ClosePhoto:Getty Images. EatingWell design.Lettuce is a nutritious staple in many balanced diets, adding a delightful crunch and fresh flavor to meals. Since I’m a dietitian, it’s no surprise to my friends that I love incorporating lettuce into my meals. I often add it to my sandwiches. And, naturally, it’s a go-to in my salads.When it comes to my lettuce of choice, it often seems like people half-expect me to swoop down on a deep green pile ofkale. It makes sense. Generally speaking, darker-colored leafy greens do harbor more nutrients than their lighter-leaved counterparts.With more thana dozen varieties of lettuceto choose from, picking the best one isn’t exactly easy!But, to the wide-eyed disbelief of my friends and clients, I’m not always rolling with the colorful heavyweights. I’ll admit it—I’m a dietitian who only buys iceberg lettuce. And here’s why.Why Iceberg Lettuce Is My Go-To LettuceAs far as I’m concerned, lettuce is all about the crunch and taste. Sure, I could probably get more nutritional bang for my dollar with a darker head ofromaineor a bunch ofspinach. However, when I genuinely enjoy the taste and texture of something, I’m far more inclined to eat it regularly.Iceberg lettuce has that perfect crispness that takes my salads to the next level. Plus, it’s just plain satisfying to eat! You know how it goes—you buy a bag of lettuce, and before you know it, it’s gone bad. That never happens to me with iceberg, as it’s a consistent staple in my meals. And who cares how nutritious a food is if you aren’t happy to eat it?But there’s more to my love for iceberg lettuce than just the crunch. It’s also a fantastic base for other nutrient-dense ingredients like chickpeas, grilled chicken and artichoke hearts. That makes it easy to whip up a nutrient-dense meal sans a spring mix. Plus, its mild flavor makes it the perfect partner for a variety of toppings, allowing me to enjoy an array of tastes and textures. And there arecountless ways to use it. This versatility keeps my meals balanced, nutritious and exciting.What Is Iceberg Lettuce?Globe-like iceberg lettuce is distinctive for its tightly packed leaves and pale green color. Yet, this crispy green underdog of the salad world often gets a bad rap for being less nutritious than its darker-hued family members.Sure, it may not boast the over-the-top nutrition of, say, kale or spinach. But iceberg knows how to keep things refreshingly simple. Its mellow taste and crunch play nicely with nearly any dish, helping other flavors shine when added to salads, sandwiches, wraps, juices and more. And who can deny that it’s the best lettuce to topa classic hamburger?Iceberg Lettuce vs. Romaine Lettuce: What’s the Difference?Iceberg Lettuce NutritionAccording to the USDA, 1 cup of chopped iceberg lettuce contains:Calories: 8TotalCarbohydrates: 2 gDietaryFiber: 0.7 gProtein: 0.5 gFat: 0 gPotassium: 80 mgVitaminA: 286 IUVitaminK: 14 mcgAnd although iceberg isn’t known as a nutritional powerhouse, it’s not totally devoid of nutrients either. This veggie provides fiber, antioxidants, immune-supporting vitamin A andvitamin Kfor strong bones—all in a low-calorie and fat-free package. Considering that most of us don’t come close to consuming the recommendedthree cups of vegetablesper day, I count adding any veggie to my plate a win.Is Iceberg Lettuce Good for You? Here’s What a Dietitian Has to SayThe Bottom LineIceberg lettuce deserves way more recognition than it typically receives. While it might not be the most nutritionally packed lettuce out there, its simplicity, affordability and fresh, crunchy texture make it worthy of a place on your plate. And for people—like me—who aren’t lovers of the more earthy flavors of darker greens, iceberg lettuce provides a refreshingly crisp alternative. Plus, its mild taste complements a variety of dishes, allowing the other flavors to shine. So, let’s give iceberg lettuce the big, crunchy hug it deserves. In my book, it’s the most enjoyable lettuce of the bunch!Was this page helpful?Thanks for your feedback!Tell us why!OtherSubmitSourcesEatingWell uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable and trustworthy.Shi M, Gu J, Wu H, et al.Phytochemicals, Nutrition, Metabolism, Bioavailability, and Health Benefits in Lettuce-A Comprehensive Review.Antioxidants. 2022;11(6):1158. doi: 10.3390/antiox11061158.U.S. Department of Agriculture. FoodData Central.Iceberg Lettuce.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.State Indicator Report on Fruits and Vegetables.
Close
Photo:Getty Images. EatingWell design.
Getty Images. EatingWell design.
