White vs. Green Asparagus Nutrition: What's the Difference?

The two most common types of asparagus are the white and green varieties. So, what's the difference?

The obvious distinction between the two is the color. Green asparagus has chlorophyll, a pigment that makes it green, while white asparagus doesn't. This is due to how they're grown: Green asparagus is grown in the sunlight, so it produces chlorophyll. White asparagus is covered, so it doesn't produce chlorophyll.

The white stalks also have a more mild taste. Green asparagus can be described as having a grassy or earthy taste, so if you don't really like it, give white asparagus a try.

Despite their differences in appearance and flavor, both white and green types of asparagus have a similar nutrition profile and health benefits.

Green vegetables like asparagus are known for being a rich source of nutrients like fiber, vitamins and minerals. So, how does the white variety compare?

One serving of asparagus is equivalent to about 2/3 cup or five large spears. The nutrition facts vary depending on the variety, serving size and whether the vegetable is cooked or raw.

There aren't any significant nutritional differences between green and white asparagus. See how the two compare below.

No matter the variety — green, white or even purple — asparagus is a great source of dietary fiber.

Fiber supports your gut health, helps lower cholesterol levels, improves blood sugar levels and keeps you fuller for longer, according to the Mayo Clinic.

An estimated 5 percent of Americans meet the requirements for fiber, leaving an estimated 95 percent falling short of this vital nutrient, according to July 2016 research in ​Advances in Nutrition​.

Adults should aim for 22 to 34 grams of fiber per day depending on age and gender, according to the 2020-2025 Dietary Guidelines for Americans.

Asparagus is high in antioxidants like vitamin E and flavonoids, which help fend off oxidative stress in the body known to cause damage.

Eating antioxidant-rich foods like asparagus is associated with a reduced risk of diseases like cancer and heart disease, according to Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health.

But the levels of antioxidants vary based on the variety and color. Green asparagus contains the highest levels of antioxidants while white asparagus offers the lowest levels of antioxidants, according to a July 2016 study in ​Acta Scientiarum Polonorum, Technologia Alimentaria​.

One cup of cooked asparagus provides 76 percent of your daily value for vitamin K, according to the USDA. A diet rich in vitamin K is linked to lower rates of heart disease, according to Harvard Health Publishing.

People with high intakes of vitamin K were observed to have a 21 percent lower risk of being hospitalized for heart disease, according to an August 2021 study in the ​Journal of the American Heart Association​.