Spinach, raw
Spinach, raw is a vegetable, providing just 21.6 calories per 100g. It is an excellent source of Vitamin K1, providing 482.9 µg (402% of the Daily Value) per 100g serving. This vegetable is 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 98 nutrients for this food, plus insulin index, polyphenol profile, environmental footprint data.
Top Nutrients
Data for 98 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
| Nutrient | Per 100g | Unit | Per Serving | % DV |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Water Foundation | 92.4 | g | — | 2% |
| Calories Foundation | 21.6 | kcal | — | — |
| Energy (kJ) SR | 97.0 | kj | — | — |
| Protein Foundation | 2.9 | g | — | 5% |
| Total Fat Foundation | 0.60 | g | — | — |
| Carbohydrate Foundation | 2.6 | g | — | 2% |
| Fiber Foundation | 1.6 | g | — | 4% |
| Total Sugars AFCD | 0.50 | g | — | — |
| Starch AFCD | 0.50 | g | — | — |
| Ash Foundation | 1.4 | g | — | — |
Minerals 10
| Nutrient | Per 100g | Unit | Per Serving | % DV |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Calcium Foundation | 66.6 | mg | — | 7% |
| Iron Foundation | 1.1 | mg | — | 13% |
| Magnesium Foundation | 93.0 | mg | — | 23% |
| Phosphorus Foundation | 40.6 | mg | — | 6% |
| Potassium Foundation | 460 | mg | — | 14% |
| Sodium Foundation | 107 | mg | — | 7% |
| Zinc Foundation | 0.42 | mg | — | 4% |
| Copper Foundation | 0.08 | mg | — | 9% |
| Manganese Foundation | 0.43 | mg | — | 18% |
| Selenium Foundation | 0 | µg | — | — |
Vitamins 36
| Nutrient | Per 100g | Unit | Per Serving | % DV |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vitamin A (RAE) Foundation | 306 | µg | — | 34% |
| Vitamin A (IU) SR | 469 | IU | — | — |
| Retinol AFCD | 0 | µg | — | — |
| Beta-Carotene Foundation | 3,669 | µg | — | — |
| Alpha-Carotene Foundation | 0 | µg | — | — |
| Beta-Cryptoxanthin Foundation | 10.0 | µg | — | — |
| Lycopene Foundation | 0 | µg | — | — |
| Lutein + Zeaxanthin Foundation | 7,918 | µg | — | — |
| Zeaxanthin Foundation | 466 | µg | — | — |
| Vitamin C Foundation | 30.3 | mg | — | 34% |
| Vitamin D SR | 0 | µg | — | — |
| Vitamin D (IU) AFCD | 0 | IU | — | — |
| Vitamin D2 AFCD | 0 | µg | — | — |
| Vitamin D3 AFCD | 0 | µg | — | — |
| Vitamin E AFCD | 1.6 | mg | — | 11% |
| Beta-Tocopherol SR | 0 | mg | — | — |
| Gamma-Tocopherol SR | 0.18 | mg | — | — |
| Delta-Tocopherol SR | 0 | mg | — | — |
| Alpha-Tocotrienol SR | 0 | mg | — | — |
| Beta-Tocotrienol SR | 0 | mg | — | — |
| Gamma-Tocotrienol SR | 0 | mg | — | — |
| Delta-Tocotrienol SR | 0 | mg | — | — |
| Vitamin K1 SR | 483 | µg | — | 402% |
| Thiamin (B1) Foundation | 0.08 | mg | — | 6% |
| Riboflavin (B2) Foundation | 0.19 | mg | — | 15% |
| Niacin (B3) Foundation | 0.51 | mg | — | 3% |
| Pantothenic Acid (B5) SR | 0.07 | mg | — | 1% |
| Vitamin B6 Foundation | 0.21 | mg | — | 16% |
| Biotin (B7) Foundation | 4.3 | µg | — | 14% |
| Folate Foundation | 113 | µg | — | 28% |
| Folic Acid SR | 0 | µg | — | — |
| Folate (food) AFCD | 225 | µg | — | — |
