Carrots vs. Bell Peppers: Which Vegetable Reigns Supreme for Beta-Carotene?

Carrots and bell peppers are both colorful and packed with vitamins and antioxidants that support everything from eye health to immunity. But while they often get grouped together as nutrient-dense vegetables, they don’t offer exactly the same nutrients. (There is some overlap, but the amounts differ.) When it comes to beta-carotene, the main precursor to vitamin A, one of these vegetables clearly comes out ahead. Below, we break down the most common health benefits of carrots and bell peppers, then take a closer look at their beta-carotene content. Plus, we'll note why this nutrient matters, along with insights from registered dietitians along the way. Health Benefits of Carrots Nutritionally, carrots are one of the most concentrated sources of beta-carotene in the produce aisle. The beta-carotene found in carrots (which is converted into vitamin A in the body) has the potential to prevent a variety of chronic diseases, according to Destini Moody, RDN, a registered dietitian and founder of The Athlete's Dietitian. “These diseases include heart diseases and certain types of cancer.” As an antioxidant, beta-carotene can help neutralize oxidative stress in the body, which is a key driver in many of these inflammatory chronic diseases. Eating carrots has many nutritional upsides like disease prevention, but the most well-established benefit is their connection to long-term eye health. “Sufficient intake of beta-carotene has been shown to be preventative against eye diseases including cataracts, macular degeneration, and diabetic retinopathy,” says Moody. Sufficient intake of carrots can also help you see better at night. “Vitamin A helps your eyes see clearly, especially in low light,” says Lindsey Schoenfeld, MS, RDN, a registered dietitian nutritionist and co-founder of To Taste. “It’s needed to make a light sensing protein in your eyes.” Beyond their beta-carotene content, carrots also contain a meaningful amount of fiber. One serving provides about 2.6 grams (g), which helps slow digestion and supports steadier blood sugar levels. That fiber also feeds beneficial gut bacteria and contributes to longer-lasting satiety. One serving of carrots is around 85 g. According to USDA data, this amount of carrots provides the following nutrients: Calories: 40.8 Protein: .79 g Carbohydrates: 8.76 g Fiber: 2.64 g Vitamin C: 1.87 milligrams (mg) Magnesium: 10.5 mg Potassium: 238 mg Health Benefits of Bell Peppers Bell peppers are healthy in every color, but the beta-carotene content is highest in red bell peppers. This carotenoid has a unique ability to fight inflammation in the body by reducing oxidative damage, Moody explains. “This effect is twofold when you consider the lesser known fact that bell peppers are packed with Vitamin C, another antioxidant micronutrient,” she says. “In fact, a single red bell pepper contains three times more vitamin C than an orange, the poster child of the water-soluble vitamin.” Together, these antioxidants help protect cells from stress that can contribute to inflammatory conditions. Beyond inflammation support, Moody explains that the unique carotenoids found in bell peppers may also help boost oral health, especially in those with periodontitis. Research suggests that beta-carotene may help reduce oxidative stress in your gum tissue and support your mouth’s immune response. Additionally, the carotenoids and vitamin C in bell peppers can play a role in skin protection and repair. Beta-carotene supports skin cell turnover and helps defend against UV-induced oxidative damage, while vitamin C is essential for collagen production, wound healing, and maintaining your skin’s elasticity. One serving of red bell peppers is around 85 grams (g). According to USDA data, this amount of red bell peppers provides the following nutrients: Calories: 26.4 Protein: .77 g Carbohydrates: 5.65 g Fiber: 1.02g Vitamin C: 121 milligrams (mg) Magnesium: 9.35 mg Potassium: 181 mg Which Food Is a Better Source of Beta-Carotene? Beta-carotene is pretty abundant in both carrots and red bell peppers. “Red bell peppers have way more of the antioxidant than orange, yellow, or green, with 1 cup of red bell peppers providing up to 2,420 micrograms (mcg),” says Moody. “However, carrots contain significantly more beta-carotene, with 1 cup of raw carrots providing 11,000 mcg.” Cooking increases the content and the body’s ability to absorb beta-carotene even more, Moody explains, with 1 cup of cooked carrots providing up to 13,000 micrograms. Since food labels don't typically list beta-carotene or vitamin A content, the exact amount is more of an educated guess. Schoenfeld estimates carrots to have between 10,000–10,500 mcg of beta-carotene, and red bell peppers to have between 2,300–2,600 mcg of beta-carotene per serving. Regardless, she still thinks red bell peppers are great to add to your diet, but they are not an excellent source of beta-carotene like carrots. “When comparing nutrients with Daily Values (DV) on food labels, carrots are an excellent source, providing 100%+ of the Daily Value for vitamin A. Red, yellow, and orange bell peppers provide 15-30% of the Daily Value,” says Schoenfeld. “Don’t sell peppers short. Every bit adds up, and they also provide vitamin C, another immune supporter.” How to Add More Carrots to Your Diet You don’t need to add a ton of carrots to your diet to get your daily required value of beta-carotene (one serving is enough), but if you’re tired of simply eating baby carrots, here are a few other ways to enjoy them, according to Schoenfeld.