16 Complete Protein Pairings with Baby Carrots

Summary:

  • Baby carrot is low in protein - about 0.1 grams per large.
  • In addition, baby carrot provides only 7 of the 9 essential amino acids sufficiently - it is a little low on leucine and methionine.[1]
  • Baby carrot pairs well with brazil nut, carrots, hedge mustard seeds, yellow corn or pili nut to create a complete protein profile. [2] More baby carrot pairings and detailed analysis below.

A complete protein is a protein source that "contains adequate proportions of the nine essential amino acids" that our body can not produce on its own.

World Health Organization [2], National Academy Press [3]

We analyzed the amino acid composition of baby carrots, and found both vegan and vegetarian pairings with baby carrots that creates a complete protein profile. Read on to discover new combinations of foods to enjoy!

Details on how we calculate complete protein profiles.

image of baby carrots source

Amount of Protein in Baby Carrots

Relatively low in protein, a single baby carrot contains 0.1 grams of protein, or about 0% of recommended daily values. [1]

To get the adequate amount of protein with baby carrots alone, you will need 521 baby carrots (7810 grams) for an average female, or 625 baby carrots for males. [4] That's over 2730 calories, and a lot of baby carrot! Pairing baby carrot with a richer protein source is a good idea.

Full nutritional profile for baby carrots
USDA Source: Carrots, baby, raw

Macronutrients in 1 large (15g) of baby carrots:

% of RDV Amount
Calories
0.3% 5 kCal
Carbohydrates
0% -
Total fat
0% 0 grams
Protein
0.2% 0.1 grams

Essential Amino Acids in Baby Carrots

Proportionally, baby carrot does contain abundant amounts of 7 out of the nine essential amino acids. However, baby carrot is a little short on leucine and methionine.[1]

To have adequate amounts of all nine essential amino acids with baby carrot alone, you will have to eat 956 baby carrots (14333 grams) for an average person. [2]

That's about 84% more baby carrot to compensate for the lack of leucine and methionine, compared to the protein requirement alone.

The amount of each essential amino acid in 1 large (15g) of baby carrots:

Amino Acid % of RDV [2] Amount [1] Complete /
Adequate
Protein
0.2% 0.096g
Histidine
0.3% 0.002g
Isoleucine
0.6% 0.005g
Leucine
0.3% 0.005g
Lysine
0.3% 0.005g
Methionine
0.1% 0.001g
Phenylalanine
0.3% 0.004g
Threonine
0.5% 0.005g
Tryptophan
0.5% 0.001g
Valine
0.5% 0.005g

More Complete Protein with Baby Carrots

Top vegan pairings with baby carrots include:
  1. Brazil Nut
  2. Carrots
  3. Hedge Mustard Seeds
  4. Yellow Corn
  5. Pili Nut
  6. Chia Seeds
  7. Nori
  8. Sesame Seeds
  9. Pumpkin Seeds
  10. Spirulina
  11. Poppy Seeds
  12. Cashews
Although dairy and eggs are generally considered complete proteins, some types of vegetarian food pair more efficiently with baby carrots. These include:
  1. Sour Cream
  2. Caramel
  3. Mayonnaise
  4. Yogurt

Vegan 1. Brazil Nut and Baby Carrots


image of brazil nut
image of baby carrots

A reasonable source of supplementary protein, brazil nut is high in leucine and methionine, which is complementary to baby carrot.

A ratio of 10 baby carrots (150g) and 2.2 mls of brazil nut (1g) creates a complete protein profile. The entire range to create a complete protein are ratios of 1:0.01 to 1:0 for baby carrot to brazil nut by weight.

Full nutritional profile for brazil nut
USDA Source: Nuts, brazilnuts, dried, unblanched

Table of amino acids of 10 large baby carrots and 2.2 ml brazil nut :
Amino Acid % of RDV [2] Amount [5] Complete /
Adequate
Protein
2.3% 1.1g
Histidine
3.9% 0.02g
Isoleucine
6.7% 0.06g
Leucine
3.5% 0.07g
Lysine
3.2% 0.06g
Methionine
2.6% 0.02g
Phenylalanine
3.1% 0.05g
Threonine
5.7% 0.05g
Tryptophan
5.8% 0.02g
Valine
5.9% 0.06g

Vegan 2. Carrots and Baby Carrots


image of carrots
image of baby carrots

Carrot is low in protein, and is high in leucine and methionine, complementing the profile of baby carrot.

