1 tablespoon (medium) of Grated lemon zest (6 g) has 3 calories. That works out to 47 calories per 100 g. It contains 1 g of carbs, 0.1 g of protein, 0 g of fat and 0.6 g of fiber. Its 7.7 mg of Vitamin C covers 9% of the Daily Value. Its glycemic index is 25 (low), so it raises blood sugar slowly.

What is Grated lemon zest?

Grated lemon zest is the finely grated yellow outer peel of a lemon. It brings fragrant citrus oils and a bright, slightly bitter edge to food, without the juice’s acidity. It is used in cakes, biscuits and puddings, as well as in dressings, pasta, fish dishes and marinades. In many kitchens, it is stirred into a dish near the end of cooking or grated over just before serving so its aroma stays lively.

Zest is low in fat and provides fibre and vitamin C, though it is usually added for flavour rather than as a substantial part of a meal. Pair it with yoghurt, olive oil or fresh herbs, and grate only the yellow surface: the white pith underneath can taste bitter.

Grated lemon zest Nutrition Facts

Selected: 100 g

KCAL / 100G

Carbs

16g

· 6% DV

Protein

1.5g

· 3% DV

Fat

0.3g

· 0% DV

Fiber

10.6g

· 38% DV

DV is the share of the daily value covered, on a 2,000 kcal reference diet.

Calories come from: Carbs 88% · Protein 8% · Fat 4%

Grated lemon zest Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamins

Vitamin C

129mg · 143% DV

Vitamin E

0.9mg · 6% DV

0.08mg · 5% DV

0.19mg · 4% DV

Minerals

Calcium

134mg · 13% DV

Iron

1mg · 6% DV

Potassium ⭐

160mg · 5% DV

Magnesium

13mg · 3% DV

How Nutritious Is Grated lemon zest?

Nutrient density

Very high

85/ 100

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

High

68/ 100

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.

Grated lemon zest Glycemic Index

GLYCEMIC INDEX

Low

0 Low5570100

GLYCEMIC LOAD

Low

Accounts for portion size — a more realistic measure than GI alone.

How to Burn Off Grated lemon zest

To burn the 47 calories in 100 g:

🚶

12min

Walking (5 km/h)

🏃

5min

Running (8 km/h)

🚴

6min

Cycling

🏊

5min

Swimming

Times are calculated with the MET equation for a 70 kg adult. Actual burn varies with your weight, age and pace.

Is Grated lemon zest Processed?

NOVA 2

Minimally Processed

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 Grated lemon zest Contain Allergens?

No known major allergens

Gluten free

Dairy free

Eggs free

Peanuts free

Tree nuts free

Fish free

Soy free

Sesame free

Which Diets Is Grated lemon zest 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

Grated lemon zest Fat Profile

SATURATED

0.04g

MONOUNSATURATED

0.02g

POLYUNSATURATED

0.04g

⚖️

Omega 6:3 ratio 0.5:1

Below the ideal 4:1 — a good omega balance.

Compare Grated lemon zest

🍋vs🍓

Grated lemon zest vs Strawberry15 kcal more per 100 g

→🍋vs🥑

Grated lemon zest vs Avocado113 kcal fewer per 100 g

→🍋vs🍑

Grated lemon zest vs Peach8 kcal more per 100 g

→🍋vs🍇

Grated lemon zest vs Dried Raisins252 kcal fewer per 100 g

→

Foods Similar to Grated lemon zest

🍓

Strawberry

32 kcal

🥑

Avocado

160 kcal

🍑

Peach

39 kcal

🍇

Dried Raisins

299 kcal

🍎

Apple

52 kcal

🍇

Grapes

69 kcal

🍉

Watermelon

30 kcal

🍍

Pineapple

50 kcal

Frequently Asked Questions About Grated lemon zest

How do you make grated lemon zest?

Wash and dry the lemon, then grate only the yellow outer layer with a fine grater or microplane. Turn the fruit as you work and stop before reaching the white pith, which can taste bitter.

Can you eat grated lemon zest?

Yes, grated lemon zest is edible and commonly used in cooking and baking. Wash and rub the lemon under running water before zesting, then use the zest fresh for its brightest aroma.

Why does grated lemon zest taste bitter?

Grated lemon zest can taste bitter when the grater catches the white pith beneath the yellow skin. Use light strokes and rotate the lemon so you remove just the thin, colored outer layer.

Should you wash a lemon before making grated lemon zest?

Yes, wash the lemon before zesting it. Rub the skin under running water and dry it thoroughly; this removes surface dirt and also makes the lemon easier to hold and grate.

How should you store grated lemon zest?

Keep grated lemon zest in a small airtight container in the refrigerator and use it soon, while its fragrance is strong. For the freshest flavor, grate only what you need just before cooking.

Can grated lemon zest be frozen?

Yes, grated lemon zest freezes well. Freeze it in small portions in a sealed, freezer-safe container or bag, then add it straight to a recipe without thawing.

What can you use instead of grated lemon zest?

Dried lemon zest is the closest substitute, though its flavor may be more concentrated, so add it gradually. Lemon juice provides acidity but does not replace the fragrant oils or texture of grated lemon zest.

How do you dry grated lemon zest at home?

Spread grated lemon zest in a thin layer on a clean tray and let it dry in a warm, airy place until crisp, or use very low oven heat. Store it airtight once fully dry to limit moisture and aroma loss.

Is grated lemon zest the same as lemon peel?

No. Grated lemon zest usually means the finely grated yellow outer skin, while lemon peel can refer to larger strips and may include the bitter white pith. For recipes calling for zest, avoid grating the white layer.

Can grated lemon zest be used in savory dishes?

Yes, grated lemon zest works well in savory food as well as desserts. Stir a little into salad dressings, marinades, pasta, or fish dishes near the end of cooking to keep its fresh citrus aroma noticeable.

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Nutrition data compiled from USDA FoodData Central and scientific sources.

· Last updated: September 24, 2026