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

Grapefruit contains 52 calories per 1/2 medium grapefruit (123 g), along with 2 g of fiber and 38.4 mg of vitamin C, which is 43% of the daily value. This fruit has a low glycemic index of about 25 and a glycemic load of about 3, making it a suitable option for those monitoring their blood sugar levels.

This page provides an overview of grapefruit's nutritional profile, including its calorie content, macronutrients, and health benefits. It also examines how grapefruit fits into various dietary goals and compares it to other fruits.

Grapefruit Nutrition Facts (Per Serving and Per 100 g)

The following table outlines the nutrition facts for grapefruit per 1/2 medium grapefruit (123 g) and per 100 g.

Values are for 1/2 medium grapefruit (123 g).

Nutrient	Per Serving	Per 100 g	% Daily Value (per serving)
Calories	52	42	3%
Protein	0.9 g	0.8 g	2%
Carbohydrates	13.2 g	10.7 g	5%
Fiber	2.0 g	1.6 g	7%
Sugar	8.5 g	6.9 g	-
Fat	0.2 g	0.1 g	0%
Vitamin C	38.4 mg	31.2 mg	43%
Potassium	166 mg	135 mg	4%
Vitamin A	71 mcg	58 mcg	8%

About 91% of grapefruit calories come from carbohydrates, 7% from protein and 3% from fat.

Grapefruit by Health Goal

The by-goal ratings section evaluates grapefruit's suitability for common dietary objectives, highlighting its benefits.

Goal	Rating	Why
Weight loss	Excellent	52 calories per serving with 2 g fiber for fullness
Blood sugar / diabetes	Excellent	Glycemic load of about 3 per serving
Immunity	Good	Provides 38.4 mg vitamin C (43% DV)
Digestion	Fair	2 g fiber per serving supports regularity
Heart health	Good	Potassium (166 mg) and fiber, very low sodium
Muscle gain	Fair	Low in protein (0.9 g); best as a vitamin-rich choice, not a protein source

Grapefruit and Blood Sugar

Glycemic index: 25. Glycemic load: 3 per serving.

Grapefruit has a glycemic index of about 25 and a glycemic load of around 3 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 Grapefruit Compares to Other Fruits

In the comparison table, grapefruit is assessed alongside other fruits to illustrate its nutritional standing.

Fruit (per 100 g)	Calories	Sugar (g)	Fiber (g)	Vitamin C (mg)
Grapefruit	42	6.9	1.6	31.2
Orange	47	9.4	2.4	53.2
Strawberry	32	4.9	2.0	58.8
Watermelon	30	6.2	0.4	8.1

Grapefruit Myths, Checked

Grapefruit burns fat , False. Grapefruit is low calorie and filling, but it does not burn fat on its own.

Grapefruit is safe with all medications , False. Grapefruit can interact with several common medications, so check with a pharmacist or doctor.

How to Track Grapefruit

Fruit portions are easy to misjudge, and the difference between half a grapefruit and a larger helping changes the sugar and calories you log. Nutrola identifies food from a photo, barcode or voice entry and returns calories and macros, so you can log grapefruit accurately instead of estimating. Nutrola is available from EUR 2.50 per month and shows no ads on any tier.

For related references, see every fruit ranked by glycemic load, most nutrient-dense fruits ranked, and berries ranked by sugar and antioxidants.

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 ripeness and variety. This is educational and not medical advice.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How many calories are in half a grapefruit?

Half a grapefruit contains 52 calories, making it a low-calorie fruit option for those watching their intake.

Is grapefruit good for weight loss?

Grapefruit can be beneficial for weight loss due to its low calorie and high fiber content, with 2 g of fiber per half fruit, which may help with satiety.

Can people with diabetes eat grapefruit?

People with diabetes can eat grapefruit, as it has a low glycemic index of about 25, which is favorable for blood sugar management.

How much vitamin C is in grapefruit?

Grapefruit is rich in vitamin C, providing 38.4 mg per half fruit, which accounts for 43% of the daily value recommended.

Is grapefruit high in sugar?

Grapefruit contains 8.5 g of sugar per half fruit, which is relatively low compared to many other fruits.

Does grapefruit interact with medications?

Grapefruit can interact with certain medications, so it is important to consult a healthcare provider if you are on medication.

Key Takeaways

• Grapefruit has 52 calories per 1/2 medium fruit.
• It provides 2 g of fiber, aiding digestion.
• The vitamin C content is 38.4 mg per half fruit.
• Grapefruit has a glycemic index of about 25.
• It contains 8.5 g of sugar per half fruit.
• Grapefruit may interact with some medications.