Lemon Juice vs Lemonade: Calories and Nutrition Compared (2026)

Lemon juice and lemonade have distinct nutritional profiles.

Medically reviewed by Dr. Emily Torres, Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN)

Lemon juice has 22 calories and 0.3 g of protein, while lemonade has 40 calories and 0.1 g of protein. Therefore, lemon juice is lower in calories and higher in protein.

Lemon juice and lemonade are popular beverages with different nutritional values. This comparison highlights their calorie, protein, carbohydrate, and sugar content per 100 g.

What Is the Difference Between Lemon Juice and Lemonade?

Lemon juice is the liquid extracted from fresh lemons, known for its tart flavor and high vitamin C content. It is often used in cooking, beverages, and as a natural preservative. Lemonade is a sweetened beverage made from lemon juice, water, and sugar. It is commonly consumed as a refreshing drink, especially in warm weather.

Lemon Juice vs Lemonade: Nutrition Side by Side

The following table provides a side-by-side comparison of the nutritional content of lemon juice and lemonade.

Nutrient (per 100 g) Lemon juice Lemonade
Calories 22 kcal 40 kcal
Protein 0.3 g 0.1 g
Carbs 6.9 g 10.4 g
Sugar 2.5 g 10.0 g
Fat 0.2 g 0.0 g
Fiber 0.3 g 0 g
Sodium 1 mg 4 mg

Which Is Better, Lemon Juice or Lemonade?

For weight loss: Lemon juice has 22 calories, while lemonade has 40 calories, making lemon juice the better option for weight loss.

For muscle and protein: Lemon juice contains 0.3 g of protein, whereas lemonade has 0.1 g, so lemon juice is higher in protein.

For low-carb or low-sugar: Lemon juice has 6.9 g of carbs and 2.5 g of sugar, while lemonade has 10.4 g of carbs and 10.0 g of sugar, making lemon juice lower in both.

How to Track Lemon juice and Lemonade Accurately

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How We Compiled These Numbers

The numbers provided are rounded reference values for educational use and are not intended as medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional for dietary guidance. Values are per 100 g from USDA FoodData Central.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Which has more protein?

Lemon juice has 0.3 g of protein, while lemonade has 0.1 g of protein.

Which has fewer calories?

Lemon juice has 22 calories, while lemonade has 40 calories.

What is the sugar content in lemonade?

Lemonade contains 10.0 g of sugar per 100 g.

How many carbohydrates are in lemon juice?

Lemon juice has 6.9 g of carbohydrates per 100 g.

What is the fat content in lemonade?

Lemonade contains 0.0 g of fat per 100 g.

What is the sodium level in lemon juice?

Lemon juice has 1 mg of sodium per 100 g.

Key Takeaways

  • Lemon juice has 22 calories per 100 g.
  • Lemonade has 40 calories per 100 g.
  • Lemon juice contains 0.3 g of protein.
  • Lemonade contains 0.1 g of protein.
  • Lemon juice has 6.9 g of carbohydrates.
  • Lemonade has 10.4 g of carbohydrates.

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