Grapefruit Calories: Nutrition Facts, Benefits & Daily Values

How Many Calories Are in Grapefruit?

Calculation of the nutritional value & Recommended Dietary Intake of grapefruit

Calories 134 kcal	Proteins 1.6 g	Lipids 0 g	Carbohydrates 32 g

7%	2%	0%	12%

Health benefits of grapefruit

Grapefruit is a naturally low-calorie fruit – with only 42 calories per 100 g, it clearly belongs to the low-calorie foods category, an asset for anyone who keeps a strict eye on daily calories. Beyond its modest calorie load, it provides an impressive 44 mg of vitamin C per 100 g (about half the daily recommendation), some vitamin A (as beta-carotene), and B-group vitamins such as B5 and B6. Minerals are not left out: potassium, calcium, and a touch of magnesium contribute to electrolyte balance while still adding virtually no calories.

The pink and red varieties contain lycopene, the same antioxidant that colors tomatoes, and all grapefruits supply naringin and naringenin flavonoids that have been studied for their supposed lipid-lowering and anti-inflammatory effects ("supposed" because human data are still limited). Its high water content (over 88%) helps hydration without extra calories, which is why many slimming programs highlight grapefruit calories as "negligible."

The so-called "grapefruit effect" – an interaction with certain medicines such as statins – comes from compounds called furanocoumarins that inhibit CYP3A4 liver enzymes. This information is useful for athletes or people on medication who look up grapefruit calories but need to adjust their treatment schedule.

Introduced to Europe from the Caribbean in the 18th century, the fruit was nicknamed the "forbidden fruit" of Barbados. Today, its refreshing bitterness makes it a classic starter in French cuisine, offering taste, vitamins, and very few calories all at once.

Tips for incorporating grapefruit into a balanced diet

If you want to keep calories under control at breakfast, pair half a grapefruit with a bowl of yogurt and a spoonful of almond slivers. The mix delivers proteins, good fats, and fiber while keeping total calories modest.

For a light but satisfying lunch, prepare a salad with grapefruit segments, baby spinach, grilled chicken breast strips, and a drizzle of vinaigrette. The bitter-sweet notes lift the dish, and the overall calories remain far lower than in a sandwich-based meal.

Fancy something more elaborate? Try a ceviche of salmon cured in grapefruit and lemon juice. The citrus acids "cook" the fish without added fat, keeping calories in check while supplying high-quality proteins and omega-3s.

You can also replace the traditional orange in a fruit salad with pink grapefruit to reduce the sugars and calories of the dessert. Sprinkling a pinch of mint (not in the database) enhances freshness without impacting the calorie tally.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many calories are in grapefruit?: There are 42 kcal per 100 g.
Is grapefruit good for weight loss despite its calories?: Yes. With only 42 calories per 100 g and a high fiber-to-calories ratio, grapefruit can help create satiety while keeping daily calories low.
Which vitamins do you get for those 42 calories?: The fruit's calories come with about 50% of the daily need for vitamin C, plus vitamin A precursors and small amounts of B5 and B6.
Can I eat grapefruit if I am on cholesterol-lowering drugs?: Check with your doctor: compounds responsible for its low-calorie bitterness can interfere with statins, even though the calories themselves are irrelevant.
Does cooking grapefruit change its calories?: Light grilling or baking evaporates some water, so calories per 100 g rise slightly, but total calories per portion remain almost identical.
How does grapefruit compare to an apple in calories?: An apple provides about 54–55 calories per 100 g, versus 42 calories for grapefruit, making grapefruit the lighter choice.

Similar foods

Information provided by Calorie Menu may contain inaccuracies or errors. It cannot, under any circumstances, substitute medical advice or medication.