For example, 10 baby carrots (150g) and 1.7 carrots (126g) make a complete amino acids profile. In fact, any ratio of more than 0.8:1 of carrot to baby carrot will be complete.

Full nutritional profile for carrots
USDA Source: Carrots, raw

Table of amino acids of 10 large baby carrots and 1.7 large carrots :
Amino Acid % of RDV [2] Amount [6] Complete /
Adequate
Protein
4.3% 2.1g
Histidine
11.1% 0.07g
Isoleucine
17.2% 0.15g
Leucine
9.6% 0.18g
Lysine
10.3% 0.18g
Methionine
4% 0.03g
Phenylalanine
7.8% 0.12g
Threonine
31.8% 0.29g
Tryptophan
11% 0.03g
Valine
13% 0.14g

Vegan 3. Hedge Mustard Seeds and Baby Carrots


image of hedge mustard seeds
image of baby carrots

A reasonable source of supplementary protein, hedge mustard seed is high in leucine and methionine, which is complementary to baby carrot.

A ratio of 10 baby carrots (150g) and 1.2 tablespoons of hedge mustard seeds (6g) creates a complete protein profile. The entire range to create a complete protein are ratios of 1:0.04 to 1:4 for baby carrot to hedge mustard seed by weight.

Full nutritional profile for hedge mustard seeds
USDA Source: Seeds, sisymbrium sp. seeds, whole, dried

Table of amino acids of 10 large baby carrots and 1.2 tbsp hedge mustard seeds :
Amino Acid % of RDV [2] Amount [7] Complete /
Adequate
Protein
3.3% 1.6g
Histidine
5.9% 0.04g
Isoleucine
10.1% 0.09g
Leucine
6.4% 0.12g
Lysine
5.5% 0.09g
Methionine
3% 0.03g
Phenylalanine
4.8% 0.07g
Threonine
9.4% 0.08g
Tryptophan
10.8% 0.03g
Valine
8.6% 0.09g

Vegan 4. Yellow Corn and Baby Carrots


image of yellow corn
image of baby carrots

Yellow corn is a reasonable source of supplementary protein, and is high in leucine and methionine, complementing the profile of baby carrot.

For example, 10 baby carrots (150g) and 0.5 ear of yellow corn (45g) make a complete amino acids profile. The entire range to create a complete protein are ratios of 1:0.3 to 1:0 for baby carrot to yellow corn by weight.

Full nutritional profile for yellow corn
USDA Source: Corn, sweet, yellow, cooked, boiled, drained, without salt

Table of amino acids of 10 large baby carrots and 0.5 ear yellow corn :
Amino Acid % of RDV [2] Amount [8] Complete /
Adequate
Protein
5% 2.5g
Histidine
9.6% 0.06g
Isoleucine
12.9% 0.11g
Leucine
11.3% 0.21g
Lysine
6.6% 0.11g
Methionine
4.6% 0.04g
Phenylalanine
7.3% 0.11g
Threonine
11.8% 0.11g
Tryptophan
9.1% 0.02g
Valine
12.9% 0.14g

Vegan 5. Pili Nut and Baby Carrots


image of pili nut
image of baby carrots

A reasonable source of supplementary protein, pili nut is high in leucine and methionine, which is complementary to baby carrot.

A ratio of 10 baby carrots (150g) and 1.2 teaspoons of pili nut (3g) creates a complete protein profile. The entire range to create a complete protein are ratios of 1:0.02 to 1:0 for baby carrot to pili nut by weight.

