1 tablespoon (medium) of Lemon Juice (15 g) has 3 calories. That works out to 22 calories per 100 g. It contains 1 g of carbs, 0.1 g of protein, 0 g of fat and 0 g of fiber. Its 5.7 mg of Vitamin C covers 6% of the Daily Value. Its glycemic index is 20 (low), so it raises blood sugar slowly.

What is Lemon Juice?

Lemon juice is the sharp, pale liquid squeezed from lemons, a citrus fruit used in kitchens around the world. Its bright acidity lifts salad dressings, marinades, sauces and drinks; in many places it is also mixed with water and sweetener for lemonade. A little can bring freshness to fish, vegetables or soup without making the dish feel heavy.

It is mostly water and low in calories, with some vitamin C; 100 grams provides 22 calories. Use it to balance richer flavours or add it near the end of cooking to keep its fresh, tangy character. For a lighter dressing, combine it with a small amount of olive oil and herbs.

Lemon Juice Nutrition Facts

Selected: 100 g

KCAL / 100G

Carbs

6.9g

· 3% DV

Protein

0.4g

· 1% DV

Fat

0.2g

· 0% DV

Fiber

0.3g

· 1% DV

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

Calories come from: Carbs 89% · Protein 5% · Fat 6%

Lemon Juice Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamins

Vitamin C

38mg · 42% DV

0.19mg · 4% DV

0.04mg · 3% DV

0.05mg · 3% DV

Minerals

Potassium ⭐

103mg · 3% DV

Calcium

6mg · 1% DV

Magnesium

6mg · 1% DV

Phosphorus

8mg · 1% DV

How Nutritious Is Lemon Juice?

Nutrient density

High

60/ 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

Medium

40/ 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.

Lemon Juice 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 Lemon Juice

To burn the 22 calories in 100 g:

🚶

5min

Walking (5 km/h)

🏃

2min

Running (8 km/h)

🚴

3min

Cycling

🏊

3min

Swimming

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

Is Lemon Juice 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 Lemon Juice 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 Lemon Juice 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

Lemon Juice Fat Profile

SATURATED

0.03g

MONOUNSATURATED

0.01g

POLYUNSATURATED

0.02g

⚖️

Omega 6:3 ratio 1:1

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

Compare Lemon Juice

🍋vs🍓

Lemon Juice vs Strawberry10 kcal fewer per 100 g

→🍋vs🥑

Lemon Juice vs Avocado138 kcal fewer per 100 g

→🍋vs🍑

Lemon Juice vs Peach17 kcal fewer per 100 g

→🍋vs🍇

Lemon Juice vs Dried Raisins277 kcal fewer per 100 g

→

Foods Similar to Lemon Juice

🍓

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 Lemon Juice

How much juice is in one lemon?

A medium lemon usually yields about 2 to 3 tablespoons of juice, though size and juiciness vary. Roll it firmly on the counter before cutting, and use a fork or citrus reamer to extract more.

Is bottled Lemon Juice the same as fresh lemon juice?

No, bottled Lemon Juice is convenient but can taste less fresh than juice squeezed from a lemon. Some bottled products also contain preservatives, so fresh juice is often preferred when the lemon flavor is central to a dish.

How long does fresh Lemon Juice last in the fridge?

Fresh Lemon Juice keeps for a few days in the refrigerator when stored in a clean, tightly sealed container. Its flavor and vitamin C gradually decline, so use it promptly and discard it if its smell or appearance changes.

Can you freeze Lemon Juice?

Yes, Lemon Juice freezes well. Pour it into ice-cube trays or small freezer-safe containers, then transfer the frozen portions to a sealed bag. Thaw only what you need and use it soon after thawing.

Does Lemon Juice cook fish?

Yes, Lemon Juice changes the texture and appearance of fish by denaturing its proteins, as in ceviche, but it does not reliably kill harmful bacteria or parasites. Use properly handled fish and follow safe food-preparation guidance.

Can Lemon Juice replace vinegar in a recipe?

Yes, Lemon Juice can replace vinegar in many dressings, marinades, and sauces, but it gives a distinct citrus flavor. Start with a similar amount, then adjust to taste; the swap may not work in recipes where vinegar is essential for preservation.

Does Lemon Juice prevent cut fruit from turning brown?

Yes, a little Lemon Juice can slow browning in cut apples, avocados, and some other fruits. Its acidity reduces the enzyme-driven reaction; coat the exposed surfaces lightly, since too much can make the fruit taste sharply sour.

Does Lemon Juice tenderize meat?

Lemon Juice can soften the surface of meat during a short marinade, but it does not tenderize it deeply. Leaving meat in an acidic marinade too long can make the exterior mushy, so keep the marinating time limited.

Does adding Lemon Juice to hot tea destroy vitamin C?

Heat can reduce vitamin C in Lemon Juice, especially when it is exposed to high temperatures for a long time. For more of its fresh flavor and vitamin C, stir it into tea after the drink has cooled slightly.

Does Lemon Juice help with kidney stones?

Lemon Juice contains citrate, which can help reduce the formation of some kidney stones when consumed as part of an appropriate fluid plan. It is not a treatment for existing stones, and people with kidney stones should follow their clinician’s advice.

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Nutrition data compiled from USDA FoodData Central and scientific sources.

· Last updated: September 24, 2026