scored 96/100
Chives are a mild-flavored allium vegetable rich in vitamin K, folate, and potassium with negligible calories. They provide sulfur-containing compounds and antioxidants that support cardiovascular and bone health.
1.6 g net carbs after fiber.
Representative amounts for this food, not measured for this item. Real content varies widely by variety, ripeness and storage.
These are the scored components, not a sum: the published score also reflects normalisation across the catalog, so the parts above will not add to 96.
Chives (Allium schoenoprasum) are a perennial herb in the onion family, native to temperate regions of the Northern Hemisphere and widely cultivated globally. Despite their delicate flavor, chives pack significant nutritional density per calorie, delivering 212.7 mcg of vitamin K per 100g—essential for bone mineralization and vascular health. Their bioactive compounds include organosulfur compounds (particularly allyl sulfides) and quercetin, both documented for anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activity. The high potassium content (296 mg/100g) supports healthy blood pressure regulation, while folate (105 mcg/100g) contributes to one-carbon metabolism critical for cardiovascular homocysteine control. Chives are particularly valuable for aging populations seeking nutrient-dense foods that support bone density, cardiovascular function, and metabolic health without caloric burden. Their fresh, raw consumption preserves heat-sensitive vitamin C (58.1 mg/100g) and volatile sulfur compounds. The high choline content (5.2 mg/100g) also supports cognitive function and cellular membrane integrity, making chives a longevity-supporting culinary staple.
Vitamin K activates osteocalcin and matrix Gla protein, which direct calcium into bone matrix and away from arterial walls
Folate supports methylation pathways that convert homocysteine to methionine; elevated homocysteine is an independent CVD risk factor
Organosulfur compounds (allyl sulfides) and flavonoid quercetin inhibit NF-κB signaling and reduce oxidative stress markers
High potassium-to-sodium ratio and potassium's role in vascular smooth muscle relaxation and sodium-potassium pump function
Choline is a precursor for acetylcholine (neurotransmitter) and phosphatidylcholine (cell membrane component); supports brain plasticity
Chives contain no compounds requiring specific timing for absorption. Include them raw in breakfast (eggs, yogurt), midday meals (salads, soups), and evening dishes (grains, proteins) to distribute vitamin K, folate, and potassium intake throughout the day for sustained nutritional benefit
Fasting-compatible
Chives are fasting-compatible due to negligible calorie and macronutrient content; the micronutrient density makes them an excellent addition to breaking a fast with nutrient-rich foods
Per 100 g of the default form. Bars show how much higher or lower chive is than the average across 137 peer foods in this category. Green means a favorable direction; amber means the opposite.
Chive is classified as a vegetable. Chives are a mild-flavored allium vegetable rich in vitamin K, folate, and potassium with negligible calories.
Chive scores 96/100 in Formulate, making it an exceptional choice. Its strongest contributions come from Vitamin K, Vitamin C, Folate. The score blends nutrient density, fiber, healthy fats, protein quality, bioactive compounds, and glycemic impact.
Not particularly. A 85 g serving provides about 2.8 g of protein (~6% of the 50 g daily value).
Not really. A 85 g serving provides about 2.1 g of fiber (~8% of the 28 g daily value).
In a 85 g serving, chive is highest in Vitamin K (~151% DV), Vitamin A (~74% DV), Vitamin C (~55% DV), Folate (~22% DV), Vitamin A (~21% DV).
Yes — it fits comfortably in most keto plans. A 85 g serving has about 1.6 g of net carbs (3.7 g total minus 2.1 g fiber).
Best any time of day. Chives contain no compounds requiring specific timing for absorption. Include them raw in breakfast (eggs, yogurt), midday meals (salads, soups), and evening dishes (grains, proteins) to distribute vitamin K, folate, and potassium intake throughout the day for sustained nutritional benefit
A typical serving is around 85 g (~26 kcal), based on the FDA's Reference Amount Customarily Consumed for this food category. There's no fixed daily target — most adults benefit from rotating chive alongside several other vegetable sources.
Chive pairs nicely with: Pair with fatty fish (salmon, mackerel) because fat-soluble vitamin K absorption is enhanced by dietary fat, and omega-3s synergize with choline for cognitive benefits; Combine with eggs because both provide choline, creating additive benefits for methylation and neuronal health; Pair with cruciferous vegetables (broccoli, kale) because both contain sulfur compounds that enhance phase II detoxification enzyme activity; Mix into fermented foods (yogurt, kefir) because probiotics may enhance folate bioavailability and support homocysteine metabolism.
Encyclopedia entries that supply the same signature nutrients chive contributes. Click through to see clinical dose ranges, evidence quality, and bioavailable forms.
These are the nutrients chive contributes meaningfully toward (≥10% DV per 100 g serving). Click one to see what it does in the body, which supplements concentrate it, and which other foods are top sources.