FoodScore
0/ 100
Goodvegetable· 100 g

Bell Pepper Green

Green bell peppers earn a "Good" FoodScore of 62/100, primarily driven by their high vitamin C content and status as an unprocessed whole food.

  • A 100g serving provides 111% of the Daily Value for Vitamin C.
  • It is a minimally processed whole food, classified as NOVA 1.
  • Contains no added sugar, trans fat, or sodium.
  • Provides 0.94g of fiber per 100g, contributing to daily intake.
  • With only 0.11g of total fat per 100g, it is a very low-fat vegetable.
  • Scores -3 points above the vegetable category average (65/100 across 68 foods).
Fiber
0.94g
3% of Daily Value
Protein
0.72g
1% of Daily Value
Added sugar
0g
0% of Daily Value
Sodium
0mg
0% of Daily Value
+
What it brings to the table
Micronutrients (Vitamin C)+2
Whole food (NOVA 1)+10
−
What holds it back

Nothing significantly penalised here. Well done.

Why it scores 62

Green bell peppers achieve a FoodScore of 62/100, placing them in the "Good" category. A significant contributor to this score is their impressive micronutrient profile, particularly Vitamin C, with a 100g serving providing 111% of the Daily Value. This high concentration of a key vitamin earns a substantial bonus. Furthermore, as a NOVA class 1 food, meaning it is unprocessed or minimally processed, green bell pepper receives a significant bonus for being a whole food. This classification aligns with dietary guidelines that emphasize consuming foods in their most natural state. The food also benefits from having zero added sugar, zero sodium, and negligible saturated fat, which prevents any penalties in these areas. While it provides some fiber (0.94g per 100g), this amount is not high enough to earn a bonus for fiber content. To achieve a higher score, green bell peppers would need to offer a broader range of micronutrients in significant amounts or a higher fiber content.

Health benefits

What the nutrients in bell pepper green actually do for you, grounded in established dietary science.

Immune System Support

Green bell peppers are an excellent source of Vitamin C, a crucial nutrient for immune function. A 100g serving provides 111% of the Daily Value, making it a simple way to meet a significant portion of your daily needs. Vitamin C is known for its role in supporting various cellular functions of both the innate and adaptive immune systems. Regular intake helps maintain the body's defenses. While Vitamin C is vital, a balanced diet with a variety of nutrients is key for overall immune health.

Antioxidant Properties

The high concentration of Vitamin C in green bell peppers contributes to their antioxidant capacity. Antioxidants help protect the body's cells from damage caused by free radicals, which are unstable molecules linked to chronic diseases and aging. Incorporating foods rich in antioxidants, like green bell peppers, into your diet is a strategy to support cellular health. While beneficial, antioxidants work best as part of a diverse diet rather than relying on a single source.

Digestive Health

Green bell peppers contain dietary fiber, with 0.94g per 100g serving. Fiber is essential for maintaining a healthy digestive system, promoting regular bowel movements, and preventing constipation. It adds bulk to stool and can help feed beneficial gut bacteria. While not exceptionally high in fiber compared to some other vegetables, including green bell peppers as part of a varied diet can contribute to your overall fiber intake, which is important for gut health.

Weight Management

With only 0 calories per 100g and a high water content, green bell peppers are a low-calorie, nutrient-dense food. Their fiber content, though modest, can contribute to feelings of fullness and satiety, which may help reduce overall calorie intake. Including vegetables like green bell peppers in meals can add volume and nutrients without significantly increasing caloric load, making them a useful component of a weight management strategy. Sustainable weight management involves a balanced diet and regular physical activity.

How to eat it

Green bell peppers are a versatile vegetable commonly used in American cuisine, valued for their mild, slightly bitter flavor and crisp texture. They are typically eaten raw in salads, cooked in stir-fries, fajitas, or roasted dishes, and can be stuffed. A typical serving size is around 100g, which is about one medium bell pepper.

Storage: Store unwashed green bell peppers in a plastic bag in the refrigerator's crisper drawer for up to 1-2 weeks to maintain freshness.
Raw in Salads: Slice or dice raw green bell peppers into salads for a crunchy texture and a boost of Vitamin C.
Cooking Versatility: Add them to stir-fries, omelets, or fajitas for flavor and nutrients, cooking until tender-crisp.
Roasting: Halve and roast bell peppers with a drizzle of olive oil for a sweetened flavor profile that pairs well with meats or grains.
Things to keep in mind

Green bell peppers are generally considered safe for consumption by most individuals and are not commonly associated with allergies. Some people may experience mild digestive discomfort, such as gas or bloating, if consumed in very large quantities due to their fiber content, though this is rare at typical serving sizes. There are no widely documented significant drug interactions or specific populations for whom green bell peppers are cautioned against at normal dietary intake levels. Individuals with specific digestive sensitivities, such as those following a low-FODMAP diet, might need to monitor their intake, but for the general public, they pose minimal risk.

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Reader questions
Is green bell pepper healthy?
Yes, green bell pepper is considered very healthy. It has a FoodScore of 62/100, indicating a "Good" nutritional profile. It is particularly rich in Vitamin C, providing 111% of the Daily Value per 100g, and is a minimally processed whole food.
Is green bell pepper good for weight loss?
Yes, green bell pepper can be beneficial for weight loss. It is very low in calories (0 calories per 100g) and contains fiber, which can help promote feelings of fullness. Including it in meals can add volume and nutrients without significantly increasing caloric intake.
Is green bell pepper ultra-processed?
No, green bell pepper is not ultra-processed. It is classified as a NOVA class 1 food, meaning it is an unprocessed or minimally processed food. This indicates it is in its natural state or has undergone minimal alterations like washing or trimming.
How should I cook green bell peppers?
Green bell peppers are versatile and can be cooked in many ways. They can be sautéed, roasted, grilled, or stir-fried. For a crisp texture, cook them briefly; for a softer texture, cook longer. They are excellent in fajitas, stir-fries, or stuffed.
What can I use as a substitute for green bell pepper?
If you need a substitute, other bell pepper colors (red, yellow, orange) can often be used, though they have a sweeter flavor profile. For a similar crunch and mild flavor in raw dishes, cucumber or celery could be alternatives. For cooked dishes, zucchini or onions might offer a similar texture when softened.
Do green bell peppers have a lot of sugar?
No, green bell peppers contain no added sugar and have a very low natural sugar content. This makes them an excellent choice for those monitoring their sugar intake, as they contribute minimal carbohydrates from sugars.
Are green bell peppers good for heart health?
Green bell peppers contribute to heart health by being low in sodium and saturated fat, both of which are important for cardiovascular well-being. Their fiber content and antioxidants, like Vitamin C, also play a supportive role in maintaining overall heart health as part of a balanced diet.

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Data & references

Sources: USDA FoodData Central (Foundation, fdcId 2258588)Updated 2026-04-20