Full nutritional profile for pili nut
USDA Source: Nuts, pilinuts, dried

Table of amino acids of 10 large baby carrots and 1.2 tsp pili nut :
Amino Acid % of RDV [2] Amount [9] Complete /
Adequate
Protein
2.5% 1.3g
Histidine
4.3% 0.03g
Isoleucine
7.6% 0.06g
Leucine
4.1% 0.08g
Lysine
3.5% 0.06g
Methionine
2.4% 0.02g
Phenylalanine
3.6% 0.05g
Threonine
6.5% 0.06g
Tryptophan
7.3% 0.02g
Valine
6.9% 0.07g

Vegan 6. Chia Seeds and Baby Carrots


image of chia seeds
image of baby carrots

Chia seed is a reasonable source of supplementary protein, and is high in leucine and methionine, complementing the profile of baby carrot.

For example, 10 baby carrots (150g) and 0.1 ounce of chia seeds (2g) make a complete amino acids profile. The entire range to create a complete protein are ratios of 1:0.01 to 1:1.3 for baby carrot to chia seed by weight.

Full nutritional profile for chia seeds
USDA Source: Seeds, chia seeds, dried

Table of amino acids of 10 large baby carrots and 0.1 oz chia seeds :
Amino Acid % of RDV [2] Amount [10] Complete /
Adequate
Protein
2.6% 1.3g
Histidine
4.8% 0.03g
Isoleucine
7.8% 0.07g
Leucine
4.2% 0.08g
Lysine
4% 0.07g
Methionine
2.4% 0.02g
Phenylalanine
4% 0.06g
Threonine
6.7% 0.06g
Tryptophan
8.5% 0.02g
Valine
6.7% 0.07g

Vegan 7. Nori and Baby Carrots


image of nori
image of baby carrots

A reasonable source of supplementary protein, nori is high in leucine and methionine, which is complementary to baby carrot.

A ratio of 10 baby carrots (150g) and 4.7 sheets of nori (12g) creates a complete protein profile. The entire range to create a complete protein are ratios of 1:0.08 to 1:0.01 for baby carrot to nori by weight.

Full nutritional profile for nori
USDA Source: Seaweed, laver, raw

Table of amino acids of 10 large baby carrots and 4.7 sheet nori :
Amino Acid % of RDV [2] Amount [11] Complete /
Adequate
Protein
3.3% 1.7g
Histidine
5.8% 0.04g
Isoleucine
9.6% 0.08g
Leucine
6% 0.11g
Lysine
4.5% 0.08g
Methionine
3.1% 0.03g
Phenylalanine
4.9% 0.07g
Threonine
8.3% 0.07g
Tryptophan
7.2% 0.02g
Valine
9.6% 0.1g

Vegan 8. Sesame Seeds and Baby Carrots


image of sesame seeds
image of baby carrots

Sesame seed is a reasonable source of supplementary protein, and is high in leucine and methionine, complementing the profile of baby carrot.

For example, 10 baby carrots (150g) and 0.7 teaspoon of sesame seeds (2g) make a complete amino acids profile. The entire range to create a complete protein are ratios of 1:0.01 to 1:0 for baby carrot to sesame seed by weight.

Full nutritional profile for sesame seeds
USDA Source: Seeds, sesame seeds, whole, roasted and toasted

Table of amino acids of 10 large baby carrots and 0.7 tsp sesame seeds :
Amino Acid % of RDV [2] Amount [12] Complete /
Adequate
Protein
2.7% 1.3g
Histidine
4.9% 0.03g
Isoleucine
7.8% 0.07g
Leucine
4.3% 0.08g
Lysine
3.6% 0.06g
Methionine
2.5% 0.02g
Phenylalanine
4% 0.06g
Threonine
6.9% 0.06g
Tryptophan
8.4% 0.02g
Valine
7% 0.08g

Vegan 9. Pumpkin Seeds and Baby Carrots


image of pumpkin seeds
image of baby carrots

A reasonable source of supplementary protein, pumpkin seed is high in leucine and methionine, which is complementary to baby carrot.

A ratio of 10 baby carrots (150g) and 1.3 tablespoons of pumpkin seeds (5g) creates a complete protein profile. The entire range to create a complete protein are ratios of 1:0.04 to 1:4 for baby carrot to pumpkin seed by weight.

