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Pearl onion Calories
Small onion variety, low in calories, contains vitamin C and sulfur compounds
In season: Spring · Summer · Autumn · Winter
CALORIES · 100 G
GI
POTASSIUM · 100 G
FIBER · 100 G
Quick answer
4 piece (medium) of Pearl onion (40 g) has 16 calories. That works out to 40 calories per 100 g. It contains 3.7 g of carbs, 0.4 g of protein, 0 g of fat and 0.7 g of fiber. Its glycemic index is 10 (low), so it raises blood sugar slowly.
Pearl onion Nutrition Facts
Selected: 4 piece (medium) · 40 g
16
KCAL / 40G
Carbs
3.7g
· 1% DV
Protein
0.4g
· 1% DV
Fat
0g
· 0% DV
Fiber
0.7g
· 3% DV
DV is the share of the daily value covered, on a 2,000 kcal reference diet.
Calories come from: Carbs 90% · Protein 10% · Fat 0%
Pearl onion nutrition facts table · 4 piece (medium) (40 g)
| Nutrient | Amount | % DV |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 16 kcal | |
| Total fat | 0 g | 0% |
| Saturated fat | 0.02 g | 0% |
| Trans fat | 0 g | |
| Sodium | 1.6 mg | 0% |
| Total carbohydrate | 3.7 g | 1% |
| Fiber | 0.7 g | 3% |
| Protein | 0.4 g | 1% |
Calories: Calories measure energy. Average daily need is 2,000 kcal. Excess calories are stored as fat, too few cause weight loss.
Carbs: Your body's primary energy source. The brain runs exclusively on carbs. Daily need: 275g.
Protein: Essential for muscle repair and cell growth. Daily need: 50g. Keeps you full and boosts metabolism.
Fat: Needed for hormone production and vitamin absorption. Daily need: 78g. Limit saturated fats, choose unsaturated.
Fiber: Critical for digestive health and satiety. Daily need: 28g. Stabilizes blood sugar, lowers cholesterol.
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How Many Calories in 4 Pieces of Pearl onion?
| Serving | Amount | Calories |
|---|---|---|
| 4 piece (medium) | 40 g | 16 kcal |
| 2 piece (small) | 20 g | 8 kcal |
| 0.25 cup (chopped) | 38 g | 15 kcal |
| 1 serving (medium) | 50 g | 20 kcal |
| 6 piece (large) | 60 g | 24 kcal |
| ½ cup (whole) | 75 g | 30 kcal |
| ½ cup (chopped) | 75 g | 30 kcal |
| 100 g | 100 g | 40 kcal |
| 10 piece (whole) | 100 g | 40 kcal |
| 1 cup (whole) | 150 g | 60 kcal |
Calculated from 40 calories per 100 g.
Frequently Asked Questions About Pearl onion
What are pearl onions?
Pearl onions are small, round onions, usually harvested while immature. Their mild, sweet flavour and compact size make them useful whole in stews, roasts, and pickles.
How do you peel pearl onions easily?
Trim the root and stem ends, blanch the pearl onions briefly in boiling water, then transfer them to cold water. The skins should loosen and slip off when squeezed; avoid blanching them too long or they may soften.
Can you substitute pearl onions for shallots?
Yes, pearl onions can stand in for shallots in cooked dishes, but the result will be milder and less complex. Use them whole or halve them; finely chop them if the recipe relies on shallots melting into a sauce.
How do you cook pearl onions?
Cook pearl onions whole by roasting, braising, sautéing, or simmering them in a stew. Peel them first, and add them early enough to become tender while still holding their shape. They pair well with meat, mushrooms, and root vegetables.
Are pearl onions the same as shallots?
No. Pearl onions are small, round onions that form one bulb, while shallots typically grow in clusters of elongated bulbs and have a more layered flavour. They can sometimes substitute for one another in cooked recipes, but they are different vegetables.
