Calories and Nutritions in Cassava Root

Cassava root is a starchy tuberous vegetable characterized by a thick fibrous bark and white flesh. A single small raw cassava root (150g) contains 240 calories, while a large raw root (500g) provides 800 calories. Cooking methods drastically alter the energy density, as a large serving of fried cassava (100g) contains 280 calories due to oil absorption, whereas a large serving of steamed cassava (100g) provides only 160 calories. Baked cassava (100g) has 170 calories, while a 100g portion of raw cassava root offers 160 calories, and a cup of raw cubed cassava (206g) contains 330 calories. A serving of Goya Frozen Yuca (85g) provides 120 calories, while a serving of Iberia Frozen Cassava (100g) contains 160 calories.

An examination of cassava root nutrition facts reveals a food defined by a high carbohydrate content and significant Vitamin C, with a large raw serving (500g) delivering 190g of carbohydrates and 103mg of Vitamin C. Cooking techniques modify the nutrient profile significantly, as the calorie density shifts from 160 calories per 100g for raw cassava to 280 calories for a fried version, while the heat treatment is essential to reduce toxic cyanogenic glycosides. The tuber distinguishes itself through a high antioxidant profile, providing 20.6mg of Vitamin C (23% DV) and 0.19mg of manganese (8% DV) per 100g serving. The mineral content proves substantial as well, offering 80mg of calcium (6% DV), 1,355mg of potassium (29% DV), and 105mg of magnesium (25% DV) per large root, supporting immune defense and fluid regulation.

Cassava’s international presence depends on a massive tropical agricultural sector, with major producers like Nigeria yielding over 60 million tonnes of cassava annually. The United States requires a large volume of supply, importing over $65 million in cassava products in 2022. Within these regions, the root functions as a staple ingredient in at least three distinct regional cuisines, appearing in West African Fufu, Cuban Yuca con Mojo, and Brazilian Farofa. This consistent demand and rising agricultural costs are reflected in the retail pricing, with a single pound of fresh root climbing from under $0.79 in the early 2000s to over $1.49 after 2020. Menu prices mirror this economic shift, as a side of Yuca Fries at Versailles Restaurant moved from $4.50 in 2014 to between $6.95 and $7.95.

Considering the caloric value, cassava root is a beneficial food for regular consumption and is regarded as a vital energy source due to the substantial concentration of complex carbohydrates relative to the cost. Guidelines from organizations like the USDA recognize the value of starchy vegetables in providing sustained energy, and a single large serving provides over the daily requirement for Vitamin C. A suggested consumption rate is to include the vegetable in meals two to three times per week, though individuals must ensure thorough cooking to eliminate toxicity, as the 240 calories in a small portion require an energy expenditure equivalent to 24 minutes of running or 36 minutes of swimming.

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Cassava Root nutrition

1 Cassava Root (small) contains approximately 480 calories, 114g of carbs, 4.2g of protein, 5.4g of fiber and 5.1g of sugar.
Stats Weight
Carbs 114 grams
Protein 4.2 grams
Fats 0 grams
Sugars 5.1 grams
  • Large Cassava Root Calories (Nutritional Facts)
  • Medium Cassava Root Calories (Nutritional Facts)
  • Small Cassava Root Calories (Nutritional Facts)
  • Fried Cassava Root Calories (Nutritional Facts)
  • Baked Cassava Root Calories (Nutritional Facts)
  • Steamed Cassava Root Calories (Nutritional Facts)
  • Raw Cassava Root Nutrition
  • Sodium in Cassava Root
  • Potassium in Cassava Root
  • Sugar in Cassava Root
  • Fiber in Cassava Root
  • Protein in Cassava Root
  • Carbs in Cassava Root
  • Fat in Cassava Root
  • Vitamins in Cassava Root
  • Minerals in Cassava Root

Large Cassava Root Calories (Nutritional Facts)

A large raw cassava root (500g or 17.6oz) contains 800 calories, 7g of protein, 1.5g of fat, 190g of carbohydrates, 9g of fiber, 8.5g of sugar, and 70mg of sodium.



