Long dismissed as nutritionally empty, iceberg lettuce is quietly reclaiming its place on healthy plates. Dietitians say this crisp green, made of about 95% water, can boost hydration while adding minimal calories—around 8 to 9 per cup—and virtually no fat or sodium. Once maligned for its lower fiber content, iceberg still contributes to daily intake and delivers vitamins and minerals, including vitamin A, magnesium and calcium. While darker leaves like romaine and arugula pack more nutrients per bite, experts argue that any lettuce you’ll actually eat is a win. Affordable, widely available and kid-friendly in flavor, iceberg can help Americans—only 1 in 10 of whom meet fruit and vegetable targets—move closer to recommended intakes. For more detail, see the original analysis at EatingWell.
