We include products we think are useful for our readers. If you buy through links on this page, we may earn a small commission or other tangible benefit. Wellos and Healthline Media are owned by RVO Health. Here’s our process.
Healthline only shows you brands and products that we stand behind.
Our team thoroughly researches and evaluates the recommendations we make on our site. To establish that the product manufacturers addressed safety and efficacy standards, we:
- Evaluate ingredients and composition: Do they have the potential to cause harm?
- Fact-check all health claims: Do they align with the current body of scientific evidence?
- Assess the brand: Does it operate with integrity and adhere to industry best practices?
We do the research so you can find trusted products for your health and wellness.
Read more about our vetting process.
Was this helpful?
Low calorie foods can be paired with calorie and nutrient-rich foods as part of a healthy weight-loss plan. Some surprising swaps can taste great and improve your overall health.
A healthy diet should contain calorie-dense foods, as well as those that are lower in calories.
For example, foods high in healthy fats, such as eggs, nuts, seeds, and avocados, are much higher in calories than foods like fruits and vegetables but still very nutritious.
Pairing calorie-dense foods like the ones listed above with lower calorie foods, especially fruits and vegetables, can make meals more filling and satisfying.
Plus, swapping out some high calorie foods with lower calorie foods can help promote healthy weight loss and may improve other aspects of health as well.
If you usually have eggs and a donut every morning, for example, replacing the donut with an apple or some sautéed vegetables not only reduces the calorie content but also packs in many more nutrients and protective plant compounds.
Fortunately, many low calorie foods can be paired with more filling foods to make a complete meal.
Here are 22 foods that are very low in calories.
Apples
Apples are highly nutritious and the most popular fruit in the United States.
Apples are not only low in calories but also a
How to peel apples
Clementines
Clementines resemble mini oranges. They’re a common snack in the United States and are known for their high vitamin C content.
One fruit (74 grams) packs 40% of the daily value (DV) for vitamin C and only
Peppers
Peppers come in many colors, shapes, and sizes. Popular types include bell peppers and jalapeños.
Research shows bell peppers are particularly
There are only
Papaya
The papaya is an orange fruit with black seeds. It’s typically grown in tropical regions.
It’s high in a number of
Strawberries
Strawberries are sweet and highly nutritious. They pair well with both sweet and savory ingredients, making them a versatile ingredient in the kitchen.
Studies show that regularly consuming berries like strawberries may help protect against conditions like
There are only
Tomatoes
Tomatoes pair well with a number of ingredients and can be served raw, cooked, or puréed in a tomato sauce.
What’s more, tomatoes are a
A cup (149 grams) of cherry tomatoes has
Chard
Chard is a leafy green that comes in several varieties. It’s
One cup (36 grams) of chard has only 7 calories.
Kale
Kale is a leafy green that has gained popularity in recent years for its impressive nutritional profile.
You can find kale in salads, smoothies, and vegetable dishes. Kale is exceptionally nutritious, providing high amounts of provitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin K, manganese, and copper.
One cup (130 grams) of cooked kale contains only
Spinach
Spinach is another low calorie leafy green that’s loaded with vitamins and minerals.
It’s high in vitamin K, provitamin A, and folate, and it
A 1-cup (30-gram) serving of spinach has only
Radishes
Radishes are crunchy root vegetables with a somewhat spicy bite.
They come in a variety of colors and make a beautiful — and nutritious — addition to dishes like salads and grain bowls.
Radishes have several beneficial nutrients, including vitamin C, potassium, and folate. They contain just
Beets
Beets come in a range of vibrant colors, including red and orange.
They’re a good source of nutrients like folate and manganese, and they contain phytonutrients like betalains and phenolic compounds, which
A 1-cup serving of cooked beets (170 grams) contains
Rutabaga
Rutabaga is a root vegetable also known as swede.
It tastes similar to turnips and is a popular lower carb substitute for potatoes. Rutabagas are rich in fiber and a good source of vitamin C, potassium, calcium, and magnesium.
One cup (170 grams) of cooked rutabaga has only
Onions
Onions are low calorie vegetables that have been linked to a number of health benefits.
For example, research shows that following a diet high in vegetables in the allium family, such as onions and garlic, may
Even though the taste differs depending on the type, all onions have very few calories — a medium-sized, cooked onion (148 grams) has approximately
Turnips
Turnips are white root vegetables with slightly bitter flesh. They’re often added to soups and stews.
Turnips are rich in vitamin C and contain only
Broccoli
Broccoli is a cruciferous vegetable that’s incredibly nutritious. Studies show that people who consume high amounts of cruciferous vegetables like broccoli may be at a lower risk of developing conditions like
A cup (155 grams) of cooked broccoli has only
Brussels sprouts
Brussels sprouts resemble mini cabbages and can be eaten raw or cooked.
Like broccoli, Brussels sprouts are part of the cruciferous vegetable family. They’re an excellent source of vitamin C, a nutrient that functions to
One cooked cup (155 grams) of these nutritional powerhouses contains just
Cabbage
Cabbage is another cruciferous vegetable that comes in various colors, including green, red, and white. It’s a common ingredient in slaws and salads and a star ingredient in fermented dishes like sauerkraut and kimchi.
It’s very low in calories at only
Cauliflower
Cauliflower is typically seen as a white head inside green leaves. Less common varieties have purple, orange, and yellow heads.
In recent years, cauliflower has become very popular as a substitute for higher-carb vegetables or grains. For example, cauliflower “rice” and cauliflower pizza crusts are popular among those on lower-carb diets.
A cup (155 grams) of cooked cauliflower provides
Watermelon
As its name suggests, watermelon is a very hydrating fruit. It tastes delicious on its own or paired with fresh mint and feta cheese.
Watermelon is a good source of many nutrients, including vitamin C. There are
Celery
Because of its high water content, celery is very low in calories. Try pairing celery sticks with natural peanut butter and a sprinkling of raisins for a classic snacking combination that provides a filling mix of protein, fat, and fiber.
There are only
Cucumbers
Cucumbers are a refreshing vegetable commonly found in salads. They’re also used to flavor water along with fruits and herbs, and they can make a low calorie base for high protein dishes like chicken or tuna salad.
Since cucumbers are mostly water, they’re very low in calories — a half-cup (52 grams) has only
Iceberg lettuce
Iceberg lettuce is known for its high water content. It’s commonly used in salads and on top of burgers or sandwiches.
Even though most people think it’s not as nutritious as other types of lettuce, iceberg lettuce is a good source of some nutrients, including vitamin K, provitamin A, and folate.
One cup (57 grams) of iceberg lettuce has only
Many delicious foods are low in calories. Most of them are fruits and vegetables that also contain nutrients that benefit your health.
However, just because a food is lower in calories doesn’t mean it makes a better choice than higher calorie foods. Your body needs adequate calories on a daily basis to function optimally and help you feel your best.
It’s not a good idea to choose foods based simply on their calorie content. Instead, think about choosing foods based on their nutrient density, or the amount of nutrients a food delivers in proportion to the calories it provides.
Eating a variety of lower calorie foods like fruits and vegetables alongside other foods that contain higher amounts of protein and fats (and thus calories) is a smart way to support optimal health.
Just one thing
Try this today: Being preoccupied with counting calories or restricting yourself to only low calorie foods isn’t healthy and can take a toll on your mental health.
If you think you may be overly concerned with calories and weight gain or are confused about how to maintain a healthful, guilt-free eating pattern, consider speaking with a qualified healthcare professional, such as a registered dietitian or a therapist, for support.
Was this helpful?
