Calories in Lime

Updated July 2026 · Reviewed by CaloriesCalc Team · Source: USDA FoodData Central

30
kcal
per 100g
10.54
g
Carbs
0.7
g
Protein
0.2
g
Fat
2.8
g
Fiber
20
kcal per medium lime (67g)
4
kcal per tbsp juice (15ml)
8
kcal per oz (28g)
✔ Very low calorie✔ Good source of vitamin C✔ Rich in citric acid✔ Fat free✔ Gluten free✔ Vegan
Lime nutrition facts
🍈Only 30 kcal per 100g
🛡Vitamin C — 29mg per 100g
🍋High citric acid — kidney stone prevention
💊Contains limonin with anti-cancer properties
❤️Flavonoids support cardiovascular health
🥗Zero fat, lowest sugar of any citrus

🍈 Calculate Calories for Any Lime Weight

Weight100g

Nutrition Facts

Per 100g (raw lime)

* % Daily Value based on a 2,000 kcal diet.


Quick summary: Limes contain just 30 calories per 100g and only 20 calories per medium lime. With the lowest sugar content of any citrus (1.69g/100g) and 32% of daily vitamin C per 100g, lime is excellent for flavouring food without meaningful calorie impact. High citric acid content clinically prevents kidney stones. Lime also contains limonin — a limonoid with anti-cancer properties in research.

Vitamins & Minerals — per 100g

NutrientAmount% Daily ValueBar
Vitamin C29.1 mg32%
Potassium102 mg2%
Calcium33 mg3%
Folate (B9)8 µg2%
Vitamin B60.04 mg3%
Magnesium6 mg1%
Phosphorus18 mg2%
Iron0.6 mg3%
Thiamine (B1)0.03 mg2%
Vitamin E0.22 mg1%

Calories in Lime by Weight

WeightCaloriesCarbsProteinFat

Calories in Different Lime Servings

ServingWeightCaloriesCarbsNet CarbsFat
1 tbsp lime juice15ml4 kcal1.4g1.1g0.0g
1 wedge (1/8 lime)11g3 kcal1.2g0.9g0.0g
⭐ 1 medium lime (flesh)67g20 kcal7.1g5.2g0.1g
1 large lime (flesh)83g25 kcal8.7g6.4g0.2g
1 oz28g8 kcal3.0g2.2g0.1g
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Macronutrient Breakdown — per 100g

Carbohydrates10.54g · 87% of calories
Protein0.7g · 9% of calories
Fat0.2g · 6% of calories
Fiber2.8g (included in carbs)

Lime is 88% water with only 1.69g of natural sugar per 100g — the lowest of any citrus fruit. Net carbs are 7.7g per 100g. The distinctive tartness comes from high citric acid rather than sugar.

Micronutrient Highlights

🛡
Vitamin C
29.1 mg
32% Daily Value
Immune support and collagen synthesis
🍋
Citric Acid
~6g/100g
Organic acid
Kidney stone prevention
💊
Limonin
Trace
Limonoid
Anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory in research
Potassium
102 mg
2% Daily Value
Blood pressure support
🌿
Fiber
2.8 g
10% Daily Value
Digestive health
🔬
Flavonoids
~10 mg
Polyphenols
Anti-inflammatory, antioxidant

Lime Health Benefits & Nutrition

Limonoids — Unique Anti-Cancer Compounds

Limes (and all citrus) contain limonoids — a class of terpene compounds responsible for the bitter taste in citrus juice. Limonin, the primary limonoid in lime, has demonstrated anti-cancer properties in cell and animal studies, inhibiting the growth of breast, colon, stomach, lung, and mouth cancer cells. Limonoids are water-soluble and remain active in the body for 24 hours after consumption — longer than most antioxidants.

Scurvy Prevention — Historical Significance

Lime's historical importance in nutrition is extraordinary. British sailors in the 18th and 19th centuries were given lime juice to prevent scurvy (severe vitamin C deficiency) on long voyages — giving rise to the nickname 'Limeys'. This was one of the first recorded controlled clinical nutrition experiments, predating modern clinical trials by over a century.

Kidney Stone Prevention

Like lemons, limes are high in citric acid which binds to urinary calcium and inhibits calcium oxalate crystal formation. Lime juice consumption consistently raises urinary citrate levels — the key mechanism for preventing kidney stones. A cup of fresh lime juice provides approximately 1.1g of citric acid, which is the therapeutic dose used in many kidney stone prevention protocols.

Iron Absorption Enhancement

Like all citrus, lime juice dramatically increases absorption of non-haem iron (plant-based iron) when consumed together. A squeeze of lime juice over iron-rich plant foods like lentils, beans, or leafy greens can increase iron absorption by 2–4 times — particularly important for vegetarians and vegans.

Is Lime Suitable for Your Diet?

Weight loss
Excellent — only 30 kcal/100g
Keto
Yes — 7.7g net carbs
Vegan
Yes
Paleo
Yes
Gluten-free
Yes
Diabetic
Yes — lowest sugar 1.7g
Low-FODMAP
Juice fine, whole in moderation
Mediterranean
Core ingredient

Frequently Asked Questions

How many calories in a lime?
Limes contain 30 calories per 100g. A medium lime (67g of flesh) has about 20 calories. A tablespoon of lime juice (15ml) has only 4 calories. Use the slider above to calculate for any weight.
What is the difference between lime and lemon?
Limes are smaller, greener, more tart, and lower in sugar (1.7g vs 2.5g per 100g). Lemons have more vitamin C (53mg vs 29mg per 100g). Both have similar citric acid content and kidney stone prevention properties. Limes contain more limonoids; lemons contain more hesperidin.
Is lime juice keto?
Yes. A tablespoon of lime juice contains only about 1.4g of carbs and 1.1g of net carbs — negligible for keto. Whole lime flesh has 7.7g of net carbs per 100g, but portions used in cooking are typically small enough to be keto-compatible.
Does lime help with digestion?
Yes. The citric acid in lime stimulates gastric acid production, which may improve protein digestion. Lime juice before meals is a traditional digestive aid in many cultures.
Is lime good for skin?
Yes. Lime's vitamin C supports collagen synthesis. However, lime juice applied directly to skin can cause phototoxic reactions (lime burns) when exposed to sunlight. Always rinse lime juice from skin before sun exposure.
Can you substitute lime for lemon?
In most recipes, yes — lime can replace lemon in a 1:1 ratio. The flavour profile differs: lime is more floral and tropical, lemon more classic and bright. Both provide similar acidity and vitamin C content.

Nutrition values sourced from USDA FoodData Central. Not medical advice.