
Pantothenic Acid (B5) SR0.11mg
2%
Vitamin B6 AFCD0.17mg
13%
Folate AFCD42.0µg
10%
Folic Acid SR0µg
Folate (food) AFCD42.0µg
Folate (DFE) AFCD42.0µg
Vitamin B12 AFCD0µg
Choline SR6.8mg
1%
Fatty Acids 10
NutrientPer 100gUnitPer Serving% DV
Saturated Fat AFCD0.06g
Monounsaturated Fat AFCD0.04g
Polyunsaturated Fat AFCD0.07g
Trans Fat AFCD0g
Cholesterol AFCD0mg
Phytosterols SR18.0mg
Omega-3 ALA AFCD0g
Omega-3 EPA AFCD0g
Omega-3 DPA AFCD0g
Omega-3 DHA AFCD0g
Individual Fatty Acids 10
NutrientPer 100gUnitPer Serving% DV
Butyric Acid (4:0) SR0g
Caproic Acid (6:0) SR0g
Caprylic Acid (8:0) SR0g
Capric Acid (10:0) SR0g
Lauric Acid (12:0) SR0g
Myristic Acid (14:0) SR0.001g
Palmitic Acid (16:0) SR0.03g
Stearic Acid (18:0) SR0.002g
Linoleic Acid (18:2) AFCD0.06g
0%
Linolenic Acid (18:3) SR0.004g
Amino Acids 18
NutrientPer 100gUnitPer Serving% DV
Tryptophan AFCD0.03g
Threonine SR0.03g
Isoleucine SR0.05g
Leucine SR0.05g
Lysine SR0.07g
Methionine SR0.01g
Cystine SR0.02g
Phenylalanine SR0.04g
Tyrosine SR0.03g
Valine SR0.03g
Arginine SR0.18g
Histidine SR0.02g
Alanine SR0.04g
Aspartic Acid SR0.07g
Glutamic Acid SR0.22g
Glycine SR0.06g
Proline SR0.04g
Serine SR0.04g
Other 3
NutrientPer 100gUnitPer Serving% DV
Caffeine AFCD0mg
Theobromine SR0mg
Alcohol AFCD0g

Nutrient Density Score

The NRF9.3 score measures overall nutritional quality per 100 kcal. It rewards 9 nutrients to encourage (protein, fiber, vitamins A, C, E, calcium, iron, magnesium, potassium) and penalizes 3 to limit (saturated fat, added sugars, sodium). Higher is better; negative scores indicate the food is high in limit nutrients relative to its beneficial content.

183
NRF9.3 Score
Excellent · per 100 kcal
Poor (<0) Moderate Good Excellent (100+)

NRF9.3 index: Fulgoni et al. (2009), J Nutr 139(8). DVs based on FDA 2020 reference values.

Nutrient Interactions in This Food

Nutrients in this food that enhance or compete with each other during absorption.

✔ Synergies — nutrients that help each other

Vitamin C + Iron●●●

Vitamin C dramatically enhances non-heme iron absorption by reducing Fe³⁺ to Fe²⁺ in the gut. Adding 75 mg vitamin C to a meal can increase iron absorption 3–4 fold.

Hallberg et al., Am J Clin Nutr, 1989

Vitamin B6 + Magnesium●●

Vitamin B6 may enhance intracellular magnesium accumulation. Combined supplementation has shown greater benefits for stress and anxiety than magnesium alone.

Pouteau et al., PLoS One, 2018

Vitamin C + Calcium●●

Vitamin C supports collagen synthesis, which provides the structural framework for calcium deposition in bone tissue.

Aghajanian et al., Nutrients, 2015

Vitamin B6 + Folate●●

Vitamin B6 is a cofactor in folate-dependent one-carbon metabolism. Together with B12, these three nutrients regulate homocysteine levels.

Selhub, J Nutr Health Aging, 2002

⚠ Antagonisms — nutrients that compete

Calcium vs Iron●●●

Calcium inhibits both heme and non-heme iron absorption when consumed in the same meal. The effect is dose-dependent, with significant inhibition at 300+ mg calcium.

Hallberg et al., Am J Clin Nutr, 1991

Zinc vs Copper●●●

High zinc intake induces metallothionein in enterocytes, which traps copper and blocks its absorption. Prolonged high-dose zinc can cause copper deficiency.

Prasad et al., JAMA, 1978; Fosmire, Am J Clin Nutr, 1990

Zinc vs Iron●●

Zinc and non-heme iron compete for the same intestinal transporter (DMT1). High doses of one can reduce absorption of the other when taken simultaneously.

Rossander-Hulten et al., Am J Clin Nutr, 1991

Calcium vs Magnesium●●

Very high calcium intake can reduce magnesium absorption by competing for shared intestinal transport pathways. A calcium:magnesium ratio above 2.6:1 may impair magnesium status.

