Which Fruit Has the Least Kcal? A Guide to the Lowest-Calorie Choices

December 23, 2025 •

2 min read

With approximately 22 kcal per 100g, the tomato is often cited as the fruit with one of the lowest calorie counts. For those focused on weight management, knowing which fruit has the least kcal can help in making mindful dietary choices that support health goals.

Quick Summary

This guide reveals the fruits with the lowest calorie density, highlighting options like watermelon, strawberries, and grapefruit. It explores their nutritional benefits, discusses how they fit into a weight management plan, and provides a comparative table to help you make informed snacking decisions.

Key Points

Tomato Has the Least Kcal: Botanically a fruit, the tomato contains approximately 22 kcal per 100g, making it one of the lowest-calorie options available.
Watermelon is Super Hydrating: With about 30 kcal per 100g, watermelon's high water content and vitamins make it an excellent, filling snack for weight loss.
Berries are a Sweet and Nutritious Option: Strawberries provide high vitamin C and fiber for only 32 kcal per 100g, helping to satisfy sweet cravings.
Grapefruit Aids Appetite Control: At approximately 32 kcal per 100g, grapefruit can help curb appetite due to its tart flavor, but watch for medication interactions.
Cantaloupe is a Vitamin-Rich Choice: This melon offers excellent hydration and a significant dose of vitamins A and C for around 34 kcal per 100g.
Focus on Variety, Not Just Calories: For overall health, it is important to eat a range of fruits to get a broad spectrum of essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.
High Water and Fiber Content are Key: Low-calorie fruits often have high water and fiber, which promote a feeling of fullness and support digestive health.

Discovering the Lowest-Calorie Fruits

When considering healthy eating, some fruits are lower in calories due to their high water and fiber content. While all fruits are nutritious, choosing options with lower calorie density can be helpful for managing weight. The tomato, botanically a fruit often used as a vegetable, stands out as one of the lowest in calories. Several other popular fruits are also very low in calories, making them excellent choices for snacking.

Top Low-Kcal Fruit Choices

Some low-calorie fruits include watermelon, which is over 90% water and has about 30 kcal per 100g. Strawberries provide vitamin C and antioxidants with about 32 kcal per 100g. Grapefruit, around 32 kcal per half, is rich in vitamin C, though it can interact with certain medications. Cantaloupe, with approximately 34 kcal per 100g, is a good source of vitamins A and C and helps with hydration. Peaches offer about 39 kcal per medium fruit and provide fiber and potassium.

The Impact of Water and Fiber on Calorie Count

Fruits with high water and fiber content are naturally lower in calories. Water adds volume, promoting fullness without calories, while fiber aids digestion and satiety.

The Value of Fruit Variety

Consuming a variety of fruits is important for overall health, providing diverse vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants beyond focusing solely on low-calorie options.

Comparison Table: Low-Calorie Fruits (per 100g)


Fruit	Kcal (Approx.)	Key Nutrients	Water Content	Fiber Content (Approx.)
Tomato	22	Vitamin C, Potassium	High	Moderate
Watermelon	30	Vitamin A, Vitamin C, Lycopene	Very High (>90%)	Low
Strawberries	32	Vitamin C, Manganese, Antioxidants	High	Moderate
Grapefruit	32	Vitamin C, Naringenin	High	Moderate
Cantaloupe	34	Vitamin A, Vitamin C, Antioxidants	High	Moderate
Peaches	39	Potassium, Vitamin C, Fiber	High	Moderate
Papaya	43	Vitamin C, Vitamin A, Folate	High	Moderate

Conclusion

Low-calorie fruits such as tomatoes, watermelon, strawberries, and cantaloupe can support calorie management and nutrient intake. Their water and fiber content aid satiety, assisting weight management. A balanced diet including a variety of fruits is recommended for overall health.

Tips for Including Low-Calorie Fruits in Your Diet

Ways to incorporate low-calorie fruits include adding them to breakfast or salads, enjoying them as snacks, or blending them into smoothies. Always consult a healthcare professional for personalized advice. For more information on fruits and their calorie content, see {Link: Ripe London https://ripe.london/blog/what-fruit-is-the-lowest-in-calories/}.

Frequently Asked Questions

The tomato is often cited as having one of the lowest calorie counts, with around 22 kcal per 100g. While many fruits are very low in calories, the calorie count can vary slightly depending on the source and specific variety.

Yes, watermelon is an excellent choice for weight loss. Its high water content (over 90%) helps promote a feeling of fullness, and with only about 30 kcal per 100g, it allows you to eat a satisfying portion without consuming many calories.

Fruits aid weight management primarily through their high water and fiber content. This helps you feel full for longer, reducing overall calorie intake. The natural sweetness can also help curb cravings for processed, high-sugar snacks.

Yes, berries like strawberries are fantastic low-calorie snacks. They are rich in vitamins, antioxidants, and fiber, and a 100g serving of strawberries contains only about 32 kcal. They provide natural sweetness and can help regulate blood sugar.

Yes, grapefruit can interfere with certain medications, particularly statins used to lower cholesterol. It is crucial to consult your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking prescription drugs before regularly consuming grapefruit.

No, dried fruit is significantly higher in calories than fresh fruit. The drying process removes the water, concentrating the natural sugars and calories. A small portion of dried fruit can contain as many calories as a much larger portion of fresh fruit.

For optimal health, it is best to eat a variety of fruits, not just the lowest-calorie ones. Different fruits offer different nutrients. Including a range of options ensures a wider intake of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, while still being mindful of portion sizes.