A medium raw cassava root (300g or 10.6oz) provides 480 calories, 4.2g of protein, 0.9g of fat, 114g of carbohydrates, 5.4g of fiber, 5.1g of sugar, and 42mg of sodium.



A small raw cassava root (150g or 5.3oz) contains 240 calories, 2.1g of protein, 0.45g of fat, 57g of carbohydrates, 2.7g of fiber, 2.55g of sugar, and 21mg of sodium.



A typical serving of fried cassava root (100g or 3.5oz) contains 280 calories, 1.5g of protein, 12g of fat, 45g of carbohydrates, 2g of fiber, 1.5g of sugar, and 150mg of sodium.



A typical serving of baked cassava root (100g or 3.5oz) contains 170 calories, 1.4g of protein, 0.3g of fat, 40g of carbohydrates, 2g of fiber, 1.8g of sugar, and 15mg of sodium.



A typical serving of steamed cassava root (100g or 3.5oz) contains 160 calories, 1.4g of protein, 0.3g of fat, 38g of carbohydrates, 1.8g of fiber, 1.7g of sugar, and 14mg of sodium.



Raw cassava root is a dense tuber that provides 160 calories per 100g serving, alongside 1.4g of protein and only 0.3g of fat. The fresh flesh contains 38g of carbohydrates, which includes 1.8g of dietary fiber and 1.7g of sugar. This nutrient-dense profile offers a high concentration of essential vitamins, delivering 20.6mg of Vitamin C (23% DV) and 0.19mg of Manganese (8% DV) per 100g serving. The vegetable also supplies 16mg of calcium (1% DV) and 271mg of potassium (6% DV), supporting bone health and fluid balance without contributing significant sodium.



A large raw cassava root (500g) contains 70mg of sodium (3% DV). A medium raw cassava root (300g) has 42mg of sodium (2% DV). A small raw cassava root (150g) contains 21mg of sodium (1% DV). A serving of fried cassava root (100g) contains 150mg of sodium (7% DV). A serving of baked cassava root (100g) has 15mg of sodium (1% DV). A serving of steamed cassava root (100g) contains 14mg of sodium (1% DV). A serving of raw cassava root (100g) contains 14mg of sodium (1% DV).



A large raw cassava root (500g) contains 1,355mg of potassium (29% DV). A medium raw cassava root (300g) has 813mg of potassium (17% DV). A small raw cassava root (150g) contains 406mg of potassium (9% DV). A serving of fried cassava root (100g) contains 300mg of potassium (6% DV). A serving of baked cassava root (100g) has 280mg of potassium (6% DV). A serving of steamed cassava root (100g) contains 271mg of potassium (6% DV). A serving of raw cassava root (100g) contains 271mg of potassium (6% DV).



A large raw cassava root (500g) contains 8.5g of sugar. A medium raw cassava root (300g) has 5.1g of sugar. A small raw cassava root (150g) contains 2.55g of sugar. A serving of fried cassava root (100g) contains 1.5g of sugar. A serving of baked cassava root (100g) has 1.8g of sugar. A serving of steamed cassava root (100g) contains 1.7g of sugar. A serving of raw cassava root (100g) contains 1.7g of sugar.



A large raw cassava root (500g) provides 9g of dietary fiber (32% DV). A medium raw cassava root (300g) has 5.4g of fiber (19% DV). A small raw cassava root (150g) contains 2.7g of fiber (10% DV). A serving of fried cassava root (100g) provides 2g of fiber (7% DV). A serving of baked cassava root (100g) has 2g of fiber (7% DV). A serving of steamed cassava root (100g) contains 1.8g of fiber (6% DV). A serving of raw cassava root (100g) contains 1.8g of fiber (6% DV).



A large raw cassava root (500g) provides 7g of protein (14% DV). A medium raw cassava root (300g) has 4.2g of protein (8% DV). A small raw cassava root (150g) contains 2.1g of protein (4% DV). A serving of fried cassava root (100g) provides 1.5g of protein (3% DV). A serving of baked cassava root (100g) has 1.4g of protein (3% DV). A serving of steamed cassava root (100g) contains 1.4g of protein (3% DV). A serving of raw cassava root (100g) contains 1.4g of protein (3% DV).



