What Juice Is Lowest in Calories? A Guide to Low-Calorie Juicing

October 13, 2025 •

4 min read

According to research compiled by Healthline, a single cup of pure celery juice contains only about 33 calories. When you're focusing on caloric intake for health or weight management, understanding what juice is lowest in calories? is a crucial step, as many popular fruit juices can contain surprising amounts of sugar and calories.

Quick Summary

Low-calorie vegetable juices like celery and cucumber are excellent options for reducing caloric intake. This guide outlines the best choices and provides tips for incorporating homemade, nutrient-dense options into a balanced diet for effective calorie control.

Key Points

Celery Juice: With approximately 33 calories per cup, celery juice is one of the lowest-calorie options and is highly hydrating.
Prioritize Vegetables: Focus on vegetable-based juices like celery and cucumber to naturally lower calorie and sugar intake compared to fruit-heavy alternatives.
Control Your Ingredients: Prepare your juices at home to avoid the added sugars and preservatives that are common in many packaged juices.
Blend for Fiber: Use a blender instead of a juicer to retain more fiber from whole produce, which promotes satiety and healthier digestion.
Dilute to Reduce Calories: Adding water or sparkling water to your juice is an easy way to lower its calorie density and increase your hydration.
Use Fruit Sparingly: If including fruit, opt for low-calorie varieties like lemons, limes, or watermelon, and use them as accents to predominantly vegetable-based juices.
Pair with Whole Foods: For sustainable weight management, consume low-calorie juices as a supplement to a balanced diet of whole foods, not as a replacement.

The Power of Low-Calorie Juices

Many people turn to juices to supplement their nutrient intake or aid in weight management. While some juices are high in sugar and calories, prioritizing low-calorie, nutrient-dense options can be a smart strategy. By choosing the right ingredients and preparation methods, you can enjoy a refreshing beverage that supports your health goals without adding excessive calories.

The Lowest of the Low: Vegetable Juices

When it comes to minimizing calories, vegetable juices are the clear winner. Most vegetables are naturally low in sugar and high in water content, which makes for a hydrating and nutrient-rich drink without the caloric load of fruit. The following are some of the lowest-calorie vegetable juice options:

Celery Juice: Made almost entirely of water, celery juice is one of the most popular low-calorie options, containing just around 33 calories per cup. It's also rich in antioxidants and hydrating properties.
Cucumber Juice: Extremely low in calories, with some estimates placing it at just 16 calories per serving, cucumber juice is incredibly hydrating and rich in vitamins A, C, and K. Its high water content makes it perfect for a light, refreshing drink.
Tomato Juice: A cup of tomato juice has only about 41 calories, and it's an excellent source of vitamin C and the antioxidant lycopene. It's best to opt for low-sodium versions to avoid excessive salt intake.
Cabbage Juice: With only about 22 calories per cup, raw cabbage juice is very low in calories and rich in vitamins K and C. It's also known for its gut health benefits.
Spinach Juice: Spinach juice is another fantastic low-calorie choice, clocking in at approximately 7 calories per cup. It’s a great source of iron and vitamins A, C, and K.

Making Smarter Choices with Fruit Juices

While most fruit juices are higher in sugar and calories than their vegetable counterparts, some offer a better balance. To keep calories in check, it’s best to use fruit sparingly or dilute it with water.

Watermelon Juice: This juice is highly hydrating due to watermelon's high water content and is relatively low in calories. Its natural sweetness makes it a great addition to a mixed juice.
Lemon and Lime Juice: A squeeze of lemon or lime can add a burst of flavor to vegetable-based juices or plain water with minimal calories. A cup of pure lemon juice contains about 55 calories.

How to Prepare Healthy, Low-Calorie Juice

Making your own juice at home is the best way to control the ingredients and avoid unnecessary sugar and preservatives found in many store-bought options. Here are some tips for making your own low-calorie juices:

Use More Vegetables than Fruits: Follow the "80/20 rule," using 80% vegetables and 20% fruit, to maximize nutrients and minimize sugar.
Blend Instead of Juice: For an even healthier option, use a blender to make smoothies instead of using a juicer. Blending retains all the dietary fiber, which slows sugar absorption and helps you feel fuller for longer.
Dilute with Water or Seltzer: If you want a longer, less-concentrated drink, add plain or sparkling water to your juice to increase volume without adding calories.

