Does Lemon Water Count as Calories? Here's the Definitive Nutritional Breakdown

December 19, 2025 •

4 min read

With the juice of half a lemon adding only about six to ten calories to a glass of water, the overall caloric impact is very low. So, does lemon water count as calories? Technically, yes, but the amount is so minimal that it often doesn't affect dietary goals for most people, especially when it replaces sugary drinks.

Quick Summary

Lemon water contains a negligible amount of calories, with the juice from half a lemon adding a minimal count. It is not calorie-free but is an excellent low-calorie replacement for high-sugar beverages, aiding hydration and weight management.

Key Points

Minimal Calories: Plain lemon water adds a negligible amount of calories to your daily intake, typically under 10 calories per glass from the lemon juice.
Low Calorie, Not Zero: While very low, the juice does contain trace amounts of calories, carbohydrates, and sugar, so it is not technically a zero-calorie drink.
Sweeteners Add Significant Calories: Adding honey, sugar, or other syrups will dramatically increase the caloric content, negating its low-calorie benefits.
Excellent Sugary Drink Swap: Replacing high-calorie beverages like soda and juice with lemon water can be an effective strategy for weight loss by reducing daily calorie intake.
Does Not Break Most Fasts: For intermittent fasting, the minimal calories in plain lemon water are not enough to break a fast or significantly impact insulin levels.
Dental Health Risk: The citric acid in lemon can erode tooth enamel over time with frequent consumption; use a straw and rinse your mouth to protect your teeth.
Promotes Hydration and Satiety: The added flavor can encourage greater water intake, and the drink itself can increase feelings of fullness, helping with weight management.

Understanding the Calories in Lemon Water

When plain water is flavored with lemon, it transitions from a zero-calorie drink to one with a very low-calorie count. The calories come from the natural sugars and carbohydrates present in the lemon juice itself. A typical squeeze from half a medium lemon, which is commonly used, adds just a handful of calories, making the total calorie count for a glass of lemon water exceptionally low. While the difference is small, it is a key distinction for anyone tracking their intake precisely or adhering to a very strict fast.

Where the Calories Come From

The calories in lemon water are derived solely from the lemon juice. For perspective, a single tablespoon of fresh lemon juice contains about 3 to 4 calories. Given that most people use less than a tablespoon's worth of juice in a standard glass of water, the calorie increase is minimal. The tiny amount of carbohydrates and sugar in the juice are the source of this energy. For context, a single medium lemon contains around 17 calories and 5.4 grams of carbohydrates. By simply squeezing a part of the fruit, you're only extracting a fraction of its total nutritional value. The health benefits, like the boost of vitamin C and antioxidants, are often considered far more significant than the tiny energy contribution.

The Impact of Add-ins

The most significant factor that changes the caloric content of your lemon water is adding other ingredients. While plain lemon water is very low in calories, the moment sweeteners are introduced, the caloric value can skyrocket.

Honey: A single tablespoon of honey can add over 60 calories.
Sugar: A teaspoon of sugar adds about 16 calories, and it's easy to add several.
Maple Syrup: A popular natural sweetener, it also contains significant calories.

For those on a strict calorie-tracking diet, or for individuals practicing intermittent fasting, it's crucial to be mindful of these additions. A plain glass of lemon water is generally safe for intermittent fasting, as the minimal calories do not significantly impact insulin levels. However, adding sugar or other caloric items will break the fast.

Comparison: Lemon Water vs. Common Beverages

This comparison highlights why swapping to lemon water is an effective strategy for weight management and overall health.


