Lemon Nutrition Facts: Is Lemon Good for You?

Based on USDA data, raw lemon without the peel is a low-calorie, low-sugar fruit. It is high in vitamin C, providing over half the daily requirement in a 100-gram serving. It is also a good source of dietary fiber. Lemons contain almost no fat, cholesterol, or sodium. Their nutritional contribution to your diet depends on the portion size you eat and what you pair them with, as part of your overall eating pattern.

29Calories

1.1gProtein

9.3gCarbs

2.8gFiber

0.3gFat

2.5gSugars

Per 100 g · Lemons, raw, without peel

High in (20% DV or more per 100 g): Vitamin C
Good source of (10 to 19% DV): Dietary fiber

What stands out in lemon

High in vitamin C. A 100-gram portion of raw lemon provides 53 mg of vitamin C. This amount supplies 59% of the Daily Value for this nutrient.
A good source of fiber. Lemons are a good source of dietary fiber, with 2.8 grams per 100 grams. This is 10% of the Daily Value.
Low in calories and sugar. A 100-gram serving of lemon contains 29 calories and 2.5 grams of total sugars. This is fewer calories than strawberries or grapefruit.
Almost no fat or sodium. Raw lemon has 0.3 grams of fat and 2 mg of sodium per 100 grams. Both of these contribute 0% toward the Daily Value.

What to keep in mind

This data is for raw lemon without the peel. Lemons are very low in calories, sugar, saturated fat, and sodium on their own. Be mindful of ingredients like sugar or salt that are often added when preparing lemon-based drinks and foods.

Lemon nutrition facts per 100 g

Calories and macronutrients
Nutrient	Per 100 g	% DV
Calories	29 kcal	–
Protein	1.1 g	2%
Total fat	0.3 g	0%
Saturated fat	0.04 g	0%
Monounsaturated fat	0.01 g	–
Polyunsaturated fat	0.09 g	–
Cholesterol	0 mg	0%
Carbohydrate	9.3 g	3%
Dietary fiber	2.8 g	10%
Total sugars	2.5 g	–
Water	89 g	–
Sodium	2 mg	0%

Vitamins and minerals
Nutrient	Per 100 g	% DV
Potassium	138 mg	3%
Calcium	26 mg	2%
Iron	0.6 mg	3%
Magnesium	8 mg	2%
Phosphorus	16 mg	1%
Zinc	0.06 mg	1%
Copper	0.04 mg	4%
Manganese	0.03 mg	1%
Selenium	0.4 mcg	1%
Vitamin A (RAE)	1 mcg	0%
Vitamin C	53 mg	59%
Vitamin D	0 mcg	0%
Vitamin E	0.15 mg	1%
Vitamin K	0 mcg	0%
Thiamin (B1)	0.04 mg	3%
Riboflavin (B2)	0.02 mg	2%
Niacin (B3)	0.1 mg	1%
Vitamin B6	0.08 mg	5%
Folate (DFE)	11 mcg	3%
Vitamin B12	0 mcg	0%
Choline	5.1 mg	1%

% Daily Value uses the FDA Daily Values for adults and children 4 years and older. Highlighted rows are 20% DV or more per 100 g. A dash means no Daily Value is set.

Lemon by portion

The nutrition in a lemon depends on its size. One fruit with a 2-1/8 inch diameter has about 17 calories, 5.4 grams of carbohydrates, and 1.6 grams of fiber. A larger fruit (2-3/8 inch diameter) provides 24 calories and 2.4 grams of fiber. A single wedge is minimal, with just 2 calories. For a larger serving, one cup of lemon sections contains 61 calories, nearly 20 grams of carbohydrates, and about 6 grams of dietary fiber.

USDA portion	Weight	Calories	Protein	Carbs	Fiber	Fat
1 cup, sections	212 g	61	2.3 g	19.7 g	5.9 g	0.6 g
1 fruit (2-1/8″ dia)	58 g	17	0.6 g	5.4 g	1.6 g	0.2 g
1 fruit (2-3/8″ dia)	84 g	24	0.9 g	7.8 g	2.4 g	0.3 g
1 wedge or slice (1/8 of one 2-1/8″ dia lemon)	7 g	2	0.1 g	0.7 g	0.2 g	0 g
1 serving (FDA label reference amount)	58 g	17	0.6 g	5.4 g	1.6 g	0.2 g

How lemon compares with other fruits

Among 30 fruits in this group, raw lemon ranks as one of the lowest in calories and sugar. Its 29 calories per 100 grams is similar to watermelon (30 kcal), strawberries (32 kcal), and grapefruit (32 kcal). However, it ranks much higher for vitamin C than many other fruits, placing 5th in the group. For dietary fiber, it ranks 12th, containing more fiber per 100 grams than cantaloupe, grapefruit, or watermelon. It also provides more iron than most other fruits in the group, ranking 6th. Lemons contain very small amounts of most other vitamins and minerals.

Per 100 g	Calories	Protein	Carbs	Fiber	Fat
Lemon	29	1.1 g	9.3 g	2.8 g	0.3 g
Watermelon	30	0.61 g	7.5 g	0.4 g	0.15 g
Strawberries	32	0.67 g	7.7 g	2 g	0.3 g
Grapefruit	32	0.63 g	8.1 g	1.1 g	0.1 g
Cantaloupe	34	0.84 g	8.2 g	0.9 g	0.19 g

Quick answers

How many calories are in a whole lemon?

A raw lemon with a 2-1/8 inch diameter has 17 calories. A slightly larger one at 2-3/8 inches in diameter has 24 calories.

How much sugar and carbohydrates are in a lemon?

One lemon (2-1/8″ dia) has 5.4 grams of total carbohydrates and 1.4 grams of total sugars. A 100-gram serving, which is about one and a half lemons, has 9.3 grams of carbs and 2.5 grams of sugar.

Is lemon a good source of any vitamins?

Yes, lemon is high in vitamin C. A 100-gram serving provides 53 mg, which is 59% of the Daily Value. It contains small amounts of other vitamins like vitamin B6 and folate.

When to talk to a doctor or dietitian

This page describes nutrient content, not medical advice. If a health condition, medicine or pregnancy affects what you eat, a doctor or registered dietitian can tell you how lemon fits your situation.