Lettuce is a nutritious staple in many balanced diets, adding a delightful crunch and fresh flavor to meals. Since I’m a dietitian, it’s no surprise to my friends that I love incorporating lettuce into my meals. I often add it to my sandwiches. And, naturally, it’s a go-to in my salads.When it comes to my lettuce of choice, it often seems like people half-expect me to swoop down on a deep green pile ofkale. It makes sense. Generally speaking, darker-colored leafy greens do harbor more nutrients than their lighter-leaved counterparts.With more thana dozen varieties of lettuceto choose from, picking the best one isn’t exactly easy!But, to the wide-eyed disbelief of my friends and clients, I’m not always rolling with the colorful heavyweights. I’ll admit it—I’m a dietitian who only buys iceberg lettuce. And here’s why.Why Iceberg Lettuce Is My Go-To LettuceAs far as I’m concerned, lettuce is all about the crunch and taste. Sure, I could probably get more nutritional bang for my dollar with a darker head ofromaineor a bunch ofspinach. However, when I genuinely enjoy the taste and texture of something, I’m far more inclined to eat it regularly.Iceberg lettuce has that perfect crispness that takes my salads to the next level. Plus, it’s just plain satisfying to eat! You know how it goes—you buy a bag of lettuce, and before you know it, it’s gone bad. That never happens to me with iceberg, as it’s a consistent staple in my meals. And who cares how nutritious a food is if you aren’t happy to eat it?But there’s more to my love for iceberg lettuce than just the crunch. It’s also a fantastic base for other nutrient-dense ingredients like chickpeas, grilled chicken and artichoke hearts. That makes it easy to whip up a nutrient-dense meal sans a spring mix. Plus, its mild flavor makes it the perfect partner for a variety of toppings, allowing me to enjoy an array of tastes and textures. And there arecountless ways to use it. This versatility keeps my meals balanced, nutritious and exciting.What Is Iceberg Lettuce?Globe-like iceberg lettuce is distinctive for its tightly packed leaves and pale green color. Yet, this crispy green underdog of the salad world often gets a bad rap for being less nutritious than its darker-hued family members.Sure, it may not boast the over-the-top nutrition of, say, kale or spinach. But iceberg knows how to keep things refreshingly simple. Its mellow taste and crunch play nicely with nearly any dish, helping other flavors shine when added to salads, sandwiches, wraps, juices and more. And who can deny that it’s the best lettuce to topa classic hamburger?Iceberg Lettuce vs. Romaine Lettuce: What’s the Difference?Iceberg Lettuce NutritionAccording to the USDA, 1 cup of chopped iceberg lettuce contains:Calories: 8TotalCarbohydrates: 2 gDietaryFiber: 0.7 gProtein: 0.5 gFat: 0 gPotassium: 80 mgVitaminA: 286 IUVitaminK: 14 mcgAnd although iceberg isn’t known as a nutritional powerhouse, it’s not totally devoid of nutrients either. This veggie provides fiber, antioxidants, immune-supporting vitamin A andvitamin Kfor strong bones—all in a low-calorie and fat-free package. Considering that most of us don’t come close to consuming the recommendedthree cups of vegetablesper day, I count adding any veggie to my plate a win.Is Iceberg Lettuce Good for You? Here’s What a Dietitian Has to SayThe Bottom LineIceberg lettuce deserves way more recognition than it typically receives. While it might not be the most nutritionally packed lettuce out there, its simplicity, affordability and fresh, crunchy texture make it worthy of a place on your plate. And for people—like me—who aren’t lovers of the more earthy flavors of darker greens, iceberg lettuce provides a refreshingly crisp alternative. Plus, its mild taste complements a variety of dishes, allowing the other flavors to shine. So, let’s give iceberg lettuce the big, crunchy hug it deserves. In my book, it’s the most enjoyable lettuce of the bunch!Was this page helpful?Thanks for your feedback!Tell us why!OtherSubmitSourcesEatingWell uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable and trustworthy.Shi M, Gu J, Wu H, et al.Phytochemicals, Nutrition, Metabolism, Bioavailability, and Health Benefits in Lettuce-A Comprehensive Review.Antioxidants. 2022;11(6):1158. doi: 10.3390/antiox11061158.U.S. Department of Agriculture. FoodData Central.Iceberg Lettuce.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.State Indicator Report on Fruits and Vegetables.