The Truth About Juice Cleanses and Weight Loss

While low-calorie juices can be part of a healthy diet, relying solely on them for a "cleanse" is not recommended. A severe calorie deficit can lead to initial weight loss from water and muscle, not fat, and can cause a metabolic slowdown. The fiber-stripping process of juicing also removes a key component for satiety and healthy digestion. For sustainable results, juices should supplement a balanced diet of whole foods, not replace them.

Comparison of Juice Calories per Cup

This table provides a simple comparison of the calorie, sugar, and fiber content of popular juice types based on available nutritional data. Note that these values can vary depending on preparation and specific fruit/vegetable variety.


Juice Type	Calories (per cup)	Sugar (grams)	Fiber (grams)
Celery Juice	~33	~3.3	< 1
Cucumber Juice	~16	~7.3	~1.3
Tomato Juice	~41	~6	~1
Watermelon Juice	~46	~11.5	~0.6
Orange Juice	~117	~20	~0.5
Apple Juice	~119	~28	~0.5

Low-Calorie Juice Recipes

Making your own juice allows for endless combinations. Here are a few simple recipes for low-calorie, nutrient-rich drinks:

Green Goodness Juice

1 cup spinach
1/2 cucumber
2 celery stalks
1/2 green apple (for mild sweetness)
1/2 lemon (for a tangy kick)

Blend all ingredients until smooth. Adding ice can further enhance the refreshing taste.

Tomato and Celery Cooler

2 large tomatoes
2 celery stalks
A pinch of salt and pepper (optional)
A few mint leaves

Blend ingredients and serve chilled. A low-sodium alternative to store-bought mixes.

Watermelon Mint Splash

2 cups watermelon chunks
A handful of fresh mint leaves

Blend and enjoy this naturally sweet and hydrating drink.

Conclusion

For those asking what juice is lowest in calories, the answer is simple: vegetable-based juices, particularly celery and cucumber. These options provide hydration and nutrients with minimal sugar and calories, making them a fantastic addition to a healthy diet. To achieve the best results, focus on homemade blends that retain fiber and support overall wellness rather than relying on restrictive juice cleanses. Making juices at home from fresh, low-calorie ingredients is a simple and effective strategy for managing weight and boosting your nutrient intake.

For more information on the best juices for weight management and overall health, consider resources from reputable organizations like Healthline.

Frequently Asked Questions

Celery juice is one of the lowest-calorie juices, containing approximately 33 calories per cup. Cucumber juice is also incredibly low in calories, with some sources listing it at just 16 calories per serving.

You should prioritize vegetable juice over fruit juice for weight loss. Vegetables are naturally lower in sugar and calories than fruits, which helps keep your overall caloric intake down while still providing nutrients.

No, store-bought juices often contain hidden sugars, artificial sweeteners, and preservatives. Making your own juices at home gives you complete control over the ingredients and ensures you avoid these unnecessary additives.

No, while a juice cleanse may cause initial weight loss due to severe calorie restriction and water loss, it is not sustainable. This approach can lead to muscle loss, a slowed metabolism, and nutritional deficiencies in the long term.

To lower the calories in fruit juice, you can dilute it with water or unsweetened sparkling water. You can also use a small amount of naturally low-calorie fruit, like watermelon or lemon, in combination with low-calorie vegetables.

Blending retains all the dietary fiber from whole fruits and vegetables, which is lost during juicing. Fiber helps you feel full and slows the absorption of natural sugars, which is more beneficial for calorie control and blood sugar management.

Yes, many low-calorie vegetable juices, like cucumber and celery, have a high water content and are excellent for hydration. For the best results, use them as a refreshing alternative to sugary drinks while also drinking plenty of plain water.