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Pearl onion Calories
Small onion variety; low in calories and provides 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 17 calories. That works out to 42 calories per 100 g. It contains 3.7 g of carbs, 0.6 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
17
KCAL / 40G
Carbs
3.7g
· 1% DV
Protein
0.6g
· 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 86% · Protein 14% · Fat 0%
Pearl onion nutrition facts table · 4 piece (medium) (40 g)
| Nutrient | Amount | % DV |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 17 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 | 0.6 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 | 17 kcal |
| 2 piece (small) | 20 g | 8 kcal |
| 1 serving (small) | 30 g | 13 kcal |
| 6 piece (large) | 60 g | 25 kcal |
| ½ cup (chopped) | 75 g | 32 kcal |
| 1 serving (medium) | 80 g | 34 kcal |
| 100 g | 100 g | 42 kcal |
| 10 piece (whole) | 100 g | 42 kcal |
| 1 cup (chopped) | 150 g | 63 kcal |
Calculated from 42 calories per 100 g.
Frequently Asked Questions About Pearl onion
What are pearl onions?
Pearl onions are small onions grown as a small variety rather than simply full-size onions cut down after harvest. They are sold peeled or unpeeled and are often used whole in stews, roasts, and pickles.
How do you peel pearl onions easily?
To peel pearl onions easily, trim the root ends, blanch them in boiling water for about 30 seconds, then transfer them to cold water. The skins should slip off with gentle pressure; avoid leaving them in the hot water longer, or they may soften.
Are pearl onions and shallots the same thing?
No, pearl onions and shallots are different alliums. Pearl onions are small, round onions, while shallots usually grow in clusters and have a more elongated shape and a milder, more garlic-like flavor.
How do you cook pearl onions?
Pearl onions can be braised, roasted, sautéed, or added whole to soups and stews. Peeling them first helps the seasoning reach the onion, and cooking them gently keeps them intact instead of letting them fall apart.
What can you use instead of pearl onions?
Use small shallots as a substitute for pearl onions in cooked dishes; their shape and flavor work well, though they may cook faster. Chopped regular onion can also add onion flavor, but it will not give the dish the same whole-onion appearance.
How do you make pickled pearl onions?
To make pickled pearl onions, peel them and cover them in a clean jar with a vinegar, water, and salt brine. Keep the onions submerged and refrigerate the jar while they pickle; use a tested recipe for exact brine proportions and safe storage.
How should you store fresh pearl onions?
Store unpeeled pearl onions in a cool, dark, dry place with airflow, and remove any damp or damaged ones. Once peeled or cut, place them in a covered container in the refrigerator rather than leaving them at room temperature.
Can you freeze pearl onions?
Yes, pearl onions freeze well for later use in cooked dishes. Peel and briefly blanch them first, cool them quickly, drain thoroughly, then pack them airtight. Their texture may be softer after thawing, so they are better cooked than served raw.
Why are pearl onions used in coq au vin?
Pearl onions are used in coq au vin because they can be braised whole alongside the chicken and absorb the rich wine-based sauce. Their small size also makes them easy to serve as distinct, tender pieces in each portion.
Can you eat pearl onions raw?
Yes, pearl onions are safe to eat raw when clean and fresh. Their flavor can be sharp, so slice them thinly for salads or serve them pickled; peeling removes the papery outer skin, which is not pleasant to eat.
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 17 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 the familiar savoury flavour of larger varieties. They are sold fresh, frozen or pickled, and are especially common in European cooking, where they are used whole rather than chopped.
Their firm layers soften and become gently sweet when cooked. Add them to stews, roast them alongside other vegetables, or serve pickled pearl onions as a tangy relish with sandwiches and cheese. They are low in calories and provide some fibre and vitamin C. For a lighter side, roast fresh onions with a little oil, or use pickled ones sparingly when you want a sharp contrast to rich dishes.
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
✓ Suitable
Low FODMAP
— Not suitable
Pearl onion Fat Profile
SATURATED
0.02g
MONOUNSATURATED
0g
POLYUNSATURATED
0.01g
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Nutrition data compiled from USDA FoodData Central and scientific sources.