Understanding What Fruit Is Lowest in Calories? A Comprehensive Nutrition Guide

October 4, 2025 •

3 min read

With a large body of research showing fruits are excellent for health, it is a valuable question to ask: what fruit is lowest in calories? Certain fruits stand out for their low-calorie density, primarily due to their high water and fiber content, making them a satisfying and smart choice for weight management.

Quick Summary

This guide explores which fruits offer the fewest calories per serving, highlighting their nutritional benefits and offering practical advice on how to incorporate them into your diet. It examines options like berries, melons, and citrus fruits, comparing their calorie counts, fiber, and vitamin content to help with healthy eating goals.

Key Points

Low-Calorie Champions: Lemons, limes, tomatoes, and watermelon are among the lowest-calorie fruits, primarily due to their high water content.
Berries for the Win: Strawberries and blackberries offer a great combination of low calories, high fiber, and antioxidants, aiding satiety and overall health.
Hydration and Fullness: Fruits like watermelon, cantaloupe, and grapefruit have high water and fiber content, which helps you feel full and hydrated with fewer calories.
Versatile and Delicious: Low-calorie fruits can be easily incorporated into your diet through snacks, smoothies, salads, or infused water.
Prioritize Whole Fruit: Consuming whole fruits over juices ensures you get all the beneficial fiber, which is crucial for managing appetite and calorie intake.
Variety is Key: To receive a broad spectrum of nutrients, it is important to include a variety of different fruits, both low and higher in calories, as part of a balanced diet.

The Science Behind Low-Calorie Fruits

Not all fruits are created equal when it comes to calorie count. The calorie density of a fruit is largely determined by its water and fiber content. Water adds volume without adding calories, while fiber slows digestion, helping you feel full for longer and reducing overall calorie intake. Fruits that are exceptionally hydrating and rich in fiber are therefore often the best choices for those monitoring their calorie consumption. For example, watermelon is over 90% water, making it a very low-calorie and refreshing snack. Comparing this to a dense fruit like a banana, which has less water content and more natural sugar, highlights why some fruits are naturally lower in calories than others.

The Top Contenders for Lowest Calories

Several fruits consistently rank as having the lowest calorie counts per 100-gram serving.

Lemons and Limes: Around 29-30 calories per 100g, perfect for flavoring.
Tomatoes: Approximately 15-22 calories per 100g, rich in vitamins and antioxidants.
Watermelon: Around 30 calories per 100g, extremely hydrating and filling.
Strawberries: About 32 calories per 100g, a good source of Vitamin C and antioxidants.
Grapefruit: Half a grapefruit contains about 39 calories and is high in fiber.
Plums: A single plum has roughly 30 calories, offering fiber and sweetness.
Cantaloupe: Contains around 34 calories per 100g and is rich in Vitamins A and C.

Comparing Low-Calorie Fruits: A Nutritional Overview

Here is a comparison of some popular low-calorie fruits, based on a 100g serving size.


Fruit	Calories per 100g	Key Nutrients	Water/Fiber Content	Benefit	References
Lemon/Lime	~29-30 kcal	Vitamin C	High water, low fiber	Flavoring dishes, hydration
Tomato	~15-22 kcal	Vitamin C, K, A, Lycopene	High water, decent fiber	Antioxidants, appetite-suppressant
Watermelon	~30 kcal	Vitamins A, C, Lycopene	Very high water, low fiber	Hydrating, curbs cravings
Strawberries	~32 kcal	Vitamin C, Manganese, Antioxidants	High water, good fiber	Anti-inflammatory, fills you up
Grapefruit	~30-32 kcal	Vitamin C, Fiber	High water, high fiber	Low glycemic index, aids fullness
Cantaloupe	~34 kcal	Vitamin A, C	High water, good fiber	Supports skin and immune health
Blackberries	~43 kcal	Fiber, Vitamin C, K, Antioxidants	Good fiber	Digestion, fullness, antioxidants
Peaches	~39-44 kcal	Vitamins A, C, Antioxidants	High water, good fiber	Hydrating, supports eye health

How to Add Low-Calorie Fruits to Your Diet

Incorporating low-calorie fruits is easy and beneficial for boosting nutrition without excess calories.

Snack on whole fruits: Keep fruits like berries or plums readily available.
Add to breakfast: Use sliced strawberries or peaches on oatmeal or yogurt.
Create refreshing salads: Include cantaloupe or watermelon in green salads.
Blend into smoothies: Combine low-calorie fruits with a liquid base.
Make infused water: Add lemon, lime, or cucumber to water.
Freeze for healthy treats: Freeze grapes or berries for a simple, refreshing snack.

The Importance of Variety and Moderation

While focusing on low-calorie options is helpful, a variety of fruits is crucial for a broad range of nutrients. Even higher-calorie fruits like bananas have unique benefits. Portion control is key, and prioritizing fresh or frozen whole fruits over dried fruits or juices is recommended for better fiber intake and less concentrated sugar.

Conclusion: Making Smart Fruit Choices for Better Health

For those wondering what fruit is lowest in calories, options like lemons, tomatoes, watermelon, strawberries, and grapefruit are excellent choices. These fruits are low in calories and rich in nutrients, fiber, and water, contributing to satiety and overall health. Including a variety of these fruits in your diet supports weight management and improves overall nutritional intake. Remember that all fruits are beneficial, and a balanced diet is essential for well-being.

For more information on the benefits of fruits and vegetables, you can visit the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health website.

Frequently Asked Questions

Fruits like tomatoes and lemons are consistently among the lowest in calories, with tomatoes having as little as 15-22 calories per 100g and lemons around 29 calories.

No, dried fruits are not low in calories. The drying process removes water, concentrating the natural sugars and calories.

Strawberries are generally the lowest-calorie berries, with about 32 calories per 100g, followed by blackberries (43 calories) and raspberries (52 calories).

Yes, high water content is a primary reason why many fruits are low in calories. Water adds volume without adding calories.

Low-calorie fruits can be beneficial for weight loss because their high water and fiber content helps you feel full on fewer calories. However, all fruits can be part of a healthy diet in moderation.

Yes, many low-calorie fruits like watermelon and citrus fruits have a high water content and can contribute to hydration.

Generally, yes. Many low-calorie fruits have a relatively lower sugar content compared to more calorie-dense fruits, and the fiber helps regulate sugar absorption.