A large raw cassava root (500g) contains 190g of carbohydrates (69% DV). A medium raw cassava root (300g) has 114g of carbohydrates (41% DV). A small raw cassava root (150g) contains 57g of carbohydrates (21% DV). A serving of fried cassava root (100g) provides 45g of carbohydrates (16% DV). A serving of baked cassava root (100g) has 40g of carbohydrates (15% DV). A serving of steamed cassava root (100g) contains 38g of carbohydrates (14% DV). A serving of raw cassava root (100g) contains 38g of carbohydrates (14% DV).



A large raw cassava root (500g) contains 1.5g of total fat (2% DV). A medium raw cassava root (300g) has 0.9g of total fat (1% DV). A small raw cassava root (150g) contains 0.45g of total fat (1% DV). A serving of fried cassava root (100g) provides 12g of total fat (15% DV). A serving of baked cassava root (100g) has 0.3g of total fat (0% DV). A serving of steamed cassava root (100g) contains 0.3g of total fat (0% DV). A serving of raw cassava root (100g) contains 0.3g of total fat (0% DV).



A large raw cassava root (500g) provides 103mg of Vitamin C (114% DV), 0.4mg of Vitamin B6 (24% DV), and 135mcg of Folate (34% DV). A medium raw cassava root (300g) provides 61.8mg of Vitamin C (69% DV), 0.24mg of Vitamin B6 (14% DV), and 81mcg of Folate (20% DV). A small raw cassava root (150g) provides 30.9mg of Vitamin C (34% DV), 0.12mg of Vitamin B6 (7% DV), and 40.5mcg of Folate (10% DV). A serving of fried cassava root (100g) provides 15mg of Vitamin C (17% DV). A serving of baked cassava root (100g) has 18mg of Vitamin C (20% DV). A serving of steamed cassava root (100g) contains 19mg of Vitamin C (21% DV). A serving of raw cassava root (100g) contains 20.6mg of Vitamin C (23% DV).



A large raw cassava root (500g) provides 80mg of calcium (6% DV), 1.35mg of iron (8% DV), and 0.9mg of manganese (40% DV). A medium raw cassava root (300g) provides 48mg of calcium (4% DV), 0.81mg of iron (5% DV), and 0.54mg of manganese (24% DV). A small raw cassava root (150g) provides 24mg of calcium (2% DV), 0.4mg of iron (2% DV), and 0.27mg of manganese (12% DV). A serving of fried cassava root (100g) provides 18mg of calcium (1% DV). A serving of baked cassava root (100g) has 16mg of calcium (1% DV). A serving of steamed cassava root (100g) contains 16mg of calcium (1% DV). A serving of raw cassava root (100g) contains 16mg of calcium (1% DV).



Cassava Root

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What are the Types of Cassava Roots?

The types of cassava roots are Sweet Cassava and Bitter Cassava. These variations are distinguished by the concentration of cyanogenic glycosides and the intended culinary use. The table below differentiates these primary cassava varieties.

Type Description Calories (Approximate per 100g) Calorie Qualifications
Sweet Cassava
A variety with lower cyanide levels, typically eaten as a fresh vegetable after boiling or frying. 160 The standard calorie count reflects the high starch content common to the species.
Bitter Cassava
A variety with high cyanide levels, used primarily for industrial starch production or processed flour (fufu/tapioca). 160 The energy density remains consistent, though extensive processing is required to make the root edible.

What are Desserts With Cassava Root?

Cassava root serves as a starchy base for dense cakes, puddings, and sweet snacks across Filipino, Caribbean, and Brazilian cuisines. The tuber's neutral flavor absorbs sweeteners and coconut milk effectively. The following collection identifies sweet dishes utilizing cassava root.

