Nutrition Diet: Which has more carbs, lemon or lime?

November 7, 2025 •

4 min read

Despite their many similarities, limes contain slightly more carbohydrates than lemons on a per-100g basis, a detail worth noting for anyone monitoring their nutrition diet. The difference is minor, but can be a point of curiosity for those counting every macronutrient. So, which has more carbs, lemon or lime?

Quick Summary

A comparison of lemon and lime reveals that limes contain a marginally higher carbohydrate and sugar content per 100g than lemons. Both citrus fruits are low in calories and excellent sources of vitamin C, fiber, and beneficial plant compounds. The nutritional differences are generally too small to significantly impact a healthy diet, making either a good choice.

Key Points

Carb Comparison: Limes contain a slightly higher number of carbohydrates per 100 grams than lemons.
Nutritional Similarity: Despite the slight difference, the overall nutritional profile of lemons and limes is very similar, with both being low in calories and high in vitamins and antioxidants.
Micronutrient Variation: Lemons offer more vitamin C, while limes contain more vitamin A and certain minerals like calcium.
Dietary Impact: For most diets, including low-carb and ketogenic plans, the carb difference is so small that it is negligible in typical serving sizes.
Flavor is Key: The choice between lemon and lime is often best made based on their distinct flavor profiles—lemons being more bittersweet and limes being sharper.
Health Benefits: Both fruits are excellent for boosting immunity, providing antioxidants, and aiding in hydration.

The Core Difference: Which Citrus Has More Carbs?

For those paying close attention to their carbohydrate intake, it's worth knowing the slight distinction between these two popular citrus fruits. Per 100 grams, a lime contains slightly more carbs and sugars than a lemon. However, the difference is so negligible that for most people, it will not make a significant impact on their diet.

It's important to remember that most people don't consume 100 grams of citrus juice or zest in one sitting. When used as a flavor enhancer in water or a small amount squeezed over a dish, the total carbohydrate load from either fruit is very low. Nonetheless, understanding the full nutritional profile provides a clearer picture.

Beyond Carbs: A Full Nutritional Comparison

While the carb count is the main point of inquiry, a complete nutritional comparison reveals more about what each fruit brings to the table. Lemons and limes are both packed with beneficial vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, and are known for their health-promoting properties.

Vitamin C and Other Micronutrients

While both are excellent sources of vitamin C, lemons typically contain more of this immune-boosting antioxidant. Lemons also tend to have slightly higher levels of potassium, folate, and vitamin B6. Conversely, limes are often richer in vitamin A, vitamin E, and certain minerals like calcium and phosphorus. These differences are minor, and the best choice often comes down to flavor preference or the specific nutrients you aim to boost.

Flavor Profile and Culinary Uses

Another key differentiator is their taste, which influences their culinary application.

Lemons: Have a more bittersweet flavor profile. This makes them highly versatile and widely used in both sweet and savory dishes, from baked goods and desserts to marinades and salad dressings.
Limes: Offer a sharper, more tart taste. Their intense acidity makes them a staple in many savory cuisines, particularly Mexican, Latin American, and Southeast Asian dishes.

Comparison Table: Lemons vs. Limes (per 100g)


Nutrient	Lemons (per 100g)	Limes (per 100g)
Calories	29 kcal	30 kcal
Total Carbohydrates	9.32 g	10.5 g
Dietary Fiber	3 g	3 g
Sugar	Low (Specific sugar content varies)	Higher than lemons (Specific sugar content varies)
Protein	1.1 g	0.7 g
Vitamin C	Higher	Lower
Potassium	Slightly higher	Slightly lower
Calcium	Slightly lower	Slightly higher

Health Benefits of Citrus Fruits

Both lemons and limes offer a wealth of health benefits, primarily due to their high vitamin C and antioxidant content. These benefits include:

Immune System Support: High levels of vitamin C help support the immune system and protect against cellular damage caused by free radicals.
Antioxidant Effects: Flavonoids and limonoids in citrus fruits have antioxidant properties that may reduce the risk of chronic diseases.
Heart Health: Regular consumption of citrus fruits is associated with a reduced risk of cardiovascular disease.
Weight Management: Their low-calorie and low-carb nature makes them suitable additions to weight-loss plans, often used to flavor water or add zest to meals without adding many calories.
Blood Sugar Control: Some studies suggest that the acidity of lemon juice may help slow down the digestion of starch, which could benefit blood sugar control.

Choosing the Right Citrus for Your Diet

For most people, the choice between lemon and lime comes down to taste and how they are being used. If you are on a very strict ketogenic diet, the marginally lower carb count of lemons might be a factor, but for general health and wellness, the difference is insignificant. The best advice is to incorporate both into your diet to enjoy their unique flavors and full spectrum of nutritional benefits.

Tips for Using Lemons and Limes in Your Diet

Hydration Boost: Add slices of lemon or lime to your water for a refreshing, low-carb flavor boost. This can encourage you to drink more water throughout the day.
Flavoring Food: Use fresh juice or zest to brighten up sauces, marinades, dressings, and baked goods. The zest is a potent source of flavorful essential oils.
Preserving Freshness: The acidity of lemons and limes can help prevent cut fruits and vegetables from browning.
Cocktails and Mocktails: Both are classic ingredients, but their flavor profiles lend them to different applications. Lemons are often in lemonades and sweeter cocktails, while limes are key to margaritas and mojitos.

Conclusion

In conclusion, when it comes to the specific question of which has more carbs, lemon or lime, the answer is lime. However, this finding should be put into proper perspective. The nutritional difference is extremely small, particularly in the typical quantities consumed. Both fruits are valuable additions to a healthy diet, providing a rich source of vitamin C, antioxidants, and flavor with minimal calories and carbohydrates. Your choice should be guided by your flavor preferences and culinary needs rather than a marginal difference in macronutrients. Both citrus fruits are low in calories, low in sugar, and offer significant health benefits, making them excellent choices for almost any dietary plan. For more detailed nutritional information on the nuances between the two fruits, resources like this comparison from Healthline can provide additional insights.

Healthline - Lemons vs Limes: What's the Difference?

Frequently Asked Questions

Both lemons and limes are considered keto-friendly due to their low carbohydrate and sugar content. Limes have a slightly lower carb count per tablespoon of juice, making them a marginally better choice for those on a very strict ketogenic diet, though the difference is minimal.

No, the calorie difference is insignificant. Per 100 grams, lemons have 29 calories and limes have 30 calories. Given that typical portions are small, this difference is practically nonexistent in your overall diet.

Lemons typically contain more vitamin C than limes. Per 100 grams, a lemon can offer almost double the amount of vitamin C compared to a lime.

The juice follows the same pattern as the whole fruit, with lime juice having a marginally higher carbohydrate content per volume than lemon juice. For instance, per 100ml, lime juice has slightly more carbs than lemon juice.

Yes, you can substitute them in many cases, especially when only a small amount of acidity is needed. However, be aware of their flavor differences—lemons are slightly sweeter, and limes are sharper. Consider the flavor profile of your dish; limes are often preferred in Mexican and Southeast Asian cuisine, while lemons are common in Mediterranean dishes.

Both citrus fruits provide valuable antioxidants, boost immunity with their high vitamin C content, aid hydration, and contain compounds that may support heart health and potentially help control blood sugar.

Limes are typically more acidic and contain different concentrations of flavor compounds compared to lemons. While lemons are often described as bittersweet, limes have a sharper, more intensely tart flavor that distinguishes them culinarily.