By the Nutriveda editorial team · Updated 10 November 2026
A lime is a small green citrus fruit with a sharper, more floral taste than lemon. You use it by the squeeze, not by the bowl: a wedge of about 15 g has roughly 4 kcal. Per 100 g, limes have 30 kcal and very little sugar (1.7 g).
Nutrition per 100 g
| Nutrient | 100 g | Share of EU reference intake* |
|---|---|---|
| Energy | 30 kcal | |
| Protein | 0.7 g | |
| Fat | 0.2 g | |
| of which saturated | 0.0 g | |
| Carbohydrate (total, fibre included) | 10.5 g | |
| of which sugars | 1.7 g | |
| Fibre | 2.8 g | |
| Potassium | 102 mg | 5% |
| Calcium | 33 mg | 4% |
| Magnesium | 6.0 mg | 2% |
| Iron | 0.6 mg | 4% |
| Sodium | 2.0 mg | |
| Vitamin C | 29 mg | 36% |
Values are for: raw lime edible flesh, not juice alone. Source: USDA FoodData Central, SR Legacy, FDC ID 168155 (“Limes, raw”), checked against the USDA archive on 10 November 2026. *Adult reference intakes from Regulation (EU) 1169/2011. USDA lists total carbohydrate, fibre included.
Health benefits
Limes are rich in vitamin C by weight, but a wedge or a squeeze is a small amount of fruit, so the real contribution to your day is modest. Their value in the kitchen is different: acidity. A little lime juice makes food taste brighter and more seasoned, which helps you cook with less salt.
- Vitamin C: 29 mg per 100 g, 36% of the daily reference intake (a 15 g portion: about 5%). Vitamin C contributes to the normal function of the immune system.
The vitamin and mineral statements use wording authorised in the EU (Regulation (EU) 432/2012). They describe the nutrient, not a special power of the food itself.
How to choose and eat it
Choose limes that feel heavy and have smooth, slightly glossy skin. Heavy means juicy. A lime that is turning yellow is riper and milder, not spoiled. They keep for a week on the counter and for several weeks in the fridge.
Roll the lime firmly on the counter before cutting to get more juice. Squeeze it over grilled fish, bean salads, avocado, soups and cut fruit just before serving, because the fresh aroma fades with heat. The zest holds most of the scent: grate only the green layer and wash the fruit first.
Who should be careful
Lime juice on the skin followed by strong sun can cause a burn-like rash with blisters and dark marks that last for months. Dermatologists call it phytophotodermatitis. Wash your hands and any splashes after squeezing limes outdoors, for example at a summer barbecue or on the beach.
FAQ
How many calories are in a lime?
Limes have 30 kcal per 100 g. A wedge of about 15 g has roughly 4 kcal, so in practice lime adds almost no calories to a dish.
Can I use lime instead of lemon?
Yes, in almost any recipe. Lime is a little more sour and more aromatic, so start with slightly less and taste.
Why did my skin blister after squeezing limes in the sun?
Compounds in lime juice make skin very sensitive to sunlight. The reaction shows up a day or two later. Wash the juice off straight away and see a doctor if the rash is severe.
Related entries
Sources
- USDA FoodData Central. Limes, raw, FDC ID 168155. fdc.nal.usda.gov
- Regulation (EU) No 1169/2011: reference intakes and the allergen list. eur-lex.europa.eu
- Regulation (EU) No 432/2012: authorised health claims. eur-lex.europa.eu
- DermNet. Phytophotodermatitis (skin reaction to plant juice and sunlight). dermnetnz.org
This page is for information only and is not medical or dietary advice.