Demystifying the Sweet Lemon: How many carbs in a fresh sweet lemon?

November 7, 2025 •

4 min read

A single 100g serving of sweet lemon, also known as mosambi, typically contains around 9 to 10 grams of carbohydrates. This unique citrus fruit offers a delicate, sweet flavor with less acidity than a traditional lemon, making its carbohydrate content a common question for those monitoring their intake. So, how many carbs in a fresh sweet lemon?

Quick Summary

A fresh sweet lemon contains around 9-10 grams of carbohydrates per 100g, along with fiber, Vitamin C, and essential minerals. This low-acidity fruit provides various health benefits, including boosting immunity, aiding digestion, and supporting hydration.

Key Points

Carbohydrate Content: A fresh sweet lemon contains approximately 9–10g of carbohydrates per 100g, of which a portion is dietary fiber.
Low Acidity: Sweet lemons (mosambi) are known for their low acidity compared to regular lemons, resulting in a milder, sweeter flavor.
Immunity Booster: This citrus fruit is an excellent source of Vitamin C and antioxidants, which are crucial for strengthening the immune system.
Aids Digestion: The fiber and natural compounds in sweet lemons can help stimulate the digestive system and promote healthy bowel movements.
Hydration Support: Due to its high water and electrolyte content, sweet lemon juice is effective for rehydration, especially after physical activity.
Moderate for Diabetics: While it has a low glycemic index, it contains natural sugars, so diabetics should consume it in moderation, preferably as a whole fruit rather than juice.

Understanding the Carbohydrate Profile of Sweet Lemons

When evaluating the carbohydrate content of any fruit, it's important to consider both total carbohydrates and net carbohydrates. Net carbs are the total carbohydrates minus the dietary fiber, as fiber is a type of carb the body doesn't digest for energy. A fresh sweet lemon (mosambi) contains approximately 9.3 grams of total carbohydrates per 100g. However, sources report differing amounts of fiber, from as low as 0.5g to over 1g per 100g. Using the 1.3g figure from one source, this would put the net carb count at around 8 grams per 100g, making it a relatively low-carb fruit, similar to many other citrus varieties.

The carbohydrate content primarily comes from natural sugars, which contribute to the sweet taste. Since sweet lemons have a lower glycemic index (GI) than some other sugary fruits, the glucose is released more slowly into the bloodstream, which is beneficial for managing blood sugar levels. For those following a low-carb diet like keto, a sweet lemon can be enjoyed in moderation, but portion control is key to staying within daily carb limits.

A Deeper Look at Sweet Lemon Nutrition

Beyond carbohydrates, sweet lemons are a nutritional powerhouse, packed with essential vitamins and minerals. One of the most notable features is their high Vitamin C content, providing around 50mg per 100g, which is a significant portion of the daily recommended intake.

Here's a breakdown of the nutritional value per 100g, based on various sources:

Calories: 43–44 kcal
Protein: 0.7–0.8 g
Fat: ~0.2–0.3 g
Carbohydrates: 9–10 g
Dietary Fiber: ~0.5–1.3 g
Vitamin C: 50 mg (55% of Daily Value based on 90mg recommendation)
Potassium: High content, some sources cite 490 mg
Calcium: ~2% of Daily Value
Antioxidants: Contains flavonoids that fight free radical damage.

Sweet Lemon vs. Other Citrus: A Carb Comparison

Understanding how the sweet lemon compares to other popular citrus fruits can help you make informed dietary choices. Here is a comparison based on approximate nutritional values per 100g:


Nutrient (per 100g)	Sweet Lemon (Mosambi)	Regular Lemon	Orange
Calories	43 kcal	29 kcal	47 kcal
Carbohydrates	9.3 g	9.3 g	11.8 g
Dietary Fiber	1.3 g	2.8 g	2.4 g
Sugars	~1.7 g	2.5 g	9.4 g
Vitamin C	50 mg	53 mg	53 mg

Note: Nutritional values can vary based on ripeness, variety, and growing conditions. The key takeaway is the lower sugar content and higher potential fiber in some sweet lemons compared to oranges.

