Cucumber: Calories, Nutrition Facts, and Health Benefits (2026)

Cucumber contains 18 calories per 1 cup sliced (119 g), with 0.8 g protein, 4.3 g carbs, 0.6 g fiber, and 2 g sugar. It is notable for its high water content and provides 3.3 mg of vitamin C, which is 4% of the daily value.

This page explores the nutrition profile of cucumber, including its calorie count, vitamins, and health benefits. It also examines how cucumber fits into various dietary goals and its impact on blood sugar levels.

Cucumber Nutrition Facts (Per Serving and Per 100 g)

The following nutrition facts table provides detailed information about the nutrient composition of cucumber per serving.

Values are for 1 cup sliced (119 g).

Nutrient	Per Serving	Per 100 g	% Daily Value (per serving)
Calories	18	15	1%
Protein	0.8 g	0.7 g	2%
Carbohydrates	4.3 g	3.6 g	2%
Fiber	0.6 g	0.5 g	2%
Sugar	2.0 g	1.7 g	-
Fat	0.1 g	0.1 g	0%
Vitamin C	3.3 mg	2.8 mg	4%
Potassium	175 mg	147 mg	4%
Vitamin K	19.5 mcg	16.4 mcg	16%

About 80% of cucumber calories come from carbohydrates, 14% from protein and 5% from fat.

Cucumber by Health Goal

The by-goal ratings section evaluates cucumber's suitability for different dietary objectives, such as weight loss and diabetes management.

Goal	Rating	Why
Weight loss	Excellent	18 calories per serving with 0.6 g fiber for fullness
Blood sugar / diabetes	Excellent	Glycemic load of about 1 per serving
Immunity	Fair	Provides 3.3 mg vitamin C (4% DV)
Digestion	Fair	0.6 g fiber per serving supports regularity
Heart health	Good	Potassium (175 mg) and fiber, very low sodium
Muscle gain	Fair	Low in protein (0.8 g); best as a vitamin-rich choice, not a protein source

Cucumber and Blood Sugar

Glycemic index: 15. Glycemic load: 1 per serving.

Cucumber has a glycemic index of about 15 and a glycemic load of around 1 per serving, so it has a modest effect on blood sugar. Fiber and water slow sugar absorption, and pairing it with protein or fat steadies the response.

How Cucumber Compares to Other Vegetables

In the comparison table, cucumber is analyzed alongside other vegetables to highlight its nutritional advantages and differences.

Vegetable (per 100 g)	Calories	Sugar (g)	Fiber (g)	Vitamin C (mg)
Cucumber	15	1.7	0.5	2.8
Zucchini	17	2.5	1.0	17.9
Celery	16	1.3	1.6	3.1
Radish	16	1.9	1.6	14.8

Cucumber Myths, Checked

Cucumber is botanically a vegetable , Misleading. Botanically it is a fruit, used as a vegetable.

Cucumber has no nutrients , Misleading. It is about 95% water but provides some vitamin K and potassium.

How to Track Cucumber

Vegetable portions and cooking method both change the numbers, so the same cucumber can look very different once it is on your plate. Nutrola identifies food from a photo, barcode or voice entry and returns calories and macros, so you can log cucumber accurately instead of estimating. Nutrola is available from EUR 2.50 per month and shows no ads on any tier.

For related references, see vegetables ranked by nutrient density, highest-protein vegetables ranked, and lowest-carb keto vegetables ranked.

Sources

Nutrition values are from the USDA FoodData Central database, shown per serving and per 100 g, rounded. Percent Daily Values use US reference intakes for a 2,000 calorie diet. Glycemic index and load are from published international tables and vary by variety, ripeness and cooking method. This is educational and not medical advice.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How many calories are in 1 cup of cucumber?

One cup of sliced cucumber (119 g) contains 18 calories, making it a very low-calorie food option.

Is cucumber good for weight loss?

Cucumber is good for weight loss due to its low calorie content and high water content, which can help with satiety.

Can people with diabetes eat cucumber?

People with diabetes can eat cucumber, as it has a low glycemic index of about 15 and a glycemic load of 1.

How much vitamin K is in cucumber?

Cucumber contains 19.5 mcg of vitamin K per serving, which plays a crucial role in bone health and blood clotting.

Is cucumber high in sugar?

Cucumber is low in sugar, with only 2 g of sugar per cup, making it a suitable choice for those monitoring their sugar intake.

Is cucumber a fruit or vegetable?

Cucumber is botanically classified as a fruit, but it is commonly treated as a vegetable in culinary contexts.

Key Takeaways

• Cucumber has only 18 calories per cup sliced.
• It contains 0.6 g of fiber per serving.
• Cucumber provides 3.3 mg of vitamin C, which is 4% of the daily value.
• The glycemic index of cucumber is about 15.
• Cucumber contains 19.5 mcg of vitamin K per cup.
• It is low in sugar, with just 2 g per serving.