Dish Name Calories (Estimate per serving) Type of Dessert Carbs (g) (Estimate) Sugar (g) (Estimate) Protein (g) (Estimate) Fat (g) (Estimate) Cuisine Restaurants 
Cassava Cake (Bibingkang Kamoteng Kahoy)
350 Cake 55 30 4 12 Filipino Goldilocks
Cassava Pone
320 Pudding/Cake 50 25 3 10 Caribbean Golden Krust
Bolo de Mandioca (Mané Pelado)
280 Cake 45 20 5 8 Brazilian Emporium Brasil (New York, NY)
Nilupak (Mashed Cassava)
250 Sweet Snack 40 15 2 8 Filipino Grill 21 (New York, NY)
Sweet Cassava with Coconut Sauce
220 Pudding 35 18 2 6 Thai Jitlada (Los Angeles, CA)
Suman Cassava
200 Steamed Cake 38 12 1 4 Filipino Natin (Los Angeles, CA)
Kueh Bingka Ubi
260 Cake 42 22 3 8 Malaysian/Singaporean Satay House (Various Locations)
Cassava Coconut Cookies
180 Cookie 25 10 2 8 Fusion Milk Bar
Tapioca Pudding (Cassava Starch)
150 Pudding 28 15 4 3 American Kozy Shack (Retail Brand)
Turon de Cassava
210 Fried Dessert 30 12 1 8 Filipino Max's Restaurant (Various Locations)

What are the Main Dishes With Cassava Root?

Cassava root serves as a primary carbohydrate source in savory stews, side dishes, and doughs across African, Latin American, and Asian cuisines. The vegetable's starchiness acts as a filling staple similar to potatoes. A registry of savory entrees incorporating cassava root is presented below.

Dish Name Calories (Estimate per serving) Type of Dish Carbs (g) (Estimate) Sugar (g) (Estimate) Protein (g) (Estimate) Fat (g) (Estimate) Cuisine Restaurants 
Yuca con Mojo
250 Side Main 45 2 2 8 Cuban Versailles Restaurant (Miami, FL)
Fufu (with Soup)
450 Swallow/Entree 80 3 12 10 West African Buka (Brooklyn, NY)
Casabe (Cassava Bread)
120 Bread 28 0 1 0 Caribbean Dominican Cravings (Various Locations)
Yuca Fries (Fried Cassava)
320 Side Dish 45 2 2 14 Latin American Pollo Tropical
Sancocho (Stew with Yuca)
400 Stew 35 4 25 15 Colombian/Dominican Puerto Viejo (Brooklyn, NY)
Coxinha (Cassava Dough Variation)
350 Fried Snack 30 2 12 18 Brazilian Plataforma (New York, NY)
Tapioca Crepe (Beiju)
220 Wrap/Main 50 0 1 1 Brazilian Tap NYC (New York, NY)
Mogo (Fried Cassava with Chili)
380 Appetizer 55 4 3 16 Indian/African Saravana Bhavan (Various Locations)
Pastel de Mandioca
300 Fried Pastry 35 2 8 14 Brazilian Berimbau (New York, NY)
Boiled Yuca with Onions
180 Side Dish 40 2 2 1 Puerto Rican La Fonda Boricua (New York, NY)

What Cuisines Prefer Cassava Root the Most?

Cassava root functions as a foundational staple in West African, Latin American (Caribbean and South American), and Southeast Asian culinary traditions. The chart below identifies the specific food cultures where cassava root serves as a key ingredient.

Cuisine Dish Types of Cassava Used Calories (Estimate) Restaurant 
Cuban
Yuca con Mojo Boiled Sweet Cassava 250 Versailles Restaurant (Miami, FL)
Nigerian
Fufu Fermented Cassava Mash 300 Buka (Brooklyn, NY)
Brazilian
Farofa Toasted Cassava Flour 150 Fogo de Chão
Filipino
Cassava Cake Grated Sweet Cassava 350 Goldilocks
Colombian
Sancocho Fresh Sweet Cassava 400 Bogota Latin Bistro (Brooklyn, NY)
Dominican
Mangu de Yuca Boiled Mashed Cassava 280 El Malecon (New York, NY)
Thai
Chuem (Syrup Cassava) Boiled Sweet Cassava 220 SriPraPhai (New York, NY)
Peruvian
Yuca Frita Fried Sweet Cassava 320 Pio Pio (New York, NY)
Ghanaian
Banku (Variation) Fermented Cassava Dough 300 Accra Restaurant (Bronx, NY)
Indonesian
Singkong Goreng Fried Sweet Cassava 280 Simpang Asia (Los Angeles, CA)

Which Countries Produce the Most Cassava Roots?

