Do Lemons Have Carbs? Your Complete Guide to Lemon Nutrition

November 2, 2025 •

2 min read

According to USDA data, a single medium-sized lemon contains approximately 5 to 8 grams of total carbs, a surprisingly low amount for fruit. This fact is particularly relevant for those on carb-conscious diets asking, "Do lemons have carbs?" and whether this popular citrus fruit can be incorporated into their eating plan.

Quick Summary

Lemons are a low-carb, keto-friendly fruit with minimal sugar and calories, providing essential nutrients like vitamin C and fiber. Their low glycemic impact and modest carb count make them suitable for low-carb lifestyles and beneficial for managing blood sugar levels.

Key Points

Low Net Carbs: A medium lemon has a low net carb count of approximately 3.8 grams, calculated by subtracting its fiber content from its total carbs.
Minimal Impact on Ketosis: The low carbohydrate content makes lemons, and unsweetened lemon water, a keto-friendly option that won't disrupt ketosis.
High in Vitamin C: Lemons are an excellent source of vitamin C, which is a powerful antioxidant beneficial for immune function and overall health.
Supports Blood Sugar Control: The fiber in lemons can help slow sugar absorption, which is advantageous for managing blood sugar levels.
Versatile Low-Carb Flavoring: Lemons can add a bright, tangy flavor to a wide variety of meals and drinks without significantly increasing calorie or carb intake.
Lemon Water is Very Low-Carb: A glass of water with freshly squeezed lemon juice contains a negligible amount of carbs, making it an ideal low-carb beverage.

Understanding the Carb Content of Lemons

Yes, lemons do have carbohydrates, but their content is low, with minimal sugar compared to other fruits. A key aspect for low-carb diets is the distinction between total carbs and net carbs, with net carbs excluding dietary fiber which isn't fully digested.

Whole Lemon vs. Lemon Juice

The way you consume a lemon impacts its carb count due to fiber being mostly in the pulp and peel.

Whole Lemon (medium-sized, ~58g): Contains about 5.4g total carbs, 1.6g fiber, and 3.8g net carbs.
Lemon Juice (from one medium lemon): Has less fiber, with approximately 1.2g sugar and very low net carbs.

Lemon Water Carb Count

Unsweetened lemon water is a very low-carb drink. A glass with juice from half a lemon has negligible carbs and calories. Adding sweeteners significantly increases the carb content.

The Low-Carb and Keto Diet Connection

Lemons are suitable for keto and low-carb diets because of their low net carbs and glycemic index, which helps maintain ketosis and stable blood sugar.

Health benefits for low-carb diets:

Enhances Flavor: Adds flavor without significant calories or carbs.
Promotes Hydration: Lemon water is a low-carb hydration option.
Rich in Nutrients: Good source of vitamin C, potassium, and folate.
Aids Digestion: Citric acid may stimulate digestive juices.
Supports Kidney Health: Citric acid may reduce kidney stone risk.

Lemons vs. Other Fruits: A Carb Comparison

Lemons are low in carbs compared to many other fruits, especially when used for flavoring. The table below illustrates this difference:


Fruit (per 100g serving)	Total Carbohydrates	Dietary Fiber	Net Carbs	Note
Lemon	9.3 g	2.8 g	6.5 g	Used in small amounts for flavoring
Avocado	8.5 g	6.7 g	1.8 g	Very low net carb, high in healthy fats
Raspberries	12 g	6.5 g	5.5 g	Low-carb berry option
Strawberry	7.7 g	2 g	5.7 g	Also a great low-carb berry
Orange	11.8 g	2.4 g	9.4 g	Higher carb count than lemon
Apple	13.8 g	2.4 g	11.4 g	Moderate carb, higher sugar content

Culinary Uses for a Low-Carb Diet

Lemons are versatile for low-carb cooking:

Flavoring Water: Adds flavor to plain water.
Dressings and Marinades: Enhances homemade dressings and marinades.
Seafood and Poultry: Brightens flavor without added calories.
Desserts: Can be used in keto-friendly desserts with low-carb sweeteners.
Sauces: Cuts through richness in sauces.

Conclusion

To answer the question, do lemons have carbs? Yes, but their low carb and high fiber content make them excellent for low-carb and keto diets. A medium lemon offers minimal net carbs, providing flavor and nutrients like vitamin C. Incorporating lemons into your diet is a smart way to enhance meals while supporting nutritional goals. For more details on lemon nutrition and benefits, sources like the Cleveland Clinic are available.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, lemons are very keto-friendly due to their low carbohydrate and minimal sugar content. They can be used to add flavor to foods and drinks without significantly impacting your daily carb limit or knocking you out of ketosis.

A medium-sized whole lemon contains approximately 5.4 grams of total carbs and 1.6 grams of fiber. This results in about 3.8 grams of net carbs.

Yes, lemon juice does contain carbohydrates, but in very small amounts. The juice from a single lemon has a minimal impact on overall carb intake, especially when diluted in water.

Drinking lemon water without added sugar will not break a fast for most people, as it contains very few calories and carbs. It will not cause an insulin spike and is suitable for intermittent fasting.

Yes, lemons are a great addition to a diabetic diet. The American Diabetes Association lists citrus fruits as a 'Diabetes Superfood' due to their fiber and vitamin C content, which can help regulate blood sugar.

Lemons can positively affect blood sugar. Their high fiber content, particularly pectin, can slow the absorption of sugar into the bloodstream. When consumed with a high-GI food, lemon juice can also slow the conversion of starch to sugar.

Absolutely. Lemons and lemon juice are excellent for low-carb diets. They provide great flavor and nutrients with minimal carbs, making them a healthier alternative to high-sugar flavorings.