Full nutritional profile for pumpkin seeds
USDA Source: Seeds, pumpkin and squash seeds, whole, roasted, without salt

Table of amino acids of 10 large baby carrots and 1.3 tbsp pumpkin seeds :
Amino Acid % of RDV [2] Amount [13] Complete /
Adequate
Protein
3.9% 1.9g
Histidine
7.5% 0.05g
Isoleucine
11.8% 0.1g
Leucine
7.2% 0.14g
Lysine
7.2% 0.12g
Methionine
3.6% 0.03g
Phenylalanine
5.9% 0.09g
Threonine
9.2% 0.08g
Tryptophan
11.9% 0.03g
Valine
12.4% 0.13g

Vegan 10. Spirulina and Baby Carrots


image of spirulina
image of baby carrots

Spirulina is a great source of protein, and is high in leucine and methionine, complementing the profile of baby carrot.

For example, 10 baby carrots (150g) and 0.4 tablespoon of spirulina (3g) make a complete amino acids profile. The entire range to create a complete protein are ratios of 1:0.02 to 1:1.9 for baby carrot to spirulina by weight.

Full nutritional profile for spirulina
USDA Source: Seaweed, spirulina, dried

Table of amino acids of 10 large baby carrots and 0.4 tbsp spirulina :
Amino Acid % of RDV [2] Amount [14] Complete /
Adequate
Protein
5.1% 2.6g
Histidine
7.9% 0.05g
Isoleucine
16.3% 0.14g
Leucine
10.1% 0.19g
Lysine
7.8% 0.13g
Methionine
4.8% 0.04g
Phenylalanine
7.8% 0.12g
Threonine
14.4% 0.13g
Tryptophan
15.2% 0.04g
Valine
14.1% 0.15g

Vegan 11. Poppy Seeds and Baby Carrots


image of poppy seeds
image of baby carrots

A reasonable source of supplementary protein, poppy seed is high in leucine and methionine, which is complementary to baby carrot.

A ratio of 10 baby carrots (150g) and 1.1 teaspoons of poppy seeds (3g) creates a complete protein profile. The entire range to create a complete protein are ratios of 1:0.02 to 1:2 for baby carrot to poppy seed by weight.

Full nutritional profile for poppy seeds
USDA Source: Spices, poppy seed

Table of amino acids of 10 large baby carrots and 1.1 tsp poppy seeds :
Amino Acid % of RDV [2] Amount [15] Complete /
Adequate
Protein
3% 1.5g
Histidine
5.3% 0.03g
Isoleucine
8.8% 0.08g
Leucine
4.9% 0.09g
Lysine
4.6% 0.08g
Methionine
2.8% 0.02g
Phenylalanine
4.1% 0.06g
Threonine
7.5% 0.07g
Tryptophan
7.3% 0.02g
Valine
8% 0.09g

Vegan 12. Cashews and Baby Carrots


image of cashews
image of baby carrots

Cashew is a reasonable source of supplementary protein, and is high in leucine and methionine, complementing the profile of baby carrot.

For example, 10 baby carrots (150g) and 0.3 ounce of cashews (9g) make a complete amino acids profile. The entire range to create a complete protein are ratios of 1:0.06 to 1:6 for baby carrot to cashew by weight.

Full nutritional profile for cashews
USDA Source: Nuts, cashew nuts, raw

Table of amino acids of 10 large baby carrots and 0.3 oz cashews :
Amino Acid % of RDV [2] Amount [16] Complete /
Adequate
Protein
5.2% 2.6g
Histidine
9.6% 0.06g
Isoleucine
14.2% 0.12g
Leucine
9.8% 0.19g
Lysine
7.8% 0.13g
Methionine
4.9% 0.04g
Phenylalanine
8.4% 0.12g
Threonine
12.1% 0.11g
Tryptophan
15.2% 0.04g
Valine
14.2% 0.15g

Vegetarian 13. Sour Cream and Baby Carrots


image of sour cream
image of baby carrots

A reasonable source of supplementary protein, sour cream is high in leucine and methionine, which is complementary to baby carrot.