Rosanoff et al., Nutr Rev, 2012

Fiber vs Iron●●

Phytates in high-fibre foods (whole grains, legumes) bind non-heme iron and reduce its bioavailability. Soaking, sprouting, and fermentation reduce phytate content.

Hurrell & Egli, Int J Vitam Nutr Res, 2010

Amino Acid Profile

Essential amino acid composition compared to the WHO/FAO adult reference pattern. The Amino Acid Score indicates protein quality — 100 means all essential amino acid requirements are met.

58
Amino Acid Score
Moderate
Valine
Limiting Amino Acid
18
Amino Acids Tracked

Tip: The limiting amino acid is Valine. Pair with dairy, meat, and soy for a complete amino acid profile.

All Amino Acids (18)
Amino Acidg / 100gmg / g protein
Tryptophan0.0321.3
Threonine0.0324.3
Isoleucine0.0535.3
Leucine0.0535.3
Lysine0.0747.8
Methionine0.018.1
Cystine0.0217.6
Phenylalanine0.0425.7
Tyrosine0.0325.0
Valine0.0322.8
Arginine0.18134.6
Histidine0.0216.2
Alanine0.0427.9
Aspartic Acid0.0754.4
Glutamic Acid0.22161.8
Glycine0.0641.9
Proline0.0430.9
Serine0.0429.4

How Cooking Changes Nutrients

Estimated percentage of each nutrient retained after cooking, based on USDA retention factors for the “Other Vegetables” food category. Values of 100% mean no loss; lower values indicate nutrients lost to heat, water, or oxidation.

Key insights
Folate loses up to 31% when boiled (drained). Boiled (water used) retains 85%.
Choline loses up to 10% when fried. Boiled (drained) retains 100%.

Source: USDA Table of Nutrient Retention Factors, Release 6 (2007). Retention values are category-level averages — actual retention depends on cooking time, temperature, and water volume.

USDA Retention Factors

Insulin Response

The Insulin Index (II) measures the actual insulin response to food on a scale where white bread = 100. Unlike the Glycemic Index (which only measures blood sugar), the II captures the full hormonal response — including the effect of protein and fat on insulin secretion. This is why high-protein foods like meat and dairy can have significant insulin scores despite having low or zero GI values.

68
Insulin Index
High Insulin Response
Insulin Index Scale 68
0 Low ≤30 Mod ≤60 High ≤100 120
Macro Model ●● Estimated from macronutrient composition (R²=0.49)

Source: Holt et al. 1997; Bao et al. 2016; Bell 2014

Polyphenols & Bioactive Compounds

Polyphenols are plant-derived compounds with antioxidant properties. Higher intake is associated with reduced cardiovascular risk and improved gut health.

64
Total Polyphenols
mg per 100g · Moderate
2
Polyphenol Classes
identified in this food
Flavonoids52 mg81%
Phenolic Acids12 mg19%

Processing Impact on Polyphenols

How common cooking methods affect polyphenol content in vegetables. Retention % is relative to the raw/unprocessed food.

Best Method
Freezing
92% retained
Most Loss
Canning
48% retained
🧊
Freezing92%
Minimal degradation; blanch before freezing for best results≈59 mg
♨️
Steaming90%
Best cooking method for polyphenol retention — no water contact≈58 mg
📡
Microwaving85%
Short cooking time and minimal water preserve most polyphenols≈54 mg
🫧
Blanching82%
Brief water contact limits losses; inactivates polyphenol oxidase≈52 mg
🍳
Stir-frying80%
Brief heat exposure; oil may extract some fat-soluble compounds≈51 mg
⏲️
Pressure cooking75%
Higher temperature but shorter time than boiling; moderate retent≈48 mg
🔥
Baking/Roasting72%
Extended dry heat causes moderate degradation≈46 mg
🍟
Deep frying65%
High temperature and oil immersion accelerate degradation≈42 mg
🫕
Boiling60%
Major losses from leaching; consuming cooking water recovers some≈38 mg
🥫
Canning48%
Most destructive common method — prolonged heat and water contact≈31 mg

Health Associations

Research-backed associations for the polyphenol classes found in this food. Evidence strength rated from systematic reviews and meta-analyses.

💜
↓ Cardiovascular disease riskModerate
Flavonoids: Meta-analyses of prospective cohorts show 10-20% lower CVD risk with higher flav
💜
↓ Blood pressureModerate
Flavonoids: RCTs show modest systolic BP reductions (2-5 mmHg) with flavanol-rich cocoa and
🔵
↑ Antioxidant capacityStrong
Phenolic Acids: Chlorogenic acid (coffee) and ferulic acid (grains) show consistent antioxidant
🔵
↑ Glucose metabolismModerate
Phenolic Acids: Chlorogenic acid may slow glucose absorption and improve insulin sensitivity
⚠ Most evidence is from observational studies and in vitro research. Randomized controlled trials are limited. Individual responses vary based on gut microbiome, genetics, and overall diet. Associations do not prove causation.

