Are There Any Calories in Lemon Water?

November 2, 2025 •

4 min read

While pure water contains zero calories, the addition of lemon juice introduces a minimal amount. This raises a common question for health-conscious individuals: are there any calories in lemon water worth considering in a daily diet?

Quick Summary

Lemon water contains a very low number of calories, primarily from the natural sugars in the lemon juice. The exact amount varies depending on how much lemon is used. It is a healthy, low-calorie alternative to many other beverages and can contribute to daily hydration and nutrient intake.

Key Points

Minimal Calories: Lemon water contains a very low number of calories, typically 6-12 per glass depending on the amount of lemon used.
Source of Calories: The calories in lemon water come from the natural sugars and other organic compounds present in the lemon juice.
Healthier Alternative: It is a significantly lower-calorie option compared to most flavored and sweetened beverages.
Rich in Vitamin C: Lemon water provides a good source of Vitamin C, an important antioxidant for immune and skin health.
Aids Hydration: Adding lemon can make drinking water more enjoyable, helping individuals stay better hydrated.
Potential for Tooth Enamel Erosion: Due to its acidity, excessive consumption can potentially harm tooth enamel; using a straw is recommended.
No Significant pH Change: Lemon water does not significantly alter the body's blood pH levels.

Understanding the Caloric Content of Lemon Water

Plain water is calorie-free, but when you add lemon juice, you introduce a small amount of natural sugars and other components from the lemon fruit, which do contain calories. The number of calories in lemon water is directly proportional to the amount of lemon juice added. A common serving of lemon water made with the juice of half a small lemon in an 8-ounce glass of water contains approximately 6-8 calories. Using a whole small lemon might increase the calorie count to around 10-12 calories. Compared to most other beverages, especially sugary sodas, fruit juices, or sweetened teas, this caloric contribution is exceptionally low, making lemon water a popular choice for those managing their calorie intake or seeking healthier drink options.

Nutritional Breakdown of Lemon Water

Beyond the minimal calories, lemon water offers several nutritional benefits, mainly derived from the lemon itself. Lemons are well-known for their high vitamin C content. Vitamin C is an essential nutrient and a powerful antioxidant that plays a crucial role in immune function, skin health through collagen synthesis, and protecting cells from damage caused by free radicals. Additionally, lemons contain small amounts of other vitamins and minerals, as well as beneficial plant compounds like flavonoids.

Health Benefits Associated with Drinking Lemon Water

Incorporating lemon water into your daily routine can contribute to overall health and well-being. Here are some of the potential benefits:

Promotes Hydration: Adding flavor to water can make it more appealing to drink, encouraging increased fluid intake and helping you stay adequately hydrated throughout the day.
Provides Vitamin C: As mentioned, the vitamin C in lemon water supports immune health and acts as an antioxidant.
Aids Digestion: Some people find that drinking lemon water, particularly warm lemon water in the morning, can help stimulate digestive processes.
Supports Kidney Function: The citrate content in lemons may help prevent the formation of certain types of kidney stones by making urine less acidic.
Can Assist in Weight Management: Replacing high-calorie beverages with lemon water reduces liquid calorie intake. Drinking water before meals can also help promote feelings of fullness, potentially leading to consuming fewer calories during the meal.

Making Your Own Lemon Water

Making lemon water at home is incredibly simple. You will need fresh lemons and water. You can use cold water, room temperature water, or warm water, depending on your preference. For a standard glass, squeeze the juice of half a lemon into 8-12 ounces of water. You can adjust the amount of lemon to suit your taste. For added variety, consider adding other ingredients like cucumber slices, mint leaves, or a small piece of ginger. It is important to note that the benefits discussed refer to water made with fresh lemon juice. Bottled lemon juices or commercially flavored lemon waters may contain added sugars, artificial sweeteners, or preservatives, significantly altering their nutritional profile and calorie count.

Calorie Comparison: Lemon Water vs. Other Drinks

To illustrate just how low in calories lemon water is, let's compare it to some other common beverages.


Beverage	Serving Size	Approximate Calories	Key Difference
Lemon Water (Half Lemon)	8 oz	6-8	Very low calorie, minimal sugar
Plain Water	8 oz	0	Calorie-free
Sugary Soda	12 oz	150+	High in sugar and calories, no nutrients
Orange Juice	8 oz	110-120	Higher in calories and sugar than lemon water
Sweetened Iced Tea	12 oz	80-100+	Varies widely, often high in sugar
Black Coffee (Unsweetened)	8 oz	~2	Very low calorie, no sugar

This comparison clearly shows the significant calorie savings when choosing lemon water over many other popular drinks.

Important Considerations

While generally safe and beneficial, there are a few things to keep in mind when drinking lemon water regularly. The acidity of lemon juice can potentially erode tooth enamel over time. To minimize this risk, consider drinking lemon water through a straw and rinsing your mouth with plain water afterward. Avoid brushing your teeth immediately after consuming acidic drinks. For individuals prone to heartburn or acid reflux, the acidity might exacerbate these symptoms.

Conclusion: The Final Word on Calories in Lemon Water

So, are there any calories in lemon water? Yes, but the number is so low that for most people, it's a negligible amount in the context of a balanced diet. The calories present come from the natural components of the lemon juice. The primary benefit of lemon water lies in its ability to be a refreshing, low-calorie alternative to sugary drinks, helping with hydration and providing a dose of vitamin C. When enjoyed in moderation and with consideration for dental health, lemon water can be a positive addition to a healthy lifestyle. Focusing on the minimal calorie count alone overlooks the other valuable contributions it can make to your daily nutrient and fluid intake.

Frequently Asked Questions

An 8-ounce glass of water with the juice of half a small lemon contains approximately 6-8 calories. With a whole small lemon, it's about 10-12 calories. The amount varies based on lemon size and how much juice is extracted.

Yes, lemon water is an excellent choice for a calorie-restricted diet due to its very low caloric content compared to most other beverages. It can help you stay hydrated without adding significant calories.

The temperature of the water does not affect the number of calories from the lemon juice. The caloric content remains the same whether the water is warm or cold.

While not a direct weight-loss cure, lemon water can support weight management. It's a low-calorie alternative to sugary drinks and drinking water (including lemon water) before meals can help increase fullness and potentially reduce overall food intake.

Adding traditional sweeteners like sugar or honey will add calories to your lemon water. If you want sweetness without calories, you would need to use a calorie-free sweetener.

Yes, the acidity in lemon juice can potentially erode tooth enamel over time with frequent consumption. Using a straw and rinsing your mouth with plain water afterward can help protect your teeth.

Fresh lemon juice is generally preferred. Bottled lemon juices may contain added preservatives, artificial flavors, or even sugars, which can change the nutritional profile and add unwanted calories. Always check the label if using bottled juice.