A ratio of 10 baby carrots (150g) and 1.4 tablespoons of sour cream (16g) creates a complete protein profile. The entire range to create a complete protein are ratios of 1:0.11 to 1:11 for baby carrot to sour cream by weight.

Full nutritional profile for sour cream
USDA Source: Cream, sour, cultured

Table of amino acids of 10 large baby carrots and 1.4 tbsp sour cream :
Amino Acid % of RDV [2] Amount [17] Complete /
Adequate
Protein
2.7% 1.4g
Histidine
5.5% 0.03g
Isoleucine
9% 0.08g
Leucine
5.6% 0.11g
Lysine
5.5% 0.09g
Methionine
2.5% 0.02g
Phenylalanine
4.3% 0.06g
Threonine
7.8% 0.07g
Tryptophan
7.8% 0.02g
Valine
8% 0.09g

Vegetarian 14. Caramel and Baby Carrots


image of caramel
image of baby carrots

Caramel is low in protein, and is high in leucine and methionine, complementing the profile of baby carrot.

For example, 10 baby carrots (150g) and 1.8 tablespoons of caramel (36g) make a complete amino acids profile. The entire range to create a complete protein are ratios of 1:0.24 to 1:0 for baby carrot to caramel by weight.

Full nutritional profile for caramel
USDA Source: Toppings, butterscotch or caramel

Table of amino acids of 10 large baby carrots and 1.8 tbsp caramel :
Amino Acid % of RDV [2] Amount [18] Complete /
Adequate
Protein
2.8% 1.4g
Histidine
5.4% 0.03g
Isoleucine
9.7% 0.08g
Leucine
5.5% 0.1g
Lysine
5.4% 0.09g
Methionine
2.6% 0.02g
Phenylalanine
4.4% 0.06g
Threonine
7.8% 0.07g
Tryptophan
5.2% 0.01g
Valine
8.3% 0.09g

Vegetarian 15. Mayonnaise and Baby Carrots


image of mayonnaise
image of baby carrots

Low in protein, mayonnaise is high in leucine and methionine, which is complementary to baby carrot.

A ratio of 10 baby carrots (150g) and 2.4 tablespoons of mayonnaise (33g) creates a complete protein profile. The entire range to create a complete protein are ratios of 1:0.22 to 1:22 for baby carrot to mayonnaise by weight.

Full nutritional profile for mayonnaise
USDA Source: Salad dressing, mayonnaise, regular

Table of amino acids of 10 large baby carrots and 2.4 tbsp mayonnaise :
Amino Acid % of RDV [2] Amount [19] Complete /
Adequate
Protein
2.5% 1.3g
Histidine
4.4% 0.03g
Isoleucine
8.4% 0.07g
Leucine
4.4% 0.08g
Lysine
4.3% 0.07g
Methionine
2.4% 0.02g
Phenylalanine
3.9% 0.06g
Threonine
7.2% 0.06g
Tryptophan
7.3% 0.02g
Valine
7.2% 0.08g

Vegetarian 16. Yogurt and Baby Carrots


image of yogurt
image of baby carrots

Yogurt is a reasonable source of supplementary protein, and is high in leucine and methionine, complementing the profile of baby carrot.

For example, 10 baby carrots (150g) and 0.9 tablespoon of yogurt (14g) make a complete amino acids profile. The entire range to create a complete protein are ratios of 1:0.09 to 1:0 for baby carrot to yogurt by weight.

Full nutritional profile for yogurt
USDA Source: Yogurt, plain, whole milk

Table of amino acids of 10 large baby carrots and 0.9 tbsp yogurt :
Amino Acid % of RDV [2] Amount [20] Complete /
Adequate
Protein
2.9% 1.4g
Histidine
5% 0.03g
Isoleucine
9% 0.08g
Leucine
5.3% 0.1g
Lysine
5.4% 0.09g
Methionine
2.7% 0.02g
Phenylalanine
4.4% 0.07g
Threonine
7.3% 0.07g
Tryptophan
6.3% 0.02g
Valine
8.7% 0.09g


Complete Protein Pairings

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