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Lime

Citrus Fruit

Lime

A tart, low-calorie citrus fruit commonly used for flavoring food and beverages.

A small, green citrus fruit with a tart, acidic flavor, widely used for its juice, zest, and aromatic oils in culinary and beverage applications.

low-calorie flavor enhancer and vitamin C source

Typical serving · 67g

Common varieties · Persian Lime, Key Lime, Kaffir Lime, Desert Lime, Finger Lime

80health

Overall context score across nutrition, safety, and diet fit

At a glance

Quick facts

Simple indicators based on nutrition, processing, and diet fit.

Low calorieLow carbLow glycemicWeight lossDiabetes-friendlyGut health

The story

What makes it unique

Limes are fast-digesting, low-energy citrus fruits primarily composed of water and simple carbohydrates, with minimal protein and fat. Their high acid and fiber content slows gastric emptying slightly, but overall satiety is limited by low caloric density. As a minimally processed whole food, they retain their full matrix of vitamins, flavonoids, and essential oils.

Varieties: Persian Lime · Key Lime · Kaffir Lime · Desert Lime · Finger Lime

#lime#citrusfruit#lowcarb#ketofruit#vitaminc#lowcalorie#weightloss#bloodsugarcontrol#antioxidants#flavorenhancer

Per 100g

Nutrition breakdown

Macro balance and key metrics at a glance.

Energy

30kcal

Density 0.30 kcal/g

Protein

0.7g

Carbs

10.5g

Fat

0.2g

Fiber

2.8g

Sugar

1.7 g

Sodium

2 mg

Potassium

102 mg

Glycemic index

25

Glycemic load

2

Water content

88%

Standout compounds

Nutrient highlights

  • Vitamin C

    high

    Supports immune function and collagen synthesis

  • Limonene

    moderate

    Provides antioxidant and potential anti-inflammatory effects

  • Dietary Fiber

    moderate

    Promotes digestive regularity and gut health

  • Potassium

    low

    Helps regulate blood pressure and fluid balance

Wellness map

Health scores & processing

Weight loss
90
Satiety
60
Blood sugar
95
Gut health
70
Heart health
75
Fitness
55
Processing
100

NOVA processing scale

1
Min
2
3
4
Ultra

Minimally Processed · Whole food

Whole, raw fruit with no added ingredients or industrial processing.

Diet compatibility

  • Weight loss
  • Muscle gain
  • Diabetes
  • Gut health
  • Low carb
  • High protein
  • Heart health

Relative standing

Food rankings

Qualitative ranks compared to similar whole foods.

  • Satietygood
  • Blood sugarexcellent
  • Nutrient densitygood
  • Fitness fuelmoderate
  • Processing qualityexcellent

Eat with confidence

Food safety profile

Lime flesh is very safe, but the peel can retain agricultural chemicals. Choose organic or wash thoroughly if consuming the zest.

85safety

Evidence confidence 90%

  • Pesticidesmoderate
  • Antibioticslow
  • Heavy metalslow
  • Contaminationlow

Watch for

  • Pesticide residues on peel
  • Citrus canker

Safer choices

Organic limes for zesting

Prep tips

Scrub firmly under running water if using the peel; rinse even if only juicing to avoid cross-contamination from the rind.

Peel pesticide residues are a concern for zesting; washing is recommended.

Deep dive

Health analysis

How this food may fit different goals and preparation choices.

  1. Weight loss

    Extremely low energy density and strong flavor allow generous use to enhance food palatability without adding significant calories.

  2. Blood sugar

    Very low glycemic load makes it highly suitable for blood sugar management, as typical servings contribute negligible carbohydrates.

  3. Fitness & energy

    Not a direct fuel source due to low calories and carbs, but excellent for flavoring hydration fluids post-workout.

  4. Gut health

    Contains pectin fiber which supports gut motility and microbiome health, though typical juice servings provide minimal fiber.

  5. Processing quality

    A whole, unprocessed plant food with an intact nutritional matrix.

  6. Food safety

    Flesh is safe; primary concern is pesticide residue on the peel, especially if zesting.

  7. Common mistakes

    Assuming lime juice offers the same fiber and full vitamin content as the whole fruit including the pith and peel.

  8. Best preparation

    Juicing for marinades and beverages, zesting for essential oils and flavor, or slicing for water infusion.

Practical guide

Best use cases

When and how this food fits real eating patterns.

  • Flavoring water

    Squeezing lime into water makes hydration more appealing without adding calories or sugar.

  • Low-sodium seasoning

    Lime juice provides a bright, acidic flavor that reduces the need for salt in cooking.

  • Marinades

    The acid helps tenderize proteins while adding flavor to meats and vegetables.

  • Keto diet garnish

    Adds fresh citrus flavor to dishes and drinks while keeping carbohydrate intake minimal.

Balance sheet

Pros & cons

Upsides

  • Very low in calories and sugar
  • Strong flavor enhances food without sodium
  • Very low glycemic impact
  • High in vitamin C per calorie
  • Provides beneficial plant compounds like limonene

Trade-offs

  • Rarely eaten in large quantities, limiting nutrient intake
  • Juice lacks the fiber of the whole fruit
  • High acidity can trigger acid reflux or erode tooth enamel
  • Peel can harbor pesticide residues

Fit check

Who is it for?