Health Benefits and Dietary Role of Sweet Lemons

Incorporating sweet lemons into your diet offers a number of health advantages beyond their flavor. As a member of the citrus family, its properties are well-documented:

Boosts Immunity: The high concentration of Vitamin C and flavonoids helps strengthen the immune system and protect the body from infections.
Promotes Digestion: The dietary fiber in sweet lemons aids in healthy digestion and can help prevent constipation. Drinking the juice can stimulate digestive juices.
Aids Hydration: With its high water content, sweet lemon juice replenishes electrolytes lost during dehydration, making it an excellent post-workout or hot weather drink.
Supports Weight Management: Being low in calories and fat, sweet lemons can promote a feeling of fullness. Paired with a balanced diet and exercise, it can support healthy weight loss.
Enhances Skin Health: The antioxidants and Vitamin C can promote collagen production, which helps improve skin health and combat aging.

Potential Risks and Considerations

While largely beneficial, consuming sweet lemons has some considerations, particularly if consumed in large quantities.

Tooth Enamel Erosion: Like all citrus fruits, sweet lemons contain citric acid. While less acidic than regular lemons, frequent or excessive consumption, especially in juice form, can contribute to the erosion of tooth enamel over time. Drinking through a straw and rinsing your mouth with plain water afterward can help mitigate this risk.
Diabetes Management: For individuals with diabetes, sweet lemons have a low glycemic index, but they do contain natural sugars. Consuming them in moderation is advisable, and fruit juice should be limited as it removes fiber. Monitoring your personal blood sugar response is always recommended.

Conclusion: The Sweet Spot in Your Diet

In conclusion, a fresh sweet lemon contains around 9 to 10 grams of carbohydrates per 100g, with the exact amount of net carbs depending on its fiber content. This low-acidity citrus fruit offers a refreshing, flavorful way to boost your intake of Vitamin C and antioxidants without adding excessive calories or sugar to your diet. Its numerous health benefits, including supporting immunity and digestion, make it a valuable addition to a balanced and healthy lifestyle. By enjoying it in moderation and being mindful of its natural sugars, the sweet lemon can be a delightful and nutritious choice for almost any diet. To learn more about this versatile fruit, you can explore detailed information on its properties and uses from authoritative sources such as Wikipedia on Citrus limetta.

How to enjoy sweet lemons

Fresh Juice: Squeeze the juice and mix with water for a refreshing and hydrating drink. Add some black salt or chat masala for a savory twist.
Snack: Enjoy the peeled fruit as a healthy and energizing snack during the day.
Salads: Add slices of sweet lemon to a fruit salad or a green salad for a tangy, fresh flavor.
Smoothies: Blend sweet lemon juice into smoothies with other fruits like bananas or strawberries for a nutrient-rich beverage.
Desserts and Marinades: Use the juice or zest in marinades for poultry or in baking to add a unique citrus flavor.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, with around 8 grams of net carbs per 100g, sweet lemons are considered a relatively low-carb fruit. They can be a great addition to a balanced diet when consumed in moderation.

Sweet lemons have a low glycemic index, typically ranging between 40 and 50. This means they release glucose into the bloodstream slowly, which is beneficial for managing blood sugar levels.

Yes, people with diabetes can consume sweet lemons in moderation due to their low glycemic index and high fiber content. However, they should be mindful of the natural sugar and preferably eat the whole fruit instead of juicing it.

The terms 'sweet lemon' and 'sweet lime' (mosambi) are often used interchangeably to refer to the same fruit, Citrus limetta. They are both characterized by their distinctively mild and sweet citrus flavor.

Sweet lemons offer numerous health benefits, including boosting immunity with high Vitamin C, aiding digestion through dietary fiber, promoting skin health, and helping with hydration due to high water content.

Because it is low in calories and contains fiber, the sweet lemon can aid in weight loss by helping you feel fuller. It supports a healthy metabolism, especially when combined with exercise and a balanced diet.

Consuming sweet lemons in excess, particularly in juice form, can cause potential side effects. The citric acid can harm tooth enamel over time, and some people may experience heartburn or digestive issues from consuming high quantities.