| Folate (DFE) AFCD | 225 | µg | — | — |
| Vitamin B12 AFCD | 0 | µg | — | — |
| Choline SR | 19.3 | mg | — | 4% |
| Betaine SR | 103 | mg | — | — |
Fatty Acids 10
| Nutrient | Per 100g | Unit | Per Serving | % DV |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Saturated Fat AFCD | 0 | g | — | — |
| Monounsaturated Fat AFCD | 0 | g | — | — |
| Polyunsaturated Fat AFCD | 0 | g | — | — |
| Trans Fat AFCD | 0 | g | — | — |
| Cholesterol AFCD | 0 | mg | — | — |
| Phytosterols SR | 9.0 | mg | — | — |
| Omega-3 ALA AFCD | 0 | g | — | — |
| Omega-3 EPA AFCD | 0 | g | — | — |
| Omega-3 DPA AFCD | 0 | g | — | — |
| Omega-3 DHA AFCD | 0 | g | — | — |
Individual Fatty Acids 10
| Nutrient | Per 100g | Unit | Per Serving | % DV |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Butyric Acid (4:0) SR | 0 | g | — | — |
| Caproic Acid (6:0) SR | 0 | g | — | — |
| Caprylic Acid (8:0) SR | 0 | g | — | — |
| Capric Acid (10:0) SR | 0 | g | — | — |
| Lauric Acid (12:0) SR | 0 | g | — | — |
| Myristic Acid (14:0) SR | 0.01 | g | — | — |
| Palmitic Acid (16:0) SR | 0.05 | g | — | — |
| Stearic Acid (18:0) SR | 0.004 | g | — | — |
| Linoleic Acid (18:2) AFCD | 0 | g | — | — |
| Linolenic Acid (18:3) SR | 0.14 | g | — | — |
Amino Acids 18
| Nutrient | Per 100g | Unit | Per Serving | % DV |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tryptophan AFCD | 0.05 | g | — | — |
| Threonine SR | 0.12 | g | — | — |
| Isoleucine SR | 0.15 | g | — | — |
| Leucine SR | 0.22 | g | — | — |
| Lysine SR | 0.17 | g | — | — |
| Methionine SR | 0.05 | g | — | — |
| Cystine SR | 0.04 | g | — | — |
| Phenylalanine SR | 0.13 | g | — | — |
| Tyrosine SR | 0.11 | g | — | — |
| Valine SR | 0.16 | g | — | — |
| Arginine SR | 0.16 | g | — | — |
| Histidine SR | 0.06 | g | — | — |
| Alanine SR | 0.14 | g | — | — |
| Aspartic Acid SR | 0.24 | g | — | — |
| Glutamic Acid SR | 0.34 | g | — | — |
| Glycine SR | 0.13 | g | — | — |
| Proline SR | 0.11 | g | — | — |
| Serine SR | 0.10 | g | — | — |
Phytochemicals 1
| Nutrient | Per 100g | Unit | Per Serving | % DV |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oxalic Acid AFCD | 0 | mg | — | — |
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.
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 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 A is fat-soluble and requires dietary fat for absorption. Adding fat to a meal significantly increases beta-carotene and retinol absorption.
Ribaya-Mercado et al., Am J Clin Nutr, 2007
Vitamin E is fat-soluble and absorbed alongside dietary fats via micelle formation in the small intestine. Low-fat diets reduce vitamin E absorption.
Traber, Free Radic Biol Med, 2007
Vitamin K is fat-soluble. Absorption increases significantly when consumed with dietary fat, particularly for phylloquinone (K1) from plant sources.
Gijsbers et al., Br J Nutr, 1996
Vitamin C regenerates oxidised vitamin E (tocopheroxyl radical) back to its active form, extending its antioxidant function in cell membranes.