Beverage	Typical Calories (per 8-12 oz)	Sugar Content	Benefits	Considerations
Plain Water	0	0g	Hydration	Flavorless for some
Plain Lemon Water	6-10	<1g	Hydration, Vitamin C, antioxidants	Minimal calories; potential dental erosion
Sweetened Lemonade	90-150	High	Can be tasty	Very high sugar and calorie count
Soda (Regular)	100-150+	Very High	-	High sugar, empty calories
Orange Juice	100-115	High	Vitamin C	Higher calories, less fiber than whole fruit

How This Affects Weight Loss

For those aiming to lose weight, replacing high-calorie drinks with lemon water can be a simple yet impactful change. By switching just one sugary beverage a day, you could cut your daily calorie intake by 100-200 calories or more. This small, consistent change can contribute to a significant calorie deficit over time, supporting gradual weight loss. Beyond the calorie count, the simple act of staying well-hydrated is a key component of effective weight management. Studies show that drinking water, and by extension lemon water, can boost metabolism and promote feelings of fullness. The pectin fiber found in lemon pulp may also contribute to satiety, although most juice contains very little.

Health Benefits of Drinking Lemon Water

Beyond just its low-calorie nature, incorporating lemon water into your daily routine offers a variety of health advantages:

Enhances Hydration: For those who find plain water boring, adding lemon can make it more palatable, encouraging higher overall fluid intake.
Boosts Vitamin C Intake: Lemons are an excellent source of vitamin C, a powerful antioxidant that protects cells from damaging free radicals and supports the immune system.
Aids Digestion: The citric acid in lemons can help the stomach break down food and may aid in more efficient digestion.
Prevents Kidney Stones: The citric acid can also block kidney stone formation, and drinking more fluid naturally helps.
Supports Detoxification: Proper hydration and the nutrients in lemon support the body's natural detoxification processes, including liver function.

Potential Drawbacks and Considerations

While largely beneficial, lemon water does have some potential downsides. The high acidity of lemon juice can erode tooth enamel over time, especially with frequent consumption. To mitigate this risk, it's recommended to drink through a straw, rinse your mouth with plain water afterward, and avoid brushing your teeth immediately after consuming.

It's also important to be aware of how much you are drinking. While moderate consumption is safe for most, excessive intake could cause digestive issues for some individuals. For example, it might trigger heartburn or increase stomach acid.

Conclusion: The Bottom Line on Lemon Water Calories

In conclusion, does lemon water count as calories? The answer is yes, but the caloric contribution is minimal and often negligible for most people's health and weight goals. The key takeaway is to focus on the overall context: plain lemon water is a low-calorie, hydrating beverage that can be a far healthier choice than sugary alternatives. Its benefits for hydration, vitamin C intake, and digestion often outweigh the concern over its tiny calorie count. To maximize the health benefits and minimize any downsides like dental enamel erosion, enjoy it without added sugar and practice good dental hygiene. As a replacement for high-calorie, sugary beverages, it remains a fantastic option for supporting overall wellness. For more details on the many advantages of lemon water, check out this resource from Healthline.

Frequently Asked Questions

A standard glass of lemon water made with the juice of half a lemon typically contains between 6 to 10 calories. The exact amount depends on the size of the lemon and how much juice is used.

No, lemon water is not calorie-free. The lemon juice itself contains a minimal amount of calories from natural sugars. However, for most purposes, its caloric impact is negligible.

Plain lemon water generally will not break a fast, especially an intermittent one, as the calorie and sugar content is too low to significantly impact blood sugar or insulin levels. For very strict or religious fasts, however, even minimal calories might be prohibited.

Lemon water aids weight loss by being a low-calorie alternative to sugary drinks. It also promotes hydration and satiety, which can help reduce overall calorie consumption.

Benefits include enhanced hydration, an antioxidant boost from vitamin C, aid in digestion, and support in preventing kidney stone formation due to its citric acid content.

Yes, the citric acid in lemon juice can erode tooth enamel over time. To minimize damage, experts recommend drinking it through a straw, rinsing your mouth with plain water afterwards, and not brushing your teeth immediately.

Fresh lemon juice is generally preferred as it avoids potential additives found in some bottled versions. If you use bottled juice, check the label for any added sugars that would increase the calorie count.