Are Cuties Good for You, Calories and All?

December 27, 2025 •

4 min read

One small clementine, often branded as a Cutie, contains approximately 35–45 calories, making it a low-calorie, nutrient-rich choice. This small, sweet citrus fruit is not only a delicious snack but also a powerhouse of vitamins, fiber, and antioxidants that can benefit your health in several ways.

Quick Summary

Cuties are low in calories and packed with essential nutrients like vitamin C and fiber, supporting immunity and digestive health. They are a healthy snack option for weight management and overall well-being, though they should be enjoyed in moderation due to natural sugars.

Key Points

Low in Calories: One small Cutie contains approximately 35-45 calories, making it a great lightweight snack choice.
Rich in Vitamin C: A single Cutie provides a significant amount of your daily vitamin C needs, which is crucial for immune health and skin vitality.
Good Source of Fiber: The fiber content aids in digestion, promotes feelings of fullness, and helps regulate blood sugar levels.
Packed with Antioxidants: Cuties contain flavonoids and other antioxidants that help protect cells from damage and reduce inflammation.
Potential Downsides: Excessive consumption can be an issue for those with acid reflux or diabetes due to acidity and natural sugars.
Good for Weight Management: Their low-calorie count and high fiber content make them a satisfying and healthy option for managing weight.
Naturally Sweet: Cuties can satisfy sweet cravings with their natural sugars, providing a healthier alternative to processed sugary snacks.

Nutritional Profile of Cuties: Beyond Just Calories

While the low-calorie count of Cuties is a major draw for health-conscious individuals, their true value lies in their robust nutritional profile. These tiny mandarins are brimming with essential vitamins and minerals that contribute to overall health. As part of the citrus family, they offer far more than just a quick snack.

Essential Vitamins and Minerals

Vitamin C: One small clementine can provide a significant portion of your daily recommended intake of Vitamin C, a powerful antioxidant that boosts the immune system and aids in skin health. It helps fight off free radical damage and supports collagen production, vital for maintaining youthful skin.
Folate: This B vitamin is crucial for cell growth and metabolism. It is especially important during pregnancy to prevent neural tube defects.
Potassium: A key mineral and electrolyte, potassium helps regulate blood pressure and supports muscle function.
Beta-Carotene: Found in orange-colored fruits, beta-carotene is a precursor to Vitamin A, which is essential for vision and skin health.

Macronutrient Breakdown

For a typical 74-gram clementine, the macronutrient profile is very favorable for a healthy diet:

Carbohydrates: Approximately 8.9g, mostly from natural sugars.
Fiber: Around 1–1.3g, which aids in digestion and promotes satiety.
Protein: Roughly 0.6g.
Fat: A negligible 0.1g.

Health Benefits of Incorporating Cuties into Your Diet

Beyond their basic nutritional content, the compounds in Cuties and other citrus fruits offer several science-backed health benefits:

Immune System Support: The high vitamin C content helps bolster the immune system, potentially reducing the duration and severity of colds.
Digestive Health: The dietary fiber, particularly soluble fiber, supports a healthy digestive tract and can help regulate cholesterol levels.
Heart Health: Studies have linked higher citrus intake to a lower risk of cardiovascular disease. The flavonoids and soluble fiber in Cuties can improve cholesterol levels and blood pressure.
Weight Management: Due to their low-calorie density and fiber content, Cuties can help you feel full without consuming many calories, making them an excellent snack for weight management.
Skin Health: The vitamin C and antioxidants protect the skin from UV damage and aid in collagen production.

Comparing Cuties to Other Popular Snacks

To understand just how beneficial Cuties are, it helps to compare them to other common snack options. Cuties offer a high-fiber, low-sugar alternative to many processed snacks.


Snack Item	Serving Size	Calories	Sugar (g)	Fiber (g)
One Cutie	~74g	35	6.8	1.3
Small Bag of Pretzels	~28g	110	0.5	1
Medium Banana	~118g	105	14.4	3.1
Granola Bar (average)	~40g	150	10+	2
10 Grapes	~49g	34	7.4	0.4

As the table shows, Cuties are comparable in calories to a portion of grapes but provide more fiber and other nutrients per calorie than many processed snacks. The natural sugars in Cuties are also absorbed more slowly due to the fiber, preventing a rapid blood sugar spike.

Potential Considerations and Risks

While generally safe for most people, there are a few considerations to keep in mind when consuming Cuties:

Acidity: The acidic nature of citrus fruits can potentially erode tooth enamel over time, especially with frequent consumption.
Blood Sugar: While the natural sugars are buffered by fiber, people with diabetes should still monitor their intake to avoid large spikes in blood glucose.
Medication Interaction: Like grapefruit, some citrus fruits can interact with certain medications. If you are taking prescription drugs, it is wise to consult your doctor.
Overconsumption: Eating an excessive number of clementines could cause digestive upset due to the high fiber content. A good rule of thumb is to stick to 1-4 per day as part of a balanced diet.

Creative Ways to Enjoy Your Cuties

Cuties are incredibly versatile and can be used in a variety of dishes to add a burst of flavor. Here are some simple and creative ideas to incorporate them into your meals and snacks:

Add to Salads: Segmented Cuties add a sweet and tangy contrast to green salads with nuts, cheese, and a light vinaigrette.
Blend into Smoothies: A peeled Cutie can be blended with yogurt, spinach, and other fruits for a nutritious and delicious smoothie.
Make a Citrus Water Infusion: Add slices of Cuties to your water bottle for a naturally flavored, refreshing, and hydrating beverage.
Create a Dark Chocolate Treat: Dip individual segments into melted dark chocolate and let them cool for a healthy dessert.
Combine with Other Fruits: Pair Cuties with berries and other fruits for a vibrant and antioxidant-rich fruit salad.

Conclusion: A Healthy Choice in Moderation

So, are Cuties good for you, calories and all? The answer is a resounding yes. With their modest calorie count and rich nutrient profile, Cuties are an excellent addition to a healthy diet. They provide a high dose of immune-boosting vitamin C, beneficial fiber, and valuable antioxidants, all while satisfying a sweet tooth naturally. As with any food, moderation is key. By enjoying a few of these sweet, easy-to-peel mandarins each day, you can reap their significant health benefits while keeping your calorie intake in check. For most people, Cuties are a perfect example of a delicious and nutritious snack.

Visit Healthline for more detailed information on the benefits of citrus fruits.

Frequently Asked Questions

A single, small Cutie clementine contains approximately 35-45 calories. The calorie count can vary slightly depending on the exact size of the fruit.

Yes, Cuties are a great snack for weight loss. They are low in calories and their high fiber and water content help promote a feeling of fullness, which can reduce overall calorie intake.

Yes, diabetics can eat Cuties in moderation. While they contain natural sugars, the fiber helps slow absorption. It is best to pair them with a protein or fat source to minimize blood sugar spikes.

Cuties are rich in Vitamin C, which supports the immune system and skin health. They also provide dietary fiber for digestive health and antioxidants to combat inflammation and cell damage.

Yes, eating an excessive number of Cuties can lead to potential issues like digestive upset due to high fiber intake and, for some, problems with blood sugar from too much fruit sugar. Moderation is recommended.

Similar to other citrus fruits like grapefruit, Cuties can contain compounds that may interact with certain medications. It is recommended to consult a doctor if you are on prescription medication.

Ounce-for-ounce, Cuties and standard oranges have very similar nutritional profiles in terms of calories, carbs, protein, and fat, though a larger orange may have slightly more nutrients due to its size.