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Lemon juice and zest Calories
Rich in vitamin C, low-calorie, aromatic citrus ingredient
In season: Winter · Spring
CALORIES · 100 G
GI
POTASSIUM · 100 G
FIBER · 100 G
Quick answer
1 tablespoon (grated) of Lemon juice and zest (15 g) has 4 calories. That works out to 29 calories per 100 g. It contains 1.4 g of carbs, 0.2 g of protein, 0 g of fat and 0.4 g of fiber. Its 8 mg of Vitamin C covers 9% of the Daily Value. Its glycemic index is 20 (low), so it raises blood sugar slowly.
Lemon juice and zest Nutrition Facts
Selected: 1 tablespoon (grated) · 15 g
4
KCAL / 15G
Carbs
1.4g
· 1% DV
Protein
0.2g
· 0% DV
Fat
0g
· 0% DV
Fiber
0.4g
· 1% DV
DV is the share of the daily value covered, on a 2,000 kcal reference diet.
Calories come from: Carbs 88% · Protein 13% · Fat 0%
Lemon juice and zest nutrition facts table · 1 tablespoon (grated) (15 g)
| Nutrient | Amount | % DV |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 4 kcal | |
| Total fat | 0 g | 0% |
| Saturated fat | 0.01 g | 0% |
| Trans fat | 0 g | |
| Sodium | 0.3 mg | 0% |
| Total carbohydrate | 1.4 g | 1% |
| Fiber | 0.4 g | 1% |
| Protein | 0.2 g | 0% |
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 1 Tablespoon of Grated Lemon juice and zest?
| Serving | Amount | Calories |
|---|---|---|
| 1 tablespoon (grated) | 15 g | 4 kcal |
| 1 teaspoon (grated) | 5 g | 1 kcal |
| 1 serving (small) | 10 g | 3 kcal |
| 1 piece (quarter) | 14.5 g | 4 kcal |
| 1 serving (medium) | 20 g | 6 kcal |
| 1 piece (half) | 29 g | 8 kcal |
| 2 tablespoon (grated) | 30 g | 9 kcal |
| 1 serving (large) | 40 g | 12 kcal |
| 1 piece (whole) | 58 g | 17 kcal |
| 100 g | 100 g | 29 kcal |
Calculated from 29 calories per 100 g.
Frequently Asked Questions About Lemon juice and zest
What is the difference between lemon juice and zest?
Lemon juice provides tartness and liquid, while lemon zest is the thin, fragrant outer peel and adds concentrated citrus aroma. They are not interchangeable: replacing one with the other can change both a recipe’s flavor and its texture.
How do you zest a lemon without getting the bitter white pith?
Use a fine grater lightly over the yellow surface, turning the lemon as you go. Stop once the bright outer peel is removed; the white layer underneath tastes bitter and is not what a recipe means by lemon zest.
Can you freeze lemon juice and zest?
Yes. Freeze lemon juice separately in ice-cube trays and keep zest in a small airtight container or freezer bag. Separating them makes it easier to take only what a recipe needs, and both can be added to dishes after thawing.
Do you need to wash a lemon before using its juice and zest?
Yes. Rinse and scrub the lemon under running water, then dry it before zesting or cutting. The peel is used directly, so cleaning the surface matters; washing does not guarantee removal of every residue.
Can lemon zest replace lemon juice in a recipe?
No, not on its own. Zest gives a strong lemon aroma but does not provide the juice’s acidity or liquid. Use zest when you want citrus fragrance; use juice when the recipe needs tartness.
Can lemon juice and zest replace lemon extract in baking?
They can add fresh lemon flavor, but they are not a direct one-for-one substitute for lemon extract. Juice adds liquid and acidity, while zest adds aromatic peel; adjust the recipe carefully if its liquid balance matters.
Can you eat lemon zest raw?
Yes, lemon zest is edible when it comes from a lemon that has been washed well. Use only the colored outer peel for a fragrant, less bitter result, and add it to dressings, salads, yogurt, or other dishes.
How can you tell if lemon juice and zest have gone bad?
Discard lemon juice if it develops mold, an unusual smell, or an unexpected change in appearance. Zest that smells stale, looks moldy, or has become damp and discolored should also be thrown away; keep both covered and refrigerated.
Can lemon juice and zest stop sliced apples from turning brown?
Lemon juice can slow browning because its acidity limits the oxidation that darkens cut apples. Toss the slices with a little juice soon after cutting; zest adds aroma but does not provide the same protective effect.
Can you use lemon juice and zest in pasta?
Yes. Lemon juice brightens a sauce, while zest adds a fragrant citrus finish. Stir the juice into the sauce and add finely grated zest near the end of cooking so its aroma stays fresh.
Lemon juice and zest Vitamins & Minerals
Vitamins
Vitamin C
7.95mg · 9% DV
B6
0.01mg · 1% DV
B5
0.03mg · 1% DV
B1
0.01mg · 1% DV
Minerals
Copper
0.01mg · 1% DV
Potassium ⭐
21mg · 1% DV
Iron
0.09mg · 1% DV
Calcium
3.9mg · 0% DV
Sodium
0.3mg · 0% DV
Lemon juice and zest Glycemic Index
GLYCEMIC INDEX
GLYCEMIC LOAD
Accounts for portion size — a more realistic measure than GI alone.
How to Burn Off Lemon juice and zest
To burn the 4 calories in 1 tablespoon (grated) (15 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 Lemon juice and zest?
Lemon juice and zest combine the tangy juice of a lemon with finely grated yellow peel. The juice adds sharp acidity, while the zest brings fragrant citrus oils; grating only the coloured outer layer helps avoid the bitterness of the white pith.
Across many cuisines, the juice brightens dressings, fish, soups and marinades, while zest is common in cakes, biscuits and other desserts. It also works well stirred into sauces or sprinkled over vegetables just before serving. This aromatic ingredient is low in calories and provides vitamin C, though it is usually used in small amounts. For a gentler flavour, add the juice gradually and taste as you go.
How Nutritious Is Lemon juice and zest?
Nutrient density
High
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 Lemon juice and 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 Lemon juice and zest Contain Allergens?
No known major allergens
Which Diets Is Lemon juice and 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
✓ Suitable
Low FODMAP
— Not suitable
Lemon juice and zest Fat Profile
SATURATED
0.01g
MONOUNSATURATED
0g
POLYUNSATURATED
0.01g
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Nutrition data compiled from USDA FoodData Central and scientific sources.