Finding foods that are truly without calories can be challenging. Most foods have some caloric content, even if minimal. However, some options are extremely low in calories and can be considered as close to calorie-free as possible. Here is a comprehensive list:
Water-Based Options
Water
- Plain Water: Zero calories. Essential for hydration and has no calories.
Sparkling Water
- Plain Sparkling Water: No calories when unsweetened and unflavored. Ideal for a fizzy, calorie-free drink.
Vegetables
Celery
- Celery: Very low in calories, with about 6 calories per stalk. Often considered negligible for most diets.
Cucumber
- Cucumber: Contains roughly 16 calories per cup of sliced cucumber. Its high water content makes it a low-calorie choice.
Lettuce
- Lettuce: About 5 calories per cup of shredded lettuce. Provides crunch and freshness with minimal caloric impact.
Spinach
- Spinach: Roughly 7 calories per cup of raw spinach. Rich in nutrients and very low in calories.
Herbs and Spices
Basil
- Basil: Contains negligible calories. Adds flavor without significant caloric contribution.
Parsley
- Parsley: Less than 5 calories per tablespoon. Often used as a garnish or flavor enhancer.
Flavored Water Options
Infused Water
- Infused Water: Water flavored with fruits or herbs like lemon, mint, or cucumber. Typically has negligible calories if no sugars are added.
Low-Calorie Foods
Pickles
- Pickles: Generally contain about 5 calories per large pickle, depending on preparation. Often considered minimal in terms of caloric content.
Hot Sauce
- Hot Sauce: Many hot sauces have less than 5 calories per serving. Adds heat and flavor without adding significant calories.
Other Options
Tea (Unsweetened)
- Tea: Black, green, or herbal tea without added sweeteners. Typically contains 0 calories.
Coffee (Black)
- Black Coffee: Contains about 2 calories per cup. When consumed without sugar or cream, it's extremely low in calories.
Sugar-Free Gum
- Sugar-Free Gum: Usually contains about 5 calories per piece. Often regarded as negligible due to the small serving size.
Seaweed
- Seaweed: Some types of seaweed snacks have minimal calories, often less than 20 calories per serving.
Vinegar
- Vinegar: Apple cider vinegar and other types typically have less than 5 calories per tablespoon, making them low-calorie options for dressings or flavoring.