Lemon Calories: Nutrition Facts, Benefits & Daily Values

How Many Calories Are in Lemon?

Calculation of the nutritional value & Recommended Dietary Intake of lemon

Calories 20 kcal	Proteins 0.4 g	Lipids 0 g	Carbohydrates 4.6 g

1%	1%	0%	2%

Health benefits of lemon

With only 28 calories per 100 g, lemon is clearly a low-calorie fruit; these few calories make it easy to season a dish without tipping the daily calorie budget. In spite of its tiny calorie contribution, lemon provides an impressive amount of vitamin C (around half the daily reference intake with one medium fruit) that helps support the immune system and collagen synthesis.

Beyond its modest calorie impact, lemon supplies vitamin B9 (folate), potassium, and a range of bioactive flavonoids such as hesperidin and eriocitrin, which are studied for their antioxidant and supposed cardio-protective effects ("supposed" because current evidence is still being consolidated). The citric acid it contains may enhance iron absorption from plant foods and could help reduce kidney stone risk.

Thanks to its essential oils (limonene) and pectin-rich peel, lemon has long been used as a natural preservative and flavor enhancer. Historically, British sailors carried lemons to prevent scurvy, valuing the fruit both for its vitamin content and its negligible calorie load on provisions. In short, lemon adds brightness, nutrients, and culture to the plate while keeping calories at bay.

Tips for incorporating lemon into a balanced diet

If you need flavor without piling on calories, whisk lemon juice with a teaspoon of olive oil, mustard, and herbs to create a light vinaigrette for steamed broccoli or a bowl of quinoa. The dressing lifts taste but keeps overall calories under control compared with cream-based sauces.

For a protein-rich yet calorie-conscious main course, marinate a fillet of salmon in lemon, garlic, and dill, then oven-bake it; the citrus cuts richness so you do not need extra butter, keeping final calories moderate. The same marinade works for poultry or plant alternatives like tofu.

In salads, a squeeze of lemon over cooled chickpea grains or a classic tabbouleh intensifies freshness while adding virtually no calories. Finish a meal by stirring lemon zest into plain yogurt and topping with a few berries—an easy dessert that satisfies without the heavy calories of pastry.

Remember: whenever a recipe tastes flat, try lemon before salt or sugar. You will often boost flavor and cut needless calories, making it easier to keep daily calorie targets in check.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many calories are in lemon?: There are 28 kcal per 100 g, a very small calorie amount that makes lemon ideal for adding taste without loading a dish with calories.
Do lemon juice and lemon zest have the same calories?: Lemon juice contributes roughly 22 kcal per 100 g, while zest brings almost no measurable calories because it is used in tiny quantities; in either form, the calorie impact is minimal.
Will a glass of lemon water break a fast from a calorie perspective?: A squeeze of half a lemon in water adds only 2–3 calories, so most intermittent fasting protocols consider it negligible and allow it.
How do lemon calories compare with those of an orange?: An orange provides about 47 calories per 100 g, nearly twice the calories of lemon; choosing lemon instead can help reduce snack calories.
Can lemon help lower the calories of a meal?: Yes; replacing creamy sauces or sugary dressings with a lemon-based seasoning often saves dozens of calories while boosting flavor.
Is it possible to gain weight eating lemons despite their low calories?: Only if total daily calories exceed expenditure; by itself, lemon's 28 calories per 100 g are far too low to drive weight gain.

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