What Fruit Has 42 Calories? Your Guide to Low-Calorie Fruit Snacks

October 19, 2025 •

4 min read

Half a medium grapefruit contains around 42 calories, making it an excellent low-calorie option. While this specific number is tied to grapefruit, several other fruits offer similar low-calorie benefits, fitting perfectly into a balanced and health-conscious diet.

Quick Summary

Several fruits, including grapefruit, kiwi fruit, and Asian pear, contain approximately 42 calories per 100g or per standard serving size, providing excellent low-calorie choices for snacking and weight management.

Key Points

Grapefruit: A 100g serving of grapefruit contains about 42 calories and is a great source of Vitamin C and antioxidants.
Kiwi Fruit: One medium kiwi also has approximately 42 calories and offers high amounts of Vitamin C and dietary fiber.
Asian Pear: At 42 calories per 100g, this fruit provides a low-calorie, high-fiber snacking option.
Low Energy Density: Fruits like these are effective for weight management because their high water and fiber content promote fullness with fewer calories.
Nutrient-Dense: Beyond their low-calorie count, these fruits are packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that support immune function and overall health.
Check Medications: It is important to remember that grapefruit can interact with certain prescription drugs and medical advice should be sought.
Incorporate Variety: Combining different low-calorie fruits ensures a wider spectrum of nutrients and keeps your healthy diet interesting.

Unpacking the 42-Calorie Fruit Question

When searching for a specific calorie count, it's helpful to remember that nutritional data can vary slightly based on serving size and fruit maturity. However, the 42-calorie figure is a common benchmark for several nutrient-dense, low-calorie fruits. Beyond just counting calories, these fruits offer a rich array of vitamins, minerals, and dietary fiber that support overall health, promote satiety, and aid in digestion. Including a variety of these low-energy-density foods can be a satisfying way to manage weight and nourish your body.

The Prime Suspect: Grapefruit

One of the most frequently cited examples for the 'what fruit has 42 calories' question is grapefruit, especially when considering a 100-gram serving or half of a medium fruit. This juicy citrus fruit is renowned for its high vitamin C content, which supports immune function and skin health. It also contains bioactive compounds like naringenin, which may help with blood sugar balance and curb appetite. However, it is crucial to note that grapefruit can interact with certain medications, including statins and blood pressure medications. Anyone on prescription drugs should consult their doctor before regularly consuming grapefruit. For those who can enjoy it, eating half a grapefruit before a meal is a popular strategy to enhance feelings of fullness and potentially reduce overall calorie intake.

Another Contender: Kiwi Fruit

Another great answer to what fruit has 42 calories is a single medium-sized kiwi fruit. This small but mighty fruit is packed with a wide array of nutrients. A medium kiwi provides ample vitamin C and vitamin K, folate, and dietary fiber. Its high fiber content, particularly soluble fiber, is beneficial for digestive health and can contribute to a feeling of fullness. Kiwis also contain an enzyme called actinidin, which further aids in digestion. You can eat them sliced on their own, added to a fruit salad, or blended into a nutrient-rich smoothie.

Other Low-Calorie Fruit Options

While grapefruit and kiwi are prominent examples, other fruits fall into a similar low-calorie category, offering diverse flavors and textures for your diet. For instance, a 100-gram serving of Asian pear also contains approximately 42 calories and is a good source of fiber. Blackberries are another close match, with 100 grams containing about 43 calories, plus a high concentration of fiber and antioxidants.

Watermelon: At roughly 30 calories per 100g, watermelon is incredibly hydrating due to its high water content and is a source of vitamins A and C.
Strawberries: A cup of sliced strawberries has around 49 calories and provides a healthy dose of fiber and vitamin C.
Melons (Cantaloupe/Honeydew): A cup of cubed melon contains under 50 calories and is rich in water and essential vitamins.
Peaches: A medium peach has about 40 calories and is a good source of fiber, potassium, and vitamins A and C.

Low-Calorie Fruit Comparison Table


Fruit (Approx. 100g)	Approx. Calories (kcal)	Key Nutrients	Primary Benefit	Notes
Grapefruit	42	Vitamin C, Antioxidants	Appetite Control	Can interact with medications
Kiwi Fruit	42	Vitamin C, Fiber, Vitamin E	Digestive Health	High in fiber, aids digestion
Asian Pear	42	Fiber, Water	Hydration, Satiety	Crunchy texture
Blackberries	43	Fiber, Vitamin C, Antioxidants	Gut Health, Antioxidants	Very high in fiber
Strawberries	32	Vitamin C, Manganese	Immune Support	High in Vitamin C
Watermelon	30	Vitamins A and C, Water	Hydration	Very high water content

How Low-Calorie Fruits Aid Weight Management

Eating low-calorie, high-water-content fruits like those listed above is an effective strategy for weight management. These fruits help you feel full without consuming a large number of calories, a concept known as having low energy density. The dietary fiber found in many of these fruits slows digestion, which also contributes to lasting satiety and helps regulate blood sugar levels. Unlike processed snack foods that are high in calories and sugar, these fruits provide essential micronutrients that are crucial for your body's functions. Adding a variety of these fruits to your diet offers numerous health-promoting effects, including lower risk of chronic diseases due to their antioxidant properties. For example, the FDA provides extensive information on the nutritional content of raw fruits, highlighting their role in a balanced diet.

Conclusion

When asking what fruit has 42 calories, the answer isn't limited to a single item. Grapefruit, kiwi, and Asian pear are excellent candidates, each offering unique nutritional advantages at or near that benchmark. These fruits, along with other low-calorie options like watermelon and strawberries, are fantastic choices for anyone looking for a healthy, satisfying snack. By focusing on a variety of these whole fruits, you can effectively manage your calorie intake while boosting your nutrient consumption and overall health. Remember to consider individual needs, such as potential medication interactions with grapefruit, to make the best dietary choices for you. Incorporating a colorful mix of these fruits into your daily routine is a simple, delicious step toward a healthier lifestyle.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, many other fruits have a similar calorie profile. For example, blackberries contain about 43 calories per 100 grams, and a medium peach has roughly 40 calories.

Yes, a fruit's calorie content can vary with ripeness. Riper fruits generally have a higher sugar concentration, which can slightly increase the calorie count compared to their unripe counterparts.

While low-calorie fruits are great for weight management, a balanced diet is crucial for overall health. A varied diet includes protein, healthy fats, and complex carbohydrates in addition to fruits.

Yes, grapefruit can interact with some prescription medications, including statins and blood pressure medication. You should always consult with a doctor before adding it to your diet if you are on medication.

You can add them to smoothies, mix them into salads, combine them with yogurt, or simply enjoy them fresh as a quick, healthy snack.

No, 42 calories is very low for a typical serving of fruit. This low energy density is what makes these fruits an excellent choice for a light and filling snack.

Yes, because the water is removed during the drying process, the calories and sugar become much more concentrated. For example, dates have significantly more calories than a single date fresh off the tree.