Do Strawberries Have More Vitamin C Than Lemons? Uncovering the Surprising Winner

December 13, 2025 •

3 min read

Despite the popular belief that citrus fruits like lemons are the top source of vitamin C, studies reveal a fascinating and often surprising comparison. So, do strawberries have more vitamin C than lemons? This article compares their nutritional profiles to uncover which fruit truly packs the bigger vitamin punch.

Quick Summary

This article compares the vitamin C content of strawberries and lemons to uncover which fruit provides more of this essential nutrient per serving, highlighting key nutritional differences.

Key Points

Lemons often have a higher concentration of vitamin C per 100 grams than strawberries, debunking the common assumption about their vitamin C supremacy.
A typical serving of strawberries (e.g., a cup) may contain more total vitamin C than a single lemon, depending on size and serving portion.
Both fruits offer a powerful array of health benefits beyond just vitamin C, including rich antioxidant profiles and essential minerals.
For maximum vitamin C intake, consume both strawberries and lemons fresh and raw, as heat can degrade ascorbic acid.
The best approach for optimal health is to enjoy a variety of vitamin C-rich fruits and vegetables in your diet.
Don't let flavor perception fool you; the sourness of a lemon is due to citric acid, not a lack of sugar, as lemons can have more sugar than strawberries.

The Vitamin C Showdown: Strawberries vs. Lemons

The perception that lemons are the ultimate source of vitamin C is a long-standing one. While lemons are a good source, nutritional data reveals a more complex picture when comparing them to strawberries. The question of which fruit contains more vitamin C is common, and the answer has some surprising elements. This guide will compare the vitamin C content and other health benefits of both fruits, using nutritional facts to provide a clear comparison.

The Nutritional Profile of Strawberries

Strawberries are not only delicious but also a great source of essential nutrients, particularly vitamin C. A 100-gram serving can contribute significantly to the daily recommended intake. Besides vitamin C, strawberries offer:

Manganese: Important for metabolism and bone health.
Folate (Vitamin B9): Vital for cell function and growth.
Antioxidants: Rich in compounds like pelargonidin and ellagic acid, which fight oxidative stress.
Fiber: Aids in digestive health.

Strawberries are associated with health benefits like improved blood pressure and blood sugar regulation.

The Nutritional Profile of Lemons

Lemons are well-known for their tartness and perceived high vitamin C content, but they also offer a range of other nutrients. Their sour taste comes from citric acid, which is abundant, while their sugar content is masked.

Citric Acid: May help prevent kidney stones.
Potassium: Supports blood pressure and heart health.
Folate (Vitamin B9): Also present in lemons.
Flavonoids: Antioxidants like hesperidin and diosmin that benefit cardiovascular health.

Lemon consumption has been linked to a reduced risk of heart disease and may aid in iron absorption.

Vitamin C Comparison: By the Numbers

Comparing vitamin C content is best done using a standard serving size, such as 100 grams. The table below provides a comparison based on available data.


Fruit	Vitamin C Content (per 100g)	Source	Notes
Strawberries	61–70 mg	Consensus.app	Content can vary.
Lemons	76–77 mg	Consensus.app	Refers to raw, peeled lemon.
Strawberries (sliced, 1 cup)	97.6 mg	Medical News Today	Larger serving, higher total vitamin C.
Lemon (whole fruit)	44.5 mg	Medical News Today	Higher per 100g than a single fruit.
Strawberries (study results)	55.1–59.8 mg	ResearchGate	Results varied by assay method.

Based on a 100-gram comparison, lemons generally have slightly more vitamin C than strawberries. However, the total amount of vitamin C consumed depends on the portion size; a cup of sliced strawberries can provide more total vitamin C than a single lemon.

Beyond Vitamin C: Additional Health Benefits

Both strawberries and lemons offer significant health benefits beyond their vitamin C content:

For Strawberries: High in fiber and various antioxidants, they support heart health, blood sugar control, and cell protection. Anthocyanins give them their color and potent properties.
For Lemons: Citric acid helps prevent kidney stones. Flavonoids are powerful antioxidants beneficial for cardiovascular health and may have anti-cancer properties. Lemons also have antimicrobial properties.

Maximizing Your Vitamin C Intake

Including both strawberries and lemons in your diet is a great way to get a variety of nutrients. Vitamin C can be reduced by storage and cooking. Eating them raw or minimally cooked is best.

Tips for maximizing vitamin C:

Eat Them Fresh: Consuming fresh fruit and juice helps preserve vitamin C.
Combine: Use lemon juice with strawberries in salads or dressings.
Infused Water: Add slices to water for a vitamin boost.
Cooking: Steaming or microwaving causes less vitamin C loss than boiling.

Conclusion: Who Wins the Vitamin C Crown?

In a direct 100-gram comparison, lemons often contain slightly more vitamin C than strawberries. However, this can vary based on factors like variety, ripeness, and serving size. A larger serving of strawberries may provide more total vitamin C than a single lemon. Both fruits are excellent sources of vitamin C and other beneficial nutrients and antioxidants.

The best approach for health is incorporating both lemons and strawberries into a balanced diet to ensure a diverse intake of vitamin C and other nutrients. Regardless of your preference, both are healthy choices. For more details on the nutritional benefits of strawberries, see Healthline provides further details on strawberry nutrition..


Feature	Strawberries	Lemons
Vitamin C (per 100g)	61–70 mg	76–77 mg
Other Key Nutrients	Manganese, Folate, Fiber	Potassium, Folate, Flavonoids
Antioxidants	Pelargonidin, Ellagic Acid	Hesperidin, Diosmin, Eriocitrin
Flavor Profile	Sweet, slightly tart	Very sour, acidic
Best Consumed	Fresh, raw	Juice, flavorings, garnish

Frequently Asked Questions

While citrus fruits are well-known, other foods like red bell peppers, kiwifruit, and guava contain significantly more vitamin C per serving than both lemons and strawberries.

Yes, vitamin C is water-soluble and can be destroyed by heat. Cooking methods like boiling lead to greater loss than steaming or microwaving.

No, lemons provide more than just vitamin C. They are a good source of potassium, folate, and powerful antioxidants like flavonoids, which are great for heart health.

Yes, strawberries are rich in fiber and antioxidants like ellagic acid and anthocyanins. They are known for supporting heart health, regulating blood sugar, and providing anti-inflammatory benefits.

Yes, adding freshly squeezed lemon juice to water is an effective way to get a dose of vitamin C, along with beneficial plant compounds. It also helps with hydration.

The intense sour flavor of lemons comes from their high concentration of citric acid, which can be 3-6%. This strong acid masks the natural sweetness from their sugar content.

Yes, the vitamin C content can vary significantly based on factors like the specific fruit variety, ripeness, growing conditions, and how long the fruit has been stored.