How Many Calories Does a Cuc Have? A Detailed Breakdown

November 21, 2025 •

2 min read

At around 16 calories per 100 grams, the humble cucumber is one of the lowest-calorie foods you can eat. This high-water, low-energy fruit is a popular choice for those watching their calorie intake, offering a refreshing crunch with minimal impact on your daily count.

Quick Summary

This article provides a comprehensive overview of the calorie content of cucumbers based on different serving sizes, highlighting key nutritional facts and health benefits, including hydration and weight management.

Key Points

Extremely Low in Calories: A whole 11-ounce (301g) cucumber contains only about 45 calories, and a standard 100g portion has just 16 calories, making it ideal for low-calorie diets.
High in Water Content: Composed of over 95% water, cucumbers are a highly effective way to stay hydrated, especially in hot weather or after exercise.
Nutrient-Dense Peel: Eating cucumbers with the peel on maximizes nutrient intake, providing more fiber and beneficial vitamins like Vitamin K.
Rich in Antioxidants: Cucumbers contain valuable antioxidants, including cucurbitacins and flavonoids, which help fight inflammation and support overall cellular health.
Supports Digestive Health: The high water and fiber content promote regular bowel movements and can help prevent constipation, keeping your gut happy and healthy.
Aids in Weight Management: The low-calorie density and high water content can help you feel full and reduce overall calorie consumption, supporting weight loss goals.

Calorie Breakdown of Cucumbers

Cucumbers are known for their high water content and low calories, making them a great addition to healthy diets. The calorie count varies by size and preparation, with data from the USDA providing specifics.

A large cucumber (about 301 grams) contains approximately 45 calories.
A half-cup of sliced cucumber (52 grams) has about 8 calories.
A standard 100-gram serving of raw, unpeeled cucumber contains just 16 calories.

Over 95% of a cucumber is water, which is why it's so low in calories. This high water content helps you feel full without consuming many calories, supporting weight management.

Comprehensive Nutritional Profile

Cucumbers offer more than just low calories; they also provide various vitamins and minerals. Keeping the skin on is recommended to get more fiber and nutrients.


Nutrient (per 100g, unpeeled)	Amount	% of Daily Value (approx)
Calories	16 kcal	1%
Carbohydrates	2.95 g	1%
Protein	0.62 g	1%
Dietary Fiber	0.5 g	2%
Vitamin K	24 mcg	20%
Potassium	170 mg	4%
Vitamin C	2.8 mg	3%
Magnesium	10.1 mg	2%

Note: Daily Value percentages are for general dietary advice.

The Health Benefits of Cucumbers

Adding cucumbers to your diet can improve your health in several ways:

Supports Weight Loss: Low in calories and high in water and fiber, they help you feel full, which can reduce overall calorie intake.
Provides Antioxidants: Cucumbers contain antioxidants like flavonoids and tannins that help protect against damage from free radicals.
Promotes Digestive Health: Their high water and fiber content aids digestion and helps prevent constipation.
Manages Blood Sugar: As a low-glycemic, non-starchy vegetable, they can help manage blood sugar levels.
Supports Heart Health: Potassium in cucumbers helps regulate blood pressure, while fiber can help lower cholesterol.
Good for Skin: Their hydrating and anti-inflammatory properties are beneficial for skin health, soothing irritation and reducing puffiness.

The Age-Old Question: Is It a Fruit or a Vegetable?

Cucumbers fit both botanical and culinary definitions.

Botanical vs. Culinary Classification

Botanically, cucumbers are fruits because they develop from a flower and contain seeds. Culinarily, however, their savory taste and use in dishes like salads classify them as vegetables. Regardless of classification, their nutritional value is the same.

Tips for Enjoying Cucumbers

Here are some ways to enjoy cucumbers:

Wash thoroughly and eat with the peel for more fiber and Vitamin K.
Add to salads, wraps, or sandwiches for a refreshing crunch.
Infuse water with cucumber slices and mint for hydration.
Use slices as a low-calorie alternative to crackers with dips.
Top cucumber slices with cream cheese or vegetables for a light snack.

Conclusion

In conclusion, a cuc has very few calories, about 16 per 100 grams, making it excellent for weight management and a healthy diet. Its high water content and nutrients offer benefits from better digestion to heart health. Whether you see it as a fruit or vegetable, adding cucumber to your meals is a simple way to improve your health. For more healthy eating information, consider resources like the Cleveland Clinic.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, their low-calorie density and high water content can promote a feeling of fullness, which helps in managing weight by reducing overall calorie intake.

For maximum nutritional benefit, it is better to eat the cucumber unpeeled. The skin contains fiber and valuable nutrients like Vitamin K that are lost when removed.

Absolutely. With a water content of over 95%, cucumbers are an excellent way to supplement your daily fluid intake and stay hydrated.

Cucumbers contain several vitamins and minerals, including a significant amount of Vitamin K and smaller amounts of Vitamin C, Vitamin A, and minerals like potassium and magnesium.

A larger cucumber will have a greater total number of calories and nutrients simply due to its size. However, the nutritional density per 100 grams remains consistent regardless of the cucumber's total size.

While generally safe, excessive intake might affect blood clotting for individuals on blood-thinning medication like warfarin due to the high Vitamin K content. It's always best to consult a doctor if you have concerns.

Botanically, a cucumber is a fruit because it grows from a flower and contains seeds. Culinarily, however, it is treated as a vegetable due to its savory flavor and use in dishes.