Great match

  • flavoring low-carb meals
  • reducing sodium intake
  • diabetic-friendly diets
  • hydration enhancement

Consider alternatives

  • those with severe GERD or acid reflux
  • high-volume calorie loading
  • people with citrus allergies

Side by side

How it compares

Open the full head-to-head analysis for nutrition, safety, and practical tradeoffs.

  • Lime

    This food

    Lime

    VS95% alike
    Lemon

    Compare with

    Lemon

    Lemons offer slightly more vitamin C, while limes provide a more bitter, tropical flavor profile.

    Lemons provide slightly more vitamin C, while limes offer a distinct tart flavor for low-calorie seasoning.

    Lime vs Lemon
  • Lime

    This food

    Lime

    VS80% alike
    Orange

    Compare with

    Orange

    Oranges are sweeter and higher in vitamin C and sugar, while limes are drastically lower in calories and carbs.

    Oranges provide more potassium and workout fuel, while limes are lower in sugar and better for strict low-carb diets.

    Lime vs Orange
  • Lime

    This food

    Lime

    VS75% alike
    Grapefruit

    Compare with

    Grapefruit

    Grapefruit is larger and more filling per serving, while limes are lower in sugar and used primarily for flavoring.

    Grapefruit offers more fiber and volume for satiety, while limes provide zero-guilt flavor enhancement.

    Lime vs Grapefruit
  • Lime

    This food

    Lime

    VS98% alike
    Key Lime

    Compare with

    Key Lime

    Key limes are more aromatic and tart than standard Persian limes, but nutritionally they are nearly identical.

    Key limes and standard limes are nutritionally identical, though key limes offer a slightly more floral, tart flavor.

    Lime vs Key Lime
  • Lime

    This food

    Lime

    VS85% alike
    Calamansi

    Compare with

    Calamansi

    Calamansi offers a similar tart flavor profile but is less commonly available globally than standard limes.

    Calamansi and lime are interchangeable for low-calorie flavor, though lime is more accessible worldwide.

    Lime vs Calamansi
  • Lime

    This food

    Lime

    VS70% alike
    Tangerine

    Compare with

    Tangerine

    Tangerines are sweet, high-sugar snacking fruits, whereas limes are low-sugar flavor enhancers.

    Tangerines provide quick carbs for energy, while limes keep sugar and calories minimal for weight loss.

    Lime vs Tangerine
  • Lime

    This food

    Lime

    VS70% alike
    Clementine

    Compare with

    Clementine

    Clementines are easy-to-peel sweet snacks, while limes are low-glycemic, low-calorie flavor additions.

    Clementines are better for a filling snack, while limes are superior for blood sugar control and zero-calorie flavor.

    Lime vs Clementine
  • Lime

    This food

    Lime

    VS60% alike
    White Vinegar

    Compare with

    White Vinegar

    Vinegar provides zero-calorie acidity like lime, but lime adds vitamin C and natural flavor.

    Vinegar and lime both offer low-calorie acidity, but lime provides added vitamin C and fresh flavor.

    Lime vs White Vinegar
  • Lime

    This food

    Lime

    VS65% alike
    Pomelo

    Compare with

    Pomelo

    Pomelo provides bulk and mild sweetness, while limes offer intense tartness with minimal calories.

    Pomelo is better for high-volume eating and satiety, while lime is ideal for adding flavor without calories.

    Lime vs Pomelo
  • Lime

    This food

    Lime

    VS75% alike
    Kumquat

    Compare with

    Kumquat

    Kumquats are eaten whole with a sweet peel and tart flesh, while limes are primarily juiced or zested.

    Kumquats offer fiber from the whole fruit, while limes provide a lower-calorie way to flavor meals and drinks.

    Lime vs Kumquat

Common questions

FAQ

Answers aligned with how people search for this food.

  • Are limes keto?

    Yes, limes are keto-friendly. A whole lime contains about 7 grams of carbs, and the small amounts typically used as juice or zest add negligible carbs.

  • How many calories in a lime?

    One average lime contains about 20 calories, making it an excellent low-calorie flavor enhancer.

  • Does lime water help you lose weight?

    Lime water does not directly burn fat, but it adds flavor without calories, which can help increase water intake and replace sugary beverages, supporting weight loss.

  • Is lime juice good for diabetics?

    Yes, lime juice has a very low glycemic index and load. It will not spike blood sugar and can be used to flavor foods without adding carbs.

  • Which has more vitamin C, lime or lemon?

    Lemons generally contain slightly more vitamin C than limes per 100g, but both are excellent sources of this antioxidant.

  • Can you eat lime peel?

    Yes, lime peel (zest) is edible and rich in essential oils and flavonoids, but it should be washed thoroughly to remove potential pesticide residues.

  • Is lime juice acidic?

    Yes, lime juice is highly acidic, which can exacerbate acid reflux or erode tooth enamel if consumed in large quantities undiluted.

  • Does lime have a lot of sugar?

    No, limes are very low in sugar. A whole lime contains less than 1 gram of sugar.

Transparency

Data confidence

Estimated confidence for nutrition data, interpretation, safety notes, and comparisons.

95

Nutrition data

90

Health analysis

90

Food safety

85

Comparisons