By the Nutriveda editorial team · Updated 10 November 2026
Grapefruit is a large citrus fruit with a bitter-sweet taste and pink, red or pale yellow flesh. It is very light, 32 kcal per 100 g, and half a large fruit (150 g) has about 48 kcal. It also comes with one important warning: it changes how some medicines work.
Nutrition per 100 g
| Nutrient | 100 g | Share of EU reference intake* |
|---|---|---|
| Energy | 32 kcal | |
| Protein | 0.6 g | |
| Fat | 0.1 g | |
| of which saturated | 0.0 g | |
| Carbohydrate (total, fibre included) | 8.1 g | |
| of which sugars | 7.0 g | |
| Fibre | 1.1 g | |
| Potassium | 139 mg | 7% |
| Calcium | 12 mg | 2% |
| Magnesium | 8.0 mg | 2% |
| Iron | 0.1 mg | 1% |
| Vitamin C | 34 mg | 43% |
Values are for: raw grapefruit flesh, mixed colour varieties. Source: USDA FoodData Central, SR Legacy, FDC ID 173033 (“Grapefruit, raw, pink and red and white, all areas”), 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
Grapefruit is mostly water with 7.0 g of sugar per 100 g, and it is a good source of vitamin C. Pink and red varieties are usually sweeter than white ones.
- Vitamin C: 34 mg per 100 g, 43% of the daily reference intake (a 150 g portion: about 64%). 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 fruit that feels heavy, with smooth, thin skin. Grapefruit keeps for a week at room temperature and longer in the fridge. To soften the bitterness, remove the white pith and the membranes between the segments.
Eat it with a spoon straight from the half, add segments to a salad with avocado, or grill halves for a few minutes until the top caramelises.
Who should be careful
Grapefruit and its juice can raise the level of some medicines in the blood. The list includes some cholesterol-lowering statins, some blood pressure medicines and several others. Taking the medicine at a different time of day does not reliably prevent this. If you take any regular medicine, check the leaflet or ask your pharmacist before eating grapefruit.
FAQ
Why does grapefruit interact with medicines?
Substances in grapefruit block an enzyme in the gut that breaks down certain medicines. More of the medicine then reaches the blood, which can increase side effects. Ask your pharmacist whether yours is affected.
How many calories are in grapefruit?
Grapefruit has 32 kcal per 100 g. Half a large fruit, about 150 g, has roughly 48 kcal.
Does grapefruit burn fat?
No food burns fat. Grapefruit is low in calories, which can help when it replaces a heavier snack.
Related entries
Sources
- USDA FoodData Central. Grapefruit, raw, pink and red and white, all areas, FDC ID 173033. 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
- FDA. Grapefruit juice and some drugs don’t mix. fda.gov
This page is for information only and is not medical or dietary advice.