Polyphenol data matched from: “Yellow onion, raw” · ●●● high confidence

Source: Phenol-Explorer 3.6 (INRA, 2023) · Retention: Rothwell 2013, Palermo 2014 · Health: Del Bo' 2019, Grosso 2017

Environmental Impact

Environmental footprint per kilogram of food produced. Data represents the global average for the “Onions & Leeks” category.

0.50
kg CO₂e / kg
Very Low Impact
0.37
m² land / kg
Land Use
14.0
L water / kg
Water Use
2.8
g SO₂e / kg
Acidification
How this compares (GHG emissions)
Potatoes (0.5)Chicken (9.9)Beef (99.5)
Greenhouse Gas Emissions0.50 kg CO₂e / kg
Land Use0.37 m² / kg
Water Use14.0 L / kg
Eutrophication3.2 g PO₄e / kg
Acidification2.8 g SO₂e / kg
⚠️ Important context about this data
  • Global averages: These figures are production-weighted averages from a meta-analysis of ~38,700 farms across 119 countries (Poore & Nemecek, 2018). Actual impact varies enormously by farming method, geography, and supply chain.
  • System boundary: Cradle-to-retail only — does not include consumer transport, home cooking energy, or food waste.
  • Soil carbon not included: This data does not account for soil carbon sequestration. Some argue that well-managed regenerative grazing partially offsets ruminant emissions; however, full lifecycle accounting — including methane, land-use change, and the opportunity cost of using land for grazing vs. reforestation — typically makes the net footprint of ruminant meat higher, not lower. This is especially relevant in temperate grassland regions like Ireland.
  • Not gospel: This data is informational and illustrative. It is useful for understanding relative magnitudes, but should not be treated as precise measurements for any individual product or farm.

Source: Poore & Nemecek (2018), Science 360(6392). Meta-analysis of ~38,700 farms, 119 countries, 46 product categories.

Global Supply: Vegetables

Top 10 countries by per capita supply of the “Vegetables” food group (kcal/capita/day, 2023). This is food group–level data from FAO Food Balance Sheets, not specific to this individual food.

1.
China; mainland
310
2.
China
306
3.
Albania
258
4.
North Macedonia
221
5.
Guyana
209
6.
Kazakhstan
204
7.
Oman
192
8.
Uzbekistan
190
9.
Tajikistan
186
10.
Bosnia and Herzegovina
183

Global Supply Trend (1961–2023)

+76%
1961: 38 kcal2023: 67 kcal

Source: FAO Food Balance Sheets (2023). Supply = production + imports − exports − waste, converted to kcal/capita/day.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many calories are in Onions, cooked, boiled, drained, without salt?

Onions, cooked, boiled, drained, without salt contains 44.0 kcal per 100 grams, making it a low-calorie food. The energy comes from 1.4g of protein (12% of calories), 0.20g of fat (4%), and 10.2g of carbohydrates (92%). Carbohydrates are the primary energy source.

What is Onions, cooked, boiled, drained, without salt most nutritious for?

The standout nutrient in Onions, cooked, boiled, drained, without salt is Vitamin C, providing 27.0 mg per 100g (30% of the Daily Value). It is also a notable source of Iron (14% DV). Our database tracks 90 individual nutrients for this food, allowing detailed comparison across vitamins, minerals, amino acids, and fatty acids.

Is Onions, cooked, boiled, drained, without salt high in protein?

At 1.4g per 100 grams, Onions, cooked, boiled, drained, without salt is not a significant source of protein. Pair with protein-rich foods like legumes, meat, fish, or dairy to meet daily protein needs.

How much fiber is in Onions, cooked, boiled, drained, without salt?

Onions, cooked, boiled, drained, without salt contains 4.0g of fiber per 100 grams — a moderate amount. This contributes to the recommended daily intake of 25-38g. Pairing with other fiber-rich foods like vegetables, legumes, or whole grains can help meet daily targets.

Does Onions, cooked, boiled, drained, without salt contain polyphenols?

Yes, Onions, cooked, boiled, drained, without salt contains approximately 64.0 mg of polyphenols per 100g, primarily from the moderate class. Polyphenols are bioactive plant compounds associated with antioxidant properties. Their retention can vary with cooking and processing methods — see the processing impact section above for details.

What is the insulin index of Onions, cooked, boiled, drained, without salt?

Onions, cooked, boiled, drained, without salt has a high insulin response (II: 68) (estimated from macronutrient composition) on the insulin index scale (white bread = 100). Foods with high insulin scores stimulate significant insulin release, which may be relevant for blood sugar management. Note that the insulin index can differ substantially from the glycemic index — dairy products and high-protein foods often have higher insulin responses than their GI would suggest.