The top producers of cassava root are Nigeria, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and Thailand. The plant grows abundantly in tropical climates, where local agricultural systems rely on the tuber for both domestic consumption and industrial starch export. The table below shows the production quantity of cassava in key countries.

Country 2003 2008 2013 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022
Nigeria 36,000,000 44,000,000 47,000,000 59,000,000 59,100,000 60,000,000 60,800,000 61,000,000
DR Congo 14,000,000 15,000,000 14,500,000 30,000,000 40,000,000 41,000,000 42,000,000 43,000,000
Thailand 19,000,000 25,000,000 30,000,000 31,000,000 31,500,000 29,000,000 30,000,000 31,000,000
Ghana 10,000,000 11,000,000 15,000,000 20,000,000 22,000,000 21,800,000 22,500,000 23,000,000
Brazil 22,000,000 26,000,000 21,000,000 17,000,000 17,500,000 18,000,000 18,100,000 18,200,000

Which Countries Consume the Most Cassava Roots?

The top consumers of cassava root are Nigeria, Brazil, and Indonesia. Consumption is highest in regions where the vegetable is a traditional staple for Fufu, Farofa, and other daily dishes. The table below shows import values for cassava and cassava products in key markets, reflecting the trade of this commodity.

Country 2003 2008 2013 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022
China 200,000 500,000 1,200,000 1,500,000 1,400,000 1,300,000 1,600,000 1,800,000
United States 25,000 40,000 50,000 60,000 62,000 65,000 70,000 75,000
Thailand 10,000 20,000 150,000 300,000 350,000 400,000 450,000 500,000
Vietnam 5,000 15,000 100,000 200,000 250,000 300,000 350,000 400,000
Netherlands 30,000 50,000 60,000 70,000 75,000 80,000 85,000 90,000

How Do Prices of Cassava Root-Including Dishes Change?

The table below illustrates the price evolution for specific restaurant offerings for menu items with cassava root as an ingredient.

Brand/Restaurant Dish Old Price (Year) Current Price (2024/2025)
Versailles Restaurant (Miami, FL) Yuca Frita (Side) $4.50 (2014) $6.50 to $7.50
Goldilocks Cassava Cake (Slice) $12.50 (2013) $14.00 - $15.29
Pio Pio (New York, NY) Fried Cassava (Yuca Frita) $5.00 (2012) $8.00 - $9.00
Havana Central (New York, NY) Yuca Mash $6.00 (2013) $8.35 - $10.50
El Malecon (New York, NY) Cassava (Boiled) $4.00 (2015) $6.00 - $10.00
El Malecon (New York, NY) Cassava (Fried) $4.00 (2015) $6.00 - $10.00
Bahama Breeze Yuca Cheese Sticks $8.99 (2016) $9.49 - $15.50

What is the Cassava Root Calorie for 100 Grams?

A 100g serving of raw cassava root contains 160 calories. A 100g serving of fried cassava root contains 280 calories. A 100g serving of baked cassava root contains 170 calories. A 100g serving of steamed cassava root contains 160 calories.

What is the Cassava Root Calorie for 1 KG?

One kilogram (1000g) of raw cassava root contains 1,600 calories. One kilogram (1000g) of fried cassava root contains 2,800 calories. One kilogram (1000g) of baked cassava root contains 1,700 calories. One kilogram (1000g) of steamed cassava root contains 1,600 calories.

What is the Calorie of 1 Cassava Root?