Niki, Free Radic Biol Med, 2014
⚠ Antagonisms — nutrients that compete
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
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
High potassium intake promotes renal sodium excretion and attenuates the blood pressure–raising effect of sodium. A higher K:Na ratio is associated with lower cardiovascular risk.
Aburto et al., BMJ, 2013
Manganese and iron share the DMT1 transporter and compete for absorption. High iron status reduces manganese absorption and vice versa.
Erikson et al., Pharmacol Ther, 2007
High-dose vitamin C (>1,500 mg/day) may reduce copper absorption by reducing Cu²⁺ to Cu⁺, though the clinical significance at normal intakes is minimal.
Harris, Am J Clin Nutr, 2003
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.
✓ Complete protein — all essential amino acids meet or exceed WHO reference levels.
All Amino Acids (18)
| Amino Acid | g / 100g | mg / g protein |
|---|---|---|
| Tryptophan | 0.05 | 16.5 |
| Threonine | 0.12 | 42.0 |
| Isoleucine | 0.15 | 50.6 |
| Leucine | 0.22 | 76.7 |
| Lysine | 0.17 | 59.9 |
| Methionine | 0.05 | 18.2 |
| Cystine | 0.04 | 12.0 |
| Phenylalanine | 0.13 | 44.4 |
| Tyrosine | 0.11 | 37.2 |
| Valine | 0.16 | 55.4 |
| Arginine | 0.16 | 55.7 |
| Histidine | 0.06 | 22.0 |
| Alanine | 0.14 | 48.9 |
| Aspartic Acid | 0.24 | 82.6 |
| Glutamic Acid | 0.34 | 118.0 |
| Glycine | 0.13 | 46.1 |
| Proline | 0.11 | 38.5 |
| Serine | 0.10 | 35.8 |
How Cooking Changes Nutrients
Estimated percentage of each nutrient retained after cooking, based on USDA retention factors for the “Leafy Greens” food category. Values of 100% mean no loss; lower values indicate nutrients lost to heat, water, or oxidation.
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.
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.
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.
Processing Impact on Polyphenols
How common cooking methods affect polyphenol content in vegetables. Retention % is relative to the raw/unprocessed food.
Health Associations
Research-backed associations for the polyphenol classes found in this food. Evidence strength rated from systematic reviews and meta-analyses.
Polyphenol data matched from: “Spinach, 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 “Other Vegetables” category.
- 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.
Global Supply Trend (1961–2023)
+76%Source: FAO Food Balance Sheets (2023). Supply = production + imports − exports − waste, converted to kcal/capita/day.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many calories are in Spinach, raw?
Spinach, raw contains 21.6 kcal per 100 grams, making it a very low-calorie food. The energy comes from 2.9g of protein (54% of calories), 0.60g of fat (25%), and 2.6g of carbohydrates (49%). Protein is the primary energy source.
What is Spinach, raw most nutritious for?
The standout nutrient in Spinach, raw is Vitamin K1, providing 483 µg per 100g (402% of the Daily Value). It is also a notable source of Vitamin A (RAE) (34% DV). Our database tracks 98 individual nutrients for this food, allowing detailed comparison across vitamins, minerals, amino acids, and fatty acids.
Is Spinach, raw high in protein?
At 2.9g per 100 grams, Spinach, raw 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 Spinach, raw?
Spinach, raw contains 1.6g of fiber per 100 grams, which is a small amount. To increase fiber intake, consider pairing with high-fiber foods such as legumes, whole grains, or vegetables.
Does Spinach, raw contain polyphenols?
Yes, Spinach, raw contains approximately 119 mg of polyphenols per 100g, primarily from the high 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 Spinach, raw?
Spinach, raw has a moderate insulin response (II: 53) (estimated from macronutrient composition) on the insulin index scale (white bread = 100). This is a typical insulin response for most mixed foods. 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.