Lemon juice from concentrate, canned or bottled
FDC 167748tbsp (15 g)
Source: USDA FoodData Central · Public domain
Original analysis by NutriVerdict
Density 92 · +11 vs Fruits & juices medianThis bottled lemon juice scores 92 of 100, an Elite result that ranks it 13th of 60 in the Fruits & juices category. Its standout is vitamin C at 16% of the daily value per tablespoon serving, delivered at a low 17 calories per 100 grams, which helps its per-calorie density even though the whole fruit itself isn't what's consumed.
It's typically used a tablespoon at a time, splashed over fish, whisked into dressings, or added to tea rather than drunk on its own. Sodium is worth noting at 24 milligrams per 100 grams, higher than fresh citrus and a byproduct of the concentrate-and-reconstitute process, though it carries no flagged limit here.
See how this score is calculated, build a plate around lemon juice from concentrate, or compare it with another food.
Source: USDA FoodData Central · Public domain
Percent of calories derived by NutriVerdict from USDA grams
Nutrition facts
| Nutrient | Amount | % DV |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 17 kcal | 1% |
| Total fat | 0.07 g | 0% |
| Saturated fat | 0.03 g | 0% |
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% |
| Sodium | 24 mg | 1% |
| Carbohydrate | 5.6 g | 2% |
| Dietary fiber | 0.7 g | 3% |
| Sugars | 1.5 g | |
| Protein | 0.45 g | 1% |
| Potassium | 109 mg | 2% |
| Calcium | 10 mg | 1% |
| Iron | 0.06 mg | 0% |
| Magnesium | 7 mg | 2% |
| Vitamin C | 14 mg | 16% |
| Vitamin A | 2 µg | 0% |
| Vitamin E | 0.23 mg | 2% |
| Nutrient | Amount | % DV |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 3 kcal | 0% |
| Total fat | 0.01 g | 0% |
| Saturated fat | 0 g | 0% |
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% |
| Sodium | 3.6 mg | 0% |
| Carbohydrate | 0.84 g | 0% |
| Dietary fiber | 0.11 g | 0% |
| Sugars | 0.23 g | |
| Protein | 0.07 g | 0% |
| Potassium | 16 mg | 0% |
| Calcium | 1.5 mg | 0% |
| Iron | 0.01 mg | 0% |
| Magnesium | 1.1 mg | 0% |
| Vitamin C | 2.1 mg | 2% |
| Vitamin A | 0.3 µg | 0% |
| Vitamin E | 0.03 mg | 0% |
Source: USDA FoodData Central · Public domain
FDC 167748Original analysis by NutriVerdict
What it is rich in
Nutrients supplying at least 10% of the Daily Value per 100 grams. 20% or more is an excellent source.
Original analysis by NutriVerdict
Versus the fruits & juices median
Original analysis by NutriVerdict
More nutrient-dense swaps
Foods in the same category that score higher on nutrient density.
Blackberries, rawDensity 92 vs 92Strawberries, rawDensity 92 vs 92Raspberries, rawDensity 92 vs 92Original analysis by NutriVerdict
In the kitchen and how to use it
Bottled lemon juice from concentrate is a pantry staple for adding acidity without reaching for fresh lemons: it goes into salad dressings, marinades, pan sauces, and drinks like lemonade, and gets squeezed over fish or cooked vegetables at the table. Cooks also use it to deglaze a skillet after searing meat, scraping up browned bits into a quick pan sauce. It won't have quite the bright aroma of a freshly squeezed lemon, since some volatile oils are lost in processing, but it is shelf-stable and convenient for baking or cocktails when fresh fruit isn't on hand.
Once opened, keep the bottle refrigerated and check for any off smell or color change before using. At just 17 calories per 100 grams and only 1.53 grams of sugar, it is a low-calorie way to build flavor and acidity into a dish instead of relying on added fat or sugar. A tablespoon (15 grams) provides roughly 16% of the Daily Value for vitamin C, a modest but genuine contribution from a condiment used mostly in small amounts.
Frequently asked questions about lemon juice from concentrate
How many calories are in bottled lemon juice?
It has about 17 calories per 100 grams.
Is lemon juice a good source of vitamin C?
A tablespoon provides roughly 16% of the Daily Value for vitamin C.
How is bottled lemon juice used in cooking?
It is common in marinades, salad dressings, pan sauces, and drinks, or squeezed over finished fish and vegetables.