Can you eat pearl onions raw?
Yes, pearl onions can be eaten raw. Their flavour is sharper than their small size might suggest, so slice them thinly for salads or use them sparingly; soaking the slices briefly in cold water can mellow their bite.
How should you store pearl onions?
Store whole, unpeeled pearl onions in a cool, dark, dry place with good airflow. Keep peeled or cut onions in a sealed container in the refrigerator and use them within a few days.
Can you freeze pearl onions?
Yes, pearl onions freeze well for cooked dishes, though their texture becomes softer after thawing. Peel them first, then freeze them whole or sliced in a sealed freezer-safe container; use them directly in soups, stews, or braises.
How do you pickle pearl onions?
To pickle pearl onions, peel them and cover them with a vinegar-based brine in a clean jar. Keep the onions submerged and refrigerate the homemade pickles; follow a tested recipe for shelf-stable canning rather than storing them at room temperature.
Do pearl onions need to be peeled before cooking?
Yes, pearl onions are usually peeled before cooking because their papery skins are tough and unpleasant to eat. Blanching them briefly makes the job easier; trim the ends first so the loosened skins come off cleanly.
Pearl onion Vitamins & Minerals
Vitamins
Vitamin C
2.96mg · 3% DV
B6
0.05mg · 3% DV
Folate
7.6µg · 2% DV
B1
0.02mg · 2% DV
Minerals
Manganese
0.05mg · 2% DV
Copper
0.02mg · 2% DV
Potassium ⭐
58mg · 2% DV
Phosphorus
12mg · 2% DV
Sodium
1.6mg · 0% DV
Pearl onion Glycemic Index
GLYCEMIC INDEX
GLYCEMIC LOAD
Accounts for portion size — a more realistic measure than GI alone.
How to Burn Off Pearl onion
To burn the 16 calories in 4 piece (medium) (40 g):
🚶
Walking (5 km/h)
🏃
Running (8 km/h)
🚴
Cycling
🏊
Swimming
Times are calculated with the MET equation for a 70 kg adult. Actual burn varies with your weight, age and pace.
What is Pearl onion?
Pearl onions are small, round onions with a milder, sweeter flavour than many larger cooking onions, especially once cooked. They are commonly used whole in stews, braises and casseroles, where they soften while keeping their shape; they are also served pickled or as a side dish. Peeling them is easier after a brief soak in hot water, followed by trimming the root end.
They are low in calories and contain vitamin C and sulfur compounds. Add them whole to a vegetable or meat stew, or roast them alongside other vegetables for a simple side.
How Nutritious Is Pearl onion?
Nutrient density
Medium
How many vitamins, minerals and how much fiber this food carries per calorie. A high score means a lot of nutrition for few calories.
Satiety score
Medium
An EatBetter score computed from fiber, protein and calorie density. A high score means staying full longer on the same calories.
Both scores are calculated per 100 g and do not change with the selected portion. The satiety score is EatBetter's own calculation, not a clinical measure.
Is Pearl onion Processed?
NOVA 1
Unprocessed
1. Unprocessed
2. Minimally Processed
3. Processed
4. Ultra-Processed
NOVA classifies foods into 4 groups by industrial processing. NOVA 1 (unprocessed) is the healthiest.
Does Pearl onion Contain Allergens?
No known major allergens
Which Diets Is Pearl onion Good For?
Vegan
✓ Suitable
Vegetarian
✓ Suitable
Gluten-Free
✓ Suitable
Dairy-Free
— Not suitable
Mediterranean
✓ Suitable
Paleo
✓ Suitable
Whole30
— Not suitable
DASH
— Not suitable
Keto
— Not suitable
Low FODMAP
— Not suitable
Pearl onion Fat Profile
SATURATED
0.02g
MONOUNSATURATED
0.01g
POLYUNSATURATED
0.01g
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Nutrition data compiled from USDA FoodData Central and scientific sources.