Group · Fruit
Lemon
The lemon is an essential citrus fruit, recognisable by its bright yellow skin and tart juice. Native to Asia, it comes in several varieties (the classic yellow lemon, the lime, Menton lemon, finger lime or lemon caviar) and is used in both savoury and sweet dishes. At only 24.3 kcal per 100 g, it is a low-calorie fruit, rich in vitamin C, fibre and aromatic compounds. Its versatility makes it a great way to lift a recipe, flavour a drink or replace some of the salt and fat. Available all year round, the lemon naturally has its place in a balanced, varied diet.
Macronutrient breakdown
Nutrition table per 100 g
| Calories | 24 kcal |
| Kilojoules | 105 kJ |
| Protein | 0,3 g |
| Carbohydrate | 1,6 g |
| Fat | 0,3 g |
| Fibre | 2,8 g |
Micronutrients per 100 g
All measured nutrients, ranked by share of the daily reference intake.
- Vitamin C45 mg56 %
- Potassium140 mg7 %
- Copper0,04 mg4 %
- Vitamin B10,04 mg4 %
- Zinc0,33 mg3 %
- Vitamin B50,14 mg2 %
- Magnesium7,9 mg2 %
- Phosphorus12 mg2 %
- Vitamin B9dietary folate equivalents28,4 µg
See the other 6 nutrients
- Vitamin B60,02 mg2 %
- Calcium11 mg1 %
- Total omega-30,03 g1 %
- Iron0,15 mg1 %
- Manganese0,02 mg1 %
- Vitamin A0,21 µg0 %
Anses Ciqual 2025. Source: Anses, 2025, Ciqual food composition table
Tips
The lemon turns up everywhere in everyday cooking. Its juice dresses salads, fish and marinades, while its zest flavours desserts, sauces and infusions. Squeezed into a glass of warm water, it becomes a refreshing, very low-sugar drink. In terms of nutritional values, it provides fibre (2.8 g per 100 g), a little protein and above all vitamin C, with a low glycaemic index thanks to its low carbohydrate content.
- Portions: the juice of half a lemon is enough to lift a dish or a homemade vinaigrette.
- Cooking: add the juice at the end of preparation to preserve its aroma and its vitamin C, which is sensitive to heat.
- Storage: keep it at room temperature for a few days, or in the fridge for up to two weeks.
- Pairings: it goes wonderfully with fish, poultry, tea and fruits such as strawberries or kiwi fruit.
The lemon belongs to the large citrus family, alongside the orange, the grapefruit and the mandarin. To explore other fresh, low-calorie options, discover the whole fruit family. Its natural acidity lets you cut back on salt or sugar in your recipes, a useful asset if you are trying to lose weight or follow a balanced diet.
For active people, the lemon is an excellent hydration ally: a few drops in your water bottle add taste without unnecessary calories and make it easier to drink water during exercise. After training, a squeeze of lemon over a plate of protein or green vegetables supports vitamin C intake, useful in a recovery diet. You can also add it to a homemade protein snack, for example in a lemony fromage blanc or a tangy compote.
Points to watch: lemon is very acidic, so it is better consumed diluted to protect tooth enamel and limit irritation in sensitive stomachs. Favour fresh lemon over shop-bought juices, which often have added sugar. To place its calories against other foods, see the calorie table. Versatile, inexpensive and low in calories, the lemon is a smart reflex for cooking light while still treating yourself.
