Foods That Contain Almost No Calories

If you are trying to lose weight or just eat a little lighter, knowing which foods have almost no calories is really helpful. These are foods you can eat freely without worrying too much about going over your daily limit. The best part is, most of them are filling, fresh, and packed with vitamins. They are not boring diet foods — they are real, everyday ingredients that can make your meals better without adding much to your calorie count.

12 Foods That Contain Almost No Calories

1. Cucumber

Cucumber is one of the lowest-calorie foods you will ever find. A full cup of sliced cucumber has only about 16 calories. It is made up of mostly water, which makes it great for keeping you full and hydrated at the same time. You can add it to salads, eat it with a little salt, or throw it in a glass of water for a fresh drink. It is simple, cheap, and available everywhere.

2. Celery

Celery has a well-known reputation for being almost calorie-free. A full stalk gives you roughly 6 calories, and a lot of that energy actually goes toward digesting it. It is crunchy, satisfying, and works great as a snack when you pair it with a little hummus or peanut butter. Celery also has fiber, which helps your stomach feel settled and keeps digestion moving in the right direction.

3. Lettuce

Lettuce is the base of most salads, and for good reason — it is light, fresh, and barely has any calories at all. One full cup of shredded lettuce has only around 5 to 10 calories depending on the type. Romaine is a bit more nutritious than iceberg, but both are excellent low-calorie choices. You can pile your plate high with lettuce and still not worry about the numbers.

4. Zucchini

Zucchini is a soft vegetable that fits into almost any meal. One cup of sliced zucchini has only about 20 calories. It soaks up flavor really well, so it tastes great when cooked with garlic, olive oil, or added into pasta. Many people use it to replace pasta entirely by cutting it into long strips. It keeps you full without adding much to your daily calorie total.

5. Watermelon

Watermelon feels like a treat, but it is actually very low in calories. One cup of watermelon chunks has around 46 calories, and it is mostly water — about 92% of it, in fact. It is naturally sweet, refreshing, and a much better choice than reaching for candy or dessert. Eating watermelon on a hot day also helps your body stay hydrated. It is one of those rare foods that feels indulgent but is not.

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6. Tomatoes

Tomatoes are used in almost every kitchen around the world, and they are surprisingly low in calories. One medium tomato has about 22 calories. They are full of a natural compound called lycopene, which is good for your heart. You can eat them raw, cook them into sauces, or slice them with a little olive oil and salt. They bring a lot of flavor to your food without bringing a lot of calories with them.

7. Spinach

Spinach is one of those vegetables that gives you a lot in return for almost nothing. One cup of raw spinach has about 7 calories. It is loaded with iron, folate, and vitamins A and C. You can eat it raw in a salad, wilt it into eggs, or blend it into a smoothie without even tasting it. It is one of the easiest vegetables to add to your meals on a daily basis without changing the flavor much.

8. Mushrooms

Mushrooms are meaty in texture and taste, but they are very low in calories. One cup of sliced raw mushrooms has only about 15 calories. They work well in stir-fries, soups, omelets, and pasta dishes. Because of their thick, chewy texture, they can actually make a meal feel heavier and more filling than it really is. Some people use them as a full meat replacement in burgers and wraps with great results.

9. Cabbage

Cabbage does not get enough credit for how filling it is at such a low-calorie count. One cup of raw chopped cabbage has only about 22 calories. It works well in coleslaws, soups, stir-fries, and wraps. Green and purple cabbage are both great options. It holds up well when cooked for a long time, which makes it perfect for slow-cooked dishes where you want something hearty without the extra calories piling up.

10. Radishes

Radishes are small, crunchy, and very easy to overlook, but they deserve a spot on this list. One cup of sliced radishes has only about 19 calories. They have a slightly spicy, sharp flavor that adds something interesting to salads and rice bowls. They are also a good source of vitamin C. Eating them raw is the most common way, but they can also be roasted to bring out a milder, slightly sweeter flavor.

11. Broccoli

Broccoli is a filling vegetable that gives you a lot of nutrients for very few calories. One cup of raw broccoli has around 31 calories. It is high in fiber, which means it keeps you full longer after eating. Broccoli works well steamed, roasted, or tossed into pasta and stir-fries. It is one of the best vegetables to have on your plate when you are watching what you eat because it actually keeps hunger away for a good while.

12. Bell Peppers

Bell peppers are colorful, crunchy, and naturally sweet, and a whole medium pepper only has around 30 to 40 calories. Red, yellow, and orange ones are slightly sweeter and have a bit more vitamin C than green ones. You can eat them raw as a snack, stuff them with rice and meat, or throw them into any stir-fry. They add a lot of color and crunch to your food while keeping the calorie count very low.