Lettuce is a nutritious staple in many balanced diets, adding a delightful crunch and fresh flavor to meals. Since I’m a dietitian, it’s no surprise to my friends that I love incorporating lettuce into my meals. I often add it to my sandwiches. And, naturally, it’s a go-to in my salads.When it comes to my lettuce of choice, it often seems like people half-expect me to swoop down on a deep green pile ofkale. It makes sense. Generally speaking, darker-colored leafy greens do harbor more nutrients than their lighter-leaved counterparts.With more thana dozen varieties of lettuceto choose from, picking the best one isn’t exactly easy!But, to the wide-eyed disbelief of my friends and clients, I’m not always rolling with the colorful heavyweights. I’ll admit it—I’m a dietitian who only buys iceberg lettuce. And here’s why.Why Iceberg Lettuce Is My Go-To LettuceAs far as I’m concerned, lettuce is all about the crunch and taste. Sure, I could probably get more nutritional bang for my dollar with a darker head ofromaineor a bunch ofspinach. However, when I genuinely enjoy the taste and texture of something, I’m far more inclined to eat it regularly.Iceberg lettuce has that perfect crispness that takes my salads to the next level. Plus, it’s just plain satisfying to eat! You know how it goes—you buy a bag of lettuce, and before you know it, it’s gone bad. That never happens to me with iceberg, as it’s a consistent staple in my meals. And who cares how nutritious a food is if you aren’t happy to eat it?But there’s more to my love for iceberg lettuce than just the crunch. It’s also a fantastic base for other nutrient-dense ingredients like chickpeas, grilled chicken and artichoke hearts. That makes it easy to whip up a nutrient-dense meal sans a spring mix. Plus, its mild flavor makes it the perfect partner for a variety of toppings, allowing me to enjoy an array of tastes and textures. And there arecountless ways to use it. This versatility keeps my meals balanced, nutritious and exciting.What Is Iceberg Lettuce?Globe-like iceberg lettuce is distinctive for its tightly packed leaves and pale green color. Yet, this crispy green underdog of the salad world often gets a bad rap for being less nutritious than its darker-hued family members.Sure, it may not boast the over-the-top nutrition of, say, kale or spinach. But iceberg knows how to keep things refreshingly simple. Its mellow taste and crunch play nicely with nearly any dish, helping other flavors shine when added to salads, sandwiches, wraps, juices and more. And who can deny that it’s the best lettuce to topa classic hamburger?Iceberg Lettuce vs. Romaine Lettuce: What’s the Difference?Iceberg Lettuce NutritionAccording to the USDA, 1 cup of chopped iceberg lettuce contains:Calories: 8TotalCarbohydrates: 2 gDietaryFiber: 0.7 gProtein: 0.5 gFat: 0 gPotassium: 80 mgVitaminA: 286 IUVitaminK: 14 mcgAnd although iceberg isn’t known as a nutritional powerhouse, it’s not totally devoid of nutrients either. This veggie provides fiber, antioxidants, immune-supporting vitamin A andvitamin Kfor strong bones—all in a low-calorie and fat-free package. Considering that most of us don’t come close to consuming the recommendedthree cups of vegetablesper day, I count adding any veggie to my plate a win.Is Iceberg Lettuce Good for You? Here’s What a Dietitian Has to SayThe Bottom LineIceberg lettuce deserves way more recognition than it typically receives. While it might not be the most nutritionally packed lettuce out there, its simplicity, affordability and fresh, crunchy texture make it worthy of a place on your plate. And for people—like me—who aren’t lovers of the more earthy flavors of darker greens, iceberg lettuce provides a refreshingly crisp alternative. Plus, its mild taste complements a variety of dishes, allowing the other flavors to shine. So, let’s give iceberg lettuce the big, crunchy hug it deserves. In my book, it’s the most enjoyable lettuce of the bunch!
Lettuce is a nutritious staple in many balanced diets, adding a delightful crunch and fresh flavor to meals. Since I’m a dietitian, it’s no surprise to my friends that I love incorporating lettuce into my meals. I often add it to my sandwiches. And, naturally, it’s a go-to in my salads.
When it comes to my lettuce of choice, it often seems like people half-expect me to swoop down on a deep green pile ofkale. It makes sense. Generally speaking, darker-colored leafy greens do harbor more nutrients than their lighter-leaved counterparts.With more thana dozen varieties of lettuceto choose from, picking the best one isn’t exactly easy!
But, to the wide-eyed disbelief of my friends and clients, I’m not always rolling with the colorful heavyweights. I’ll admit it—I’m a dietitian who only buys iceberg lettuce. And here’s why.
Why Iceberg Lettuce Is My Go-To Lettuce
As far as I’m concerned, lettuce is all about the crunch and taste. Sure, I could probably get more nutritional bang for my dollar with a darker head ofromaineor a bunch ofspinach. However, when I genuinely enjoy the taste and texture of something, I’m far more inclined to eat it regularly.
