Group · Drinks
Lemon juice
Lemon juice is one of the most versatile ingredients in the kitchen. Made by pressing this famous tangy yellow citrus fruit, it comes as fresh juice squeezed at home or as a bottled version. Very low in calories, it contains just 29.4 kcal per 100 g, with no fat and little carbohydrate. Known for its vitamin C and its sharp taste, it brightens both savoury and sweet dishes. In a balanced diet, lemon juice acts as a natural flavour enhancer, helping you cut down on salt and sugar. It is a great ally for anyone who likes to cook light and fresh.
Macronutrient breakdown
Nutrition table per 100 ml
| Calories | 29 kcal |
| Kilojoules | 124 kJ |
| Protein | 0,4 g |
| Carbohydrate | 6,1 g |
| Fat | 0,3 g |
| Fibre | 0,4 g |
Micronutrients per 100 ml
All measured nutrients, ranked by share of the daily reference intake.
- Vitamin C24,8 mg31 %
- Potassium102 mg5 %
- Vitamin B910 µg5 %
- Vitamin B10,04 mg4 %
- Copper0,04 mg4 %
- Vitamin B60,04 mg3 %
- Magnesium8 mg2 %
- Vitamin B50,09 mg2 %
See the other 9 nutrients
- Calcium11 mg1 %
- Phosphorus9 mg1 %
- Vitamin E0,15 mg1 %
- Vitamin B30,2 mg1 %
- Manganese0,02 mg1 %
- Iron0,13 mg1 %
- Vitamin B20,01 mg1 %
- Zinc0,06 mg1 %
- Vitamin A0,17 µg0 %
Anses Ciqual 2025. Source: Anses, 2025, Ciqual food composition table
Tips
Lemon juice can be used in countless ways. A squeeze over fish, seafood or a salad is enough to wake up a dish. Diluted in a large glass of warm water in the morning, it makes a refreshing, thirst-quenching drink. You can also use it in marinades, in a homemade vinaigrette (as a partial replacement for vinegar) or to stop cut fruit such as apple or avocado from going brown.
As for nutrition facts, lemon juice is a lightweight. With 29.4 calories per 100 g, no fat and a low glycaemic index, it fits perfectly into a weight-loss or balanced diet plan. Its richness in vitamin C and its antioxidant character make it a much-loved touch of freshness. To go further, discover antioxidant foods to protect your cells.
- Seasonality: the lemon is harvested mainly in winter and early spring, when it is at its juiciest and most fragrant.
- Storage: freshly squeezed juice keeps for 2 to 3 days in the fridge in a closed container. You can also freeze it in ice cube trays for ready-to-use portions.
- Pairings: it goes well with ginger, honey, olive oil, parsley or garlic for fragrant sauces.
For active people, lemon juice is useful because it brings freshness and vitamin C with no calorie load. Added to your water, it makes hydration more pleasant during and after exercise. You can also squeeze a little into your recovery drinks or protein snacks to lift the flavour without added sugar. It goes very well with a lean, protein-rich fish dish after training.
If you are looking for other low-sugar options, take a look at grapefruit juice or tomato juice, two choices that are lower in sugar than many drinks in the drinks family.
Watch out for: despite its strengths, lemon juice is still acidic. Very regular, concentrated consumption can be uncomfortable for your teeth and a sensitive stomach. The best approach is to dilute it and vary what you drink. Also avoid sweetening it too much, so you do not turn a light drink into a source of empty calories.