One small raw cassava root (150g) contains 240 calories. One medium raw cassava root (300g) contains 480 calories. One large raw cassava root (500g) contains 800 calories. Commercial varieties vary slightly, as a serving of Goya Frozen Yuca (85g) provides 120 calories, while a serving of Iberia Frozen Cassava (100g) contains 160 calories.

What are the Health Benefits of Cassava Root?

The nutritional value of cassava root is defined by the high concentration of resistant starch, Vitamin C, and complex carbohydrates found in the tuber. A summary of these positive effects is detailed here.

  • Supports Digestive Health: The root serves as a significant source of resistant starch, which functions as a prebiotic to feed beneficial gut bacteria. A study by Nugent, A. P. (2005), "Health properties of resistant starch," confirmed that resistant starch improves colonic health and may reduce the risk of inflammatory bowel diseases.
  • Boosts Immune System: The vegetable provides a high density of Vitamin C, which functions as an antioxidant to strengthen the immune defense. A review by Carr, A. C., & Maggini, S. (2017), "Vitamin C and Immune Function," highlighted that Vitamin C supports various cellular functions of both the innate and adaptive immune systems.
  • Provides Sustained Energy: The root contains complex carbohydrates that digest slowly, providing a steady release of glucose into the bloodstream. A study by Eleazu, C. O. (2016), "The concept of low glycemic index and glycemic load foods as panacea for type 2 diabetes mellitus," noted that complex carbohydrate sources like cassava can support metabolic control when prepared correctly.

What are the Downsides of Cassava Root?

The vegetable's chemical composition presents specific health risks related to toxicity if prepared incorrectly and high caloric density. The list below outlines the specific risks linked to eating cassava root.

  • Cyanogenic Glycoside Toxicity: The raw root contains linamarin and lotaustralin, which release cyanide if the tuber is eaten raw or improperly processed. A study by Nzwalo, H., & Cliff, J. (2011), "Konzo: from poverty to molecular mechanisms," detailed that insufficient processing of bitter cassava can lead to Konzo, a paralytic disease caused by cyanide poisoning. A safer alternative is sweet potatoes or yams, which do not contain cyanogenic glycosides. A suggested daily amount is to ensure the root is peeled, soaked, and thoroughly cooked before consumption to eliminate toxicity.

Are Cassava Roots Good for You?

Yes, cassava roots are good for health because the vegetable offers a dense profile of complex carbohydrates, Vitamin C, and manganese that supports multiple physiological systems. The high potassium and magnesium content supports heart health by helping to regulate blood pressure and fluid balance, as noted in the research by Weaver, C. M. (2013), "Potassium and health." The presence of resistant starch supports digestive health by facilitating bowel regularity and feeding gut flora, a benefit highlighted by Nugent, A. P. (2005), "Health properties of resistant starch." The vegetable also aids in immune defense due to the high Vitamin C content. A study by Carr, A. C., & Maggini, S. (2017), "Vitamin C and Immune Function," found that the vitamin accumulates in phagocytic cells and enhances microbial killing.

How Does Calorie Change According to Cassava Root Types?

The calorie count remains consistent across the different types of cassava root. A serving of Sweet Cassava contains 160 calories per 100 grams, representing the baseline for the fresh vegetable. Bitter Cassava contains a nearly identical value at 160 calories per 100 grams, as the difference lies in the toxicity level rather than the macronutrient density. The processing required for Bitter Cassava, such as fermentation or drying, may alter the final caloric density of the resulting flour or product, but the raw root maintains a similar profile.

What is the Origin of Cassava Root?

The history of cassava root traces back to South America, specifically the southern border of the Amazon basin in Brazil. The plant Manihot esculenta was domesticated by indigenous peoples thousands of years ago. Portuguese traders introduced the crop to Africa in the 16th century, where the tuber became a critical food security crop due to the plant's drought tolerance and ability to grow in poor soils. The vegetable spread to Asia through Spanish trade routes to the Philippines. Cassava now serves as a primary calorie source for over 800 million people worldwide, particularly in tropical regions.

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