1 piece (small) of Small onion (60 g) has 24 calories. That works out to 40 calories per 100 g. It contains 5.6 g of carbs, 0.7 g of protein, 0.1 g of fat and 1 g of fiber. Its 4.4 mg of Vitamin C covers 5% of the Daily Value. Its glycemic index is 15 (low), so it raises blood sugar slowly.

What is Small onion?

A small onion is simply a small bulb of the familiar dry onion, rather than necessarily a distinct variety. Peel it and use it whole in stews, or slice or chop it for salads, sautés and other dishes that begin with an onion base. Small bulbs are also handy for pickling.

Its raw flavour is sharp and juicy; cooking softens it and brings out a mild sweetness. In many kitchens, it is used much like a regular onion, whether cooked into a meal or served raw in a salad or relish. It contributes fibre and vitamin C while remaining low in calories. If you find raw onion too pungent, briefly cook it, or pair it with parsley, lemon and olive oil.

Small onion Nutrition Facts

Selected: 100 g

KCAL / 100G

Carbs

9.3g

· 3% DV

Protein

1.1g

· 2% DV

Fat

0.1g

· 0% DV

Fiber

1.7g

· 6% DV

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

Calories come from: Carbs 88% · Protein 10% · Fat 2%

Small onion Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamins

Vitamin C

7.4mg · 8% DV

0.12mg · 7% DV

Folate

19µg · 5% DV

0.05mg · 4% DV

Minerals

Phosphorus

29mg · 4% DV

Potassium ⭐

146mg · 4% DV

Calcium

23mg · 2% DV

Magnesium

10mg · 2% DV

How Nutritious Is Small onion?

Nutrient density

High

65/ 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

46/ 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.

Small onion Glycemic Index

GLYCEMIC INDEX

Low

0 Low5570100

GLYCEMIC LOAD

1.4

Low

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

How to Burn Off Small onion

To burn the 40 calories in 100 g:

🚶

10min

Walking (5 km/h)

🏃

4min

Running (8 km/h)

🚴

5min

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 Small 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 Small onion 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 Small 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

Small onion Fat Profile

SATURATED

0.03g

MONOUNSATURATED

0.01g

POLYUNSATURATED

0.02g

⚖️

Omega 6:3 ratio 2:1

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

Compare Small onion

🧅vs🍅

Small onion vs Tomato22 kcal more per 100 g

→🧅vs🥗

Small onion vs Mixed Green Salad22 kcal more per 100 g

→🧅vs🫑

Small onion vs Red Pepper9 kcal more per 100 g

→🧅vs🥄

Small onion vs Boiled Beetroot4 kcal fewer per 100 g

→

Foods Similar to Small onion

🍅

Tomato

18 kcal

🥗

Mixed Green Salad

18 kcal

🫑

Red Pepper

31 kcal

🥄

Boiled Beetroot

44 kcal

🫑

Green pepper

20 kcal

🥗

Potato Salad

110 kcal

🥗

Arugula

25 kcal

🥕🥦🍆

Oven-Roasted Mixed Vegetables

65 kcal

Frequently Asked Questions About Small onion

How do you peel small onions quickly?

Trim the ends, then blanch small onions briefly in boiling water and transfer them to cold water; the skins should slip off more easily. For a gentler method, soak them in warm water before peeling. Avoid prolonged soaking, which can soften the onion.

Are small onions the same as pearl onions?

Not necessarily. “Small onion” can simply describe the size of an onion, while pearl onions are a distinct small variety commonly sold for cooking whole. A recipe that specifically calls for pearl onions may not work the same with a piece of an ordinary large onion.

How should you store small onions?

Keep unpeeled small onions in a cool, dry, well-ventilated place away from sunlight. Avoid sealed plastic bags, which trap moisture and encourage spoilage. Refrigerate peeled or cut small onions in a covered container and use them within a few days.

Can you eat small onions raw?

Yes, small onions can be eaten raw. Slice or finely chop them for salads, sandwiches, or dips; if their flavor is too sharp, soak the cut pieces briefly in cold water and drain them. Remove the papery skin and wash the onion before use.

Can you cook small onions whole?

Yes, small onions can be cooked whole, especially in stews, roasts, and kebabs where they can hold their shape. Choose similarly sized onions so they cook evenly. For quick sautés, cut them into smaller pieces to help them soften at the same rate.

Can you pickle small onions?

Yes, small onions are well suited to pickling because they can fit into jars whole. Peel and clean them, follow a tested brine recipe, and use clean jars. Store homemade pickles as directed by the recipe rather than assuming they are shelf-stable.

Can you freeze small onions?

Yes, but freezing softens small onions, so they are better for cooked dishes than salads after thawing. Peel them and freeze whole or chopped in a freezer-safe container. You can add frozen pieces directly to a pan or pot without thawing.

Can small onions replace shallots?

They can replace shallots in cooked dishes, but the flavor will be sharper and less delicate. Chop the small onion finely and start with a little less than the recipe’s shallot amount, then adjust to taste. For raw dishes, the difference is more noticeable.

How can you tell if a small onion has gone bad?

Discard a small onion if it is moldy, slimy, unusually soft, or smells unpleasant. A firm onion with dry outer skin is generally in good condition. If only the outer layer is damaged, remove it and check that the inside is sound.

Why do small onions make your eyes water?

Cutting a small onion releases sulfur-containing compounds that can irritate the eyes; its small size does not prevent this. Use a sharp knife, chill the onion briefly before cutting, and improve ventilation. Avoid rubbing your eyes while preparing it.

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Nutrition data compiled from USDA FoodData Central and scientific sources.

· Last updated: September 26, 2026