Health library

Find your favorite lettuce

Whether in salads, sandwiches, wraps or pita pockets, lettuce adds flavor and nutrients without a lot of calories. But not all lettuces are the same. Different varieties offer diverse textures and tastes.

Try a new lettuce

Iceberg. A crisp classic that goes well with almost any salad ingredient.

Butter, also called Bibb or Boston lettuce. The mild flavor and bright-green colors make a winning combo!

Red leaf. This full-flavored, headless lettuce adds a splash of color—and vitamins to boot.

Romaine. It's crisp, crunchy, sweet and good for more than Caesar salads. Plus, dark lettuces are rich in nutrients.

Impress your dinner guests with a great-tasting salad. Check out our video to learn how.

Reviewed 1/13/2025

Sources

Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. "Different Kinds of Lettuces and Greens." https://www.eatright.org/food/food-groups/vegetables/different-kinds-of-lettuces-and-greens.
American Institute for Cancer Research. "I've Heard That Lettuce Varieties Have Different Nutritional Value and Some Aren't Worth Eating. Is That True?" https://www.aicr.org/resources/blog/health-talk-ive-heard-that-lettuce-varieties-have-different-nutritional-value-and-some-arent-worth-eating-is-that-true
Produce for Better Health Foundation. "Butter Lettuce." https://fruitsandveggies.org/fruits-and-veggies/butter-lettuce.
Produce for Better Health Foundation. "Leaf Lettuce." https://fruitsandveggies.org/fruits-and-veggies/leaf-lettuce.
Produce for Better Health Foundation. "Red Leaf Lettuce." https://fruitsandveggies.org/fruits-and-veggies/red-leaf-lettuce-nutrition-selection-storage.
Produce for Better Health Foundation. "Spring Greens." https://fruitsandveggies.org/stories/iv-for-050410-jennifer-shea.