Iceberg lettuce has that perfect crispness that takes my salads to the next level. Plus, it’s just plain satisfying to eat! You know how it goes—you buy a bag of lettuce, and before you know it, it’s gone bad. That never happens to me with iceberg, as it’s a consistent staple in my meals. And who cares how nutritious a food is if you aren’t happy to eat it?
But there’s more to my love for iceberg lettuce than just the crunch. It’s also a fantastic base for other nutrient-dense ingredients like chickpeas, grilled chicken and artichoke hearts. That makes it easy to whip up a nutrient-dense meal sans a spring mix. Plus, its mild flavor makes it the perfect partner for a variety of toppings, allowing me to enjoy an array of tastes and textures. And there arecountless ways to use it. This versatility keeps my meals balanced, nutritious and exciting.
What Is Iceberg Lettuce?
Globe-like iceberg lettuce is distinctive for its tightly packed leaves and pale green color. Yet, this crispy green underdog of the salad world often gets a bad rap for being less nutritious than its darker-hued family members.
Sure, it may not boast the over-the-top nutrition of, say, kale or spinach. But iceberg knows how to keep things refreshingly simple. Its mellow taste and crunch play nicely with nearly any dish, helping other flavors shine when added to salads, sandwiches, wraps, juices and more. And who can deny that it’s the best lettuce to topa classic hamburger?
Iceberg Lettuce vs. Romaine Lettuce: What’s the Difference?
Iceberg Lettuce Nutrition
According to the USDA, 1 cup of chopped iceberg lettuce contains:Calories: 8TotalCarbohydrates: 2 gDietaryFiber: 0.7 gProtein: 0.5 gFat: 0 gPotassium: 80 mgVitaminA: 286 IUVitaminK: 14 mcg
According to the USDA, 1 cup of chopped iceberg lettuce contains:
And although iceberg isn’t known as a nutritional powerhouse, it’s not totally devoid of nutrients either. This veggie provides fiber, antioxidants, immune-supporting vitamin A andvitamin Kfor strong bones—all in a low-calorie and fat-free package. Considering that most of us don’t come close to consuming the recommendedthree cups of vegetablesper day, I count adding any veggie to my plate a win.
Is Iceberg Lettuce Good for You? Here’s What a Dietitian Has to Say
The Bottom Line
Iceberg lettuce deserves way more recognition than it typically receives. While it might not be the most nutritionally packed lettuce out there, its simplicity, affordability and fresh, crunchy texture make it worthy of a place on your plate. And for people—like me—who aren’t lovers of the more earthy flavors of darker greens, iceberg lettuce provides a refreshingly crisp alternative. Plus, its mild taste complements a variety of dishes, allowing the other flavors to shine. So, let’s give iceberg lettuce the big, crunchy hug it deserves. In my book, it’s the most enjoyable lettuce of the bunch!
Was this page helpful?Thanks for your feedback!Tell us why!OtherSubmit
Was this page helpful?
Thanks for your feedback!
Tell us why!OtherSubmit
Tell us why!
SourcesEatingWell uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable and trustworthy.Shi M, Gu J, Wu H, et al.Phytochemicals, Nutrition, Metabolism, Bioavailability, and Health Benefits in Lettuce-A Comprehensive Review.Antioxidants. 2022;11(6):1158. doi: 10.3390/antiox11061158.U.S. Department of Agriculture. FoodData Central.Iceberg Lettuce.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.State Indicator Report on Fruits and Vegetables.
Sources
EatingWell uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable and trustworthy.Shi M, Gu J, Wu H, et al.Phytochemicals, Nutrition, Metabolism, Bioavailability, and Health Benefits in Lettuce-A Comprehensive Review.Antioxidants. 2022;11(6):1158. doi: 10.3390/antiox11061158.U.S. Department of Agriculture. FoodData Central.Iceberg Lettuce.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.State Indicator Report on Fruits and Vegetables.
EatingWell uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable and trustworthy.
Shi M, Gu J, Wu H, et al.Phytochemicals, Nutrition, Metabolism, Bioavailability, and Health Benefits in Lettuce-A Comprehensive Review.Antioxidants. 2022;11(6):1158. doi: 10.3390/antiox11061158.U.S. Department of Agriculture. FoodData Central.Iceberg Lettuce.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.State Indicator Report on Fruits and Vegetables.
Shi M, Gu J, Wu H, et al.Phytochemicals, Nutrition, Metabolism, Bioavailability, and Health Benefits in Lettuce-A Comprehensive Review.Antioxidants. 2022;11(6):1158. doi: 10.3390/antiox11061158.
U.S. Department of Agriculture. FoodData Central.Iceberg Lettuce.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.State Indicator Report on Fruits and Vegetables.
