The $3 Veggie That Promises to Do Way More Than a $20 Smoothie Ever Could
The trendy veggie supports your gut, heart, bones and more, dietitians say
Key Takeaways
- Broccolini is 2026’s trendiest veggie, with social buzz up 25 percent.
- Broccolini provides fiber, vitamin C, vitamin K and other antioxidants.
- Roasting broccolini makes it easy to enjoy in flavorful, affordable recipes.
Think back to conversations around nutrition when you were younger. You probably heard a lot of advice beginning with “Finish your vegetables.” And if you’ve been talking about broccolini more lately, you’re not alone. FullTilt Marketing reports that social discussions around the veggie are up 25 percent year over year. So, what’s behind all the buzz? FullTilt Marketing calls broccolini the trendiest veggie of the year. We asked experts everything you need to know about this veggie of the year, like how it differs from broccoli, fun recipes to try, and the other trending vegetables of this year to keep your eye on.
What is broccolini?
If you saw the term broccolini and had to do a double take to make sure you read it right, you did. Broccolini is, in fact, a different vegetable than broccoli. “Broccolini looks a little like broccoli that has been stretched out,” says Lauri Wright, PhD, RDN, an associate professor and the director of nutrition programs in the College of Public Health at the University of South Florida. “It was developed by crossing broccoli with Chinese broccoli, also called gai lan. Compared with regular broccoli, broccolini tends to have smaller florets and longer, more tender stems. Its flavor is also generally milder and slightly sweeter, with less of the bitterness some people associate with broccoli. Because the stems are tender, there’s usually very little trimming or preparation required, and it cooks quickly.”
4 benefits of the trendiest veggie of the year
“Broccolini has rapidly moved from a specialty item to a mainstream favorite, landing in the ‘trending’ stage of the vegetable lifecycle with a +25% YoY increase in social discussions—one of the strongest growth rates among established vegetables,” says FullTilt Marketing.
And all the health benefits of broccolini make sense for why it’s getting so much attention. Wright shares four key benefits:
Keeps things moving and supports heart health
Broccolini is a good fiber source, explains Wright. “Fiber helps keep the digestive tract moving regularly and feeds beneficial bacteria in the gut,” she adds. “Fiber-rich eating patterns can also help lower cholesterol and support healthier blood sugar levels. As an added benefit, fiber helps us feel full and satisfied after eating.”
Supports the immune system and protects cells
Broccolini is rich in antioxidants and vitamin C, both of which help protect our cells from damage and support healthy immune function and even wound healing, explains Wright.
Helps with bone health
Broccolini contains vitamin K, as well as smaller amounts of minerals like calcium, which also support bone health and healthy blood clotting, says Wright.
Fights inflammation
Broccolini’s plant compounds, also found in broccoli, cabbage, Brussels sprouts and other cruciferous vegetables, help reduce inflammation and are also being studied for the role they play in reducing cancer risk. “Broccolini isn’t a cancer-preventing food on its own but regularly eating it and other cruciferous vegetables can be part of an overall diet that supports long-term health,” adds Wright.
3 easy and delicious broccolini recipe ideas
If you’re ready to hop on the broccolini trend and want some recipe ideas to help spice things up, we spoke to Kelli Morgan, RD, content creator at Veggiemomcooks for some fun ideas.
Honey-Lemon Broccolini
“Roast broccolini at 425°F with olive oil, salt and pepper for about 12 to 15 minutes,” says Morgan. “While it cooks, mix together a teaspoon of honey, the juice of half a lemon and a little olive oil. Drizzle the mixture over the hot broccolini before serving.”
Garlic Parmesan Broccolini
“Toss broccolini with olive oil, minced garlic, salt and pepper,” explains Morgan. “Roast at 425°F for about 12 to 15 minutes, until the edges are slightly crispy. Finish with fresh lemon juice and a sprinkle of Parmesan.”
Crispy Broccolini with Everything Bagel Seasoning
“Toss broccolini with olive oil and spread it on a baking sheet,” adds Morgan. “Roast at 425°F for 12 to 15 minutes. Sprinkle it with an ‘Everything but the Bagel’ seasoning and a squeeze of fresh lemon when it comes out of the oven.”
And you may be wondering how often you should enjoy broccolini every week. There’s no specific recommended frequency or serving size specifically for broccolini, says Wright. “I would recommend about one cup of cooked or raw broccolini as roughly a cup of vegetables,” she says. “Rather than telling people they need broccolini a certain number of times per week, I emphasize the bigger goal: Eat vegetables every day and vary the types you choose.”
Other 2026 trending veggies to keep an eye on
While broccolini has everyone talking, it’s not the only one to keep an eye on for the rest of 2026. Wright shares two others worth keeping an eye on:
Cabbage
“Cabbage is definitely one to watch—and in some circles, it is competing with broccolini for the 2026 vegetable crown,” says Wright. Why? It lasts a long time in the refrigerator, is inexpensive and works across a wide range of different cuisines, explains Wright.
“We’re also seeing continued interest in fermented foods such as kimchi and sauerkraut, which gives cabbage another boost,” adds Wright. “Nutritionally, cabbage provides fiber, vitamin C, vitamin K and many of the same types of beneficial plant compounds found in other cruciferous vegetables.”
(Kabocha) squash
Wright expects more people to discover kabocha squash, also sometimes called a Japanese pumpkin. “It has a naturally sweet, rich flavor and works beautifully roasted, in soups, curries and grain bowls. Its deep orange flesh is a clue to its carotenoid content, the plant pigments our bodies can use to make vitamin A, which is important for eye and immune health.”
Endive and radicchio
Wright says this veggie combo is worth paying attention to as people become more willing to experiment with bitter flavors. “They’re crisp and colorful and can make salads much more interesting, but they can also be grilled or roasted,” adds Wright. “Nutritionally, they provide fiber and a variety of vitamins and plant compounds.”
The bottom line on 2026 trending veggies
Whether you make broccolini your 2026 veggie pick, give one of the other trending vegetables a try or stick to your tried-and-true favorites, what matters is that you get your veggies this year. “Vegetables are one of the foundations of a healthful diet because they pack a lot of nutrition into relatively few calories,” says Wright. “They provide vitamins, minerals, fiber and thousands of naturally occurring plant compounds that work together to support health.”
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