Japanese Yuzu
Quick answer
A medium portion of Japanese Yuzu (15 g) contains 4 kcal, with 0.8 g of net carbohydrates and 0.1 g of protein.
- Carbs1.1 g88%
- Protein0.1 g9.4%
- Fat0 g2.6%
- Fibre0.3 g
Percentages of total energy (calories)
Not just any lemon: this is the luxurious perfume of Japanese cooking! A yellow fruit with bumpy skin that combines, in a single drop, the fragrant scent of mandarin, the bite of grapefruit and the softness of lemon. Yuzu's great advantage is that a usual portion (a tablespoon of juice) contains almost no carbohydrate, so the glycemic index does not apply, while its acidity and bold flavour give you a clever way to add a refined taste to salads and dishes without sugar or ready-made sauces.
💡 Smart Nutritional Guidance
Consumption advice
A tablespoon of pure juice (15 g) or a teaspoon of its fragrant grated zest a day is enough to transform the flavour of your dish.
Best preparation methods
Squeeze a few drops into a glass of cold water with mint leaves for a refreshing sugar-free morning drink, or mix it with extra virgin olive oil and garlic for the finest dressing for salads and grilled vegetables.
Important Nutritional Note
Grate only the yellow outer layer and avoid the bitter white pith. Always drink the juice diluted, because concentrated acids can harm tooth enamel when used often.
Nutrition facts
| Nutrient | Per 100 g | Per typical portion (15 g) |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 30 kcal | 4.5 kcal |
| Protein | 0.8 g | 0.1 g |
| Carbohydrate | 7.5 g | 1.1 g |
| Available carbohydrate | 5.3 g | 0.8 g |
| Fat | 0.1 g | 0 g |
| Dietary fibre | 2.2 g | 0.3 g |
The typical portion is approximate, for comparison purposes.
Comparison & smarter alternatives
It has 30 kcal per 100 g, ranking 5 of 65 in Fruit (lowest first).
Related foods from the same family:
Frequently asked questions
Is Japanese Yuzu good for weight loss?
Yes. Japanese Yuzu is very low in calories (30 kcal per 100 g), so you can eat a generous amount to add volume and fullness to a meal without many calories.
How does Japanese Yuzu affect blood sugar?
Japanese Yuzu contains only 5.3 g of available carbohydrate per 100 g, so the glycemic index does not apply and its direct effect on blood sugar is minimal. The meal’s effect depends on what you eat with it, such as bread, rice or sweetened sauces.
What is the nutritional value of a typical portion of Japanese Yuzu?
A typical 15 g portion of Japanese Yuzu provides about 5 kcal, 0.1 g protein, 1.1 g carbohydrate, 0 g fat and 0.3 g fibre.
Can yuzu juice calm the blood sugar rise after a starchy meal like rice?
Studies on vinegar and acidic foods suggest that adding acidity to a starchy meal may slightly slow stomach emptying and sugar absorption. Squeezing yuzu over your plate is a pleasant habit, but it does not replace managing the amount of starch itself.
Does the scent of yuzu peel help you relax?
Small Japanese studies found that inhaling yuzu scent was linked to feeling calmer and to lower levels of some stress markers, but the results are preliminary. Enjoy its aroma in tea or a warm bath as a soothing touch.
Is bottled yuzu juice from the supermarket as good as the fresh fruit?
Read the label carefully, or check it with the boodi app: choose 100% pure juice without added sugar, because some yuzu products are sold as concentrates or "yuzu tea" full of sugar.
Read also
References & Scientific Sources
- The glycemic index does not apply because this food has less than 5 g of available carbohydrate per 100 g, and a GI test requires 25 to 50 g of available carbohydrate, per: ISO 26642:2010. Food products — Determination of the glycaemic index (GI) and recommendation for food classification. International Organization for Standardization; 2010. www.iso.org/standard/43633.html
- Definition of available carbohydrate and glycemic load: FAO/WHO. Carbohydrates in human nutrition: report of a joint FAO/WHO expert consultation. FAO Food and Nutrition Paper 66. Rome; 1998. www.fao.org/4/w8079e/w8079e00.htm
Reviewed by Dr. Wassim Habib · Last reviewed 20 October 2026
Disclaimer: This guidance is for nutritional lifestyle orientation and does not constitute a diagnostic medical device under EU Regulation MDR 2017/745.