Lime juice, 100%, freshly squeezed
Common food
Freshly squeezed lime juice is a vibrant, tart liquid extracted from the green citrus fruit, prized for its intense, zesty flavor and thin, watery texture. Nutritionally, it's a low-calorie powerhouse, delivering a significant dose of vitamin C and antioxidants with minimal sugar and fat per serving. Its sharp acidity makes it a universal flavor enhancer across global cuisines.
Calorie split: 5% protein · 94% carbs · 2% fat
↓ Full nutrition💚 Why it's loved
People love lime juice for its electrifying, clean sourness that instantly brightens and balances flavors in both sweet and savory dishes. It's a cornerstone of countless cultural cuisines, from Mexican salsas to Thai curries, valued for its ability to cut through richness and add a refreshing finish.
⚠️ Watch-outs & how to enjoy it better
The high acidity can erode tooth enamel over time; always rinse your mouth with water after consuming it neat. Those with acid reflux or sensitive digestive systems may find it triggers discomfort. Concrete tip: Use a straw for drinking, consume it with a meal to buffer the acid, and wait at least 30 minutes before brushing teeth.
Key benefits
- Excellent source of immune-supporting vitamin C.
- Contains flavonoid antioxidants that combat oxidative stress.
- May aid iron absorption from plant-based foods when consumed together.
- Adds flavor without significant calories, fat, or sodium.
- The citric acid can help prevent the formation of certain kidney stones.
🍽️ Popular dishes
🌍 Where it's eaten
💡 Did you know?
The word 'lime' for the citrus fruit entered English from the Arabic 'līma,' which itself came from the Persian 'līmū,' highlighting its long history of cultivation and trade across the Middle East and Asia.
Full nutrition (USDA data · scales with serving)
| Water | 90.8 g |
| Energy | 25.0 kcal |
| Protein | 0.42 g |
| Total lipid (fat) | 0.07 g |
| Carbohydrate, by difference | 8.4 g |
| Fiber, total dietary | 0.40 g |
| Total Sugars | 1.7 g |
| Calcium, Ca | 14.0 mg |
| Iron, Fe | 0.09 mg |
| Magnesium, Mg | 8.0 mg |
| Phosphorus, P | 14.0 mg |
| Potassium, K | 117 mg |
| Sodium, Na | 2.0 mg |
| Zinc, Zn | 0.08 mg |
| Copper, Cu | 0.03 mg |
| Selenium, Se | 0.10 ug |
| Vitamin C, total ascorbic acid | 30.0 mg |
| Thiamin | 0.03 mg |
| Riboflavin | 0.01 mg |
| Niacin | 0.14 mg |
| Vitamin B-6 | 0.04 mg |
| Folate, total | 10.0 ug |
| Folic acid | 0.00 ug |
| Folate, food | 10.0 ug |
| Folate, DFE | 10.0 ug |
| Choline, total | 5.1 mg |
| Vitamin B-12 | 0.00 ug |
| Vitamin B-12, added | 0.00 ug |
| Vitamin A, RAE | 2.0 ug |
| Retinol | 0.00 ug |
| Carotene, beta | 30.0 ug |
| Carotene, alpha | 0.00 ug |
| Cryptoxanthin, beta | 0.00 ug |
| Lycopene | 0.00 ug |
| Lutein + zeaxanthin | 0.00 ug |
| Vitamin E (alpha-tocopherol) | 0.22 mg |
| Vitamin E, added | 0.00 mg |
| Vitamin D (D2 + D3) | 0.00 ug |
| Vitamin K (phylloquinone) | 0.60 ug |
| Alcohol, ethyl | 0.00 g |
| Caffeine | 0.00 mg |
| Theobromine | 0.00 mg |
Fat & fatty acid profile (per 100g)
| Fatty acids, total saturated | 0.01 g |
| SFA 4:0 | 0.00 g |
| SFA 6:0 | 0.00 g |
| SFA 8:0 | 0.00 g |
| SFA 10:0 | 0.00 g |
| SFA 12:0 | 0.00 g |
| SFA 14:0 | 0.00 g |
| SFA 16:0 | 0.01 g |
| SFA 18:0 | 0.00 g |
| Fatty acids, total monounsaturated | 0.01 g |
| MUFA 16:1 | 0.00 g |
| MUFA 18:1 | 0.01 g |
| MUFA 20:1 | 0.00 g |
| MUFA 22:1 | 0.00 g |
| Fatty acids, total polyunsaturated | 0.02 g |
| PUFA 18:2 | 0.01 g |
| PUFA 18:3 | 0.01 g |
| PUFA 18:4 | 0.00 g |
| PUFA 20:4 | 0.00 g |
| PUFA 20:5 n-3 (EPA) | 0.00 g |
| PUFA 22:5 n-3 (DPA) | 0.00 g |
| PUFA 22:6 n-3 (DHA) | 0.00 g |
| Cholesterol | 0.00 mg |
Amino acid profile (per 100g)
Estimated from Lime juice, raw — USDA does not publish this profile for Lime juice.
| Tryptophan | 0.00 g |
| Threonine | 0.00 g |
| Isoleucine | 0.00 g |
| Leucine | 0.02 g |
| Lysine | 0.02 g |
| Methionine | 0.00 g |
| Cystine | 0.00 g |
| Phenylalanine | 0.01 g |
| Tyrosine | 0.00 g |
| Valine | 0.01 g |
| Arginine | 0.01 g |
| Histidine | 0.00 g |
| Alanine | 0.02 g |
| Aspartic acid | 0.11 g |
| Glutamic acid | 0.07 g |
| Glycine | 0.01 g |
| Proline | 0.03 g |
| Serine | 0.04 g |
FAQ
Is lime juice the same as lemon juice?
No. While both are acidic citrus juices, lime juice is typically more bitter and has a distinct, sharper flavor profile. Lemons are generally larger, yellow, and have a slightly sweeter, less complex acidity than the green limes most common in cooking.
Can I use bottled lime juice instead of fresh?
For cooking, bottled juice is a convenient substitute but often lacks the bright, floral notes and vibrant aroma of fresh-squeezed. For finishing dishes, cocktails, or dressings where lime is a star flavor, fresh is strongly recommended for the best taste.
How can I get more juice from a lime?
Roll the lime firmly on the countertop with your palm before cutting to break down the internal membranes. You can also microwave it for 10-15 seconds or submerge it in warm water for a few minutes to help the juice flow more freely.
Nutrient density (calculated · NRF9.3)
Nutrient Rich Foods index: beneficial nutrients (protein, fiber, vitamins, minerals) minus saturated fat, added sugar & sodium, per 100 kcal.
NRF9.3 index — Fulgoni, Keast & Drewnowski, 2009. Computed from USDA nutrients.
Weight-loss friendliness (composite index)
Energy density 0.25 kcal/g · 7% calories from protein · 0.4 g fiber · 1.7 g sugar per 100 g.
Composite of energy density (Rolls et al., 1999), protein & fiber satiety, minus sugar. A calculated heuristic — ranks satiety-per-calorie, not a clinical measure.
Dietary load (calculated from USDA values)
Potential renal acid load. Positive = acid-forming, negative = alkaline-forming.
Sodium-to-potassium ratio: 0.02 (lower is better — aim for ≤ 1)
Sodium:potassium per WHO potassium guidance. Computed from USDA nutrients.