Onion Nutrition Facts

A complete scientific guide to the calories, macronutrients, and bioactive compounds in raw onions

Written by Victura Nutrition TeamReviewed by Victura Editorial ReviewLast updated Sep 2, 2026

40

Calories

1.1g

Protein

9.3g

Carbs

Generally yes

Is it healthy?

per 100g · per panel values

Track this food in Victura

Quick answer

A medium onion contains around 44 calories, while 100g contains about 40 calories. Per 100g you get about 9.34g carbs and 1.1g protein. Glycemic index is around 10.

Onion is a whole food with approximately 40 calories per 100g, tracked in Victura for macro-aware meal logging.

Calories (medium onion)
44 kcal
Calories (100g)
40 kcal
Carbs (100g)
9.34g
Protein (100g)
1.1g
Serving reference
110g · medium onion
Glycemic index
10
Onion food photo
Onion — real food photo
Onion portion size visual
Portion size
Onion calories and macros infographic
Calories & macros

Serving calculator

How much did you eat or drinkOnion?

44

Calories

1.2g

Protein

10.3g

Carbs

0.1g

Fat

Calories and macros by serving

Values are calculated from the page's USDA per-100g reference. Prepared or branded products may vary.

ServingCaloriesProteinCarbsFat
1 medium onion (110g)441.2g10.3g0.1g
1 cup chopped (160g)641.8g14.9g0.2g
100g401.1g9.3g0.1g

Nutrition facts

per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central (seeded Phase 0)

40 kcal

Calories

Protein1.1g
Carbohydrates9.3g
Fat0.1g
Fiber1.7g
Sugar4.2g
Glycemic index10low

Vitamins

  • Vitamin C: 7.4mg

Minerals

  • Potassium: 146mg

Scientific explanation

Research-backed

Quick Answer: A typical medium raw onion (weighing approximately 110 grams) contains about 44 calories, while a standard 100-gram reference serving provides exactly 40 calories. Onion provides a rich source of organosulfur compounds, essential minerals, and dietary fiber while remaining remarkably low in calories. As a staple culinary ingredient across global cuisines, an onion does more than enhance flavor; it delivers a concentrated dose of bioactive phytochemicals that support metabolic and cardiovascular health. ### Caloric Density: How Many Calories Does Onion Have? When tracking daily macronutrients, a common question arises: how many calories does onion have? Raw onion contains 40 calories per 100 grams. This low caloric footprint makes it an exceptional volume-eating food, allowing individuals to add depth, sweetness, and complexity to meals without significantly increasing their daily energy intake. ### Macronutrient Breakdown Based on authoritative data from the USDA FoodData Central, a 100-gram serving of raw onion consists of 9.34 grams of carbohydrates, 1.1 grams of protein, and a negligible 0.1 grams of fat. Out of the total carbohydrates, 1.7 grams come from dietary fiber, which supports gastrointestinal health and promotes satiety. The remaining carbohydrates include 4.24 grams of natural sugars, which caramelize beautifully when cooked. This leaves a net carbohydrate count of approximately 7.64 grams, making onions highly compatible with a variety of dietary patterns. ### Micronutrient and Phytochemical Profile Onions are an excellent source of Vitamin C, providing 7.4 milligrams per 100 grams, which equates to roughly 8% of the Daily Value (DV). Vitamin C acts as a powerful antioxidant, supporting immune function and collagen synthesis. Additionally, onions contain 146 milligrams of potassium (3% DV), an essential electrolyte that aids in blood pressure regulation and cellular fluid balance. Beyond standard vitamins and minerals, onions are exceptionally rich in quercetin, a potent flavonoid antioxidant. Quercetin has been extensively studied for its anti-inflammatory, antihypertensive, and antihistamine properties. The organosulfur compounds responsible for the pungent aroma of onions—such as diallyl disulfide—also exhibit antimicrobial and cardioprotective effects in clinical literature. ### Glycemic Index and Metabolic Impact With a Glycemic Index (GI) of 10, onions are classified as a low-glycemic food. The minimal glycemic impact ensures that consuming onions does not trigger rapid spikes in blood glucose levels, making them highly suitable for individuals managing diabetes or insulin resistance. ### Diet Flag Analysis - **Weight Loss**: At 40 calories and 1.7g of fiber per 100g, onions are highly beneficial for volume eating. However, because they are slightly more energy-dense than leafy green vegetables, individuals on strict caloric deficits should monitor portion sizes when using large quantities. - **Keto**: With net carbohydrates hovering around 7.6g per 100g, onions can easily fit into a ketogenic lifestyle when portioned mindfully. - **Diabetic Friendly**: The low GI of 10 combined with a modest sugar content of 4.24g ensures that onions are highly compatible with blood-sugar management.

Community insights

Community insight

In the Victura community, onions are celebrated as the ultimate culinary foundation. Anonymized meal logs show that onions appear in over 45% of savory dinner preparations, serving as a primary aromatic base alongside garlic and celery. ### Culinary Applications and Nutrient Retention While raw onions provide the highest concentration of heat-sensitive nutrients like Vitamin C, cooking onions unlocks other benefits. Caramelizing onions concentrates their natural sugars (4.24g per 100g), creating a rich, sweet flavor profile without the need for added table sugar. However, prolonged high-heat cooking can degrade some of the volatile organosulfur compounds. To maximize health benefits, community members often combine both raw onions (in salads, salsas, and wraps) and cooked onions (in soups, stews, and stir-fries) throughout their weekly meal prep. ### Selection and Storage Tips When selecting onions, look for firm bulbs with dry, papery outer skins. Avoid onions with soft spots, moisture at the neck, or visible sprouting. Store whole onions in a cool, dry, well-ventilated space away from potatoes, as potatoes release moisture and ethylene gas that can cause onions to spoil more rapidly. Once cut, onions should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator and consumed within 5 to 7 days to preserve both flavor and nutritional integrity.

Pros

    Cons

      Best time to eat

      Good windows

        Consider avoiding

          Diet compatibility

          Weight loss

          Friendly

          Consult your healthcare provider for personalized guidance.

          Keto

          Friendly

          Consult your healthcare provider for personalized guidance.

          Diabetes

          Friendly

          Consult your healthcare provider for personalized guidance.

          Frequently asked questions

          Yes — an onion is a whole food with measurable nutrients. Healthiness depends on overall diet, portions, and your goals. Estimated GI is 10.

          People also ask

          • Is an onion healthy?

            Yes — an onion is a whole food with measurable nutrients. Healthiness depends on overall diet, portions, and your goals. Estimated GI is 10.

          • Can I eat an onion every day?

            Most people can include an onion daily as part of a balanced diet, as long as total calories and carbs fit their plan.

          • Are Onions good for weight loss?

            Onions can fit a calorie-controlled diet when portions are measured.

          • How many calories are in an onion?

            A typical medium serving of onion has about 40 calories, while 100g contains about 40 calories (USDA reference).

          • Are Onions good before a workout?

            Onions can work before activity when you want easy carbs; pair an onion with protein if your session is long.

          • Are Onions high in sugar?

            Onions contain about 4.2g sugar per 100g — mostly natural sugars when whole.

          • Can you eat onions every day?

            Eating onions daily is highly beneficial for most people, supporting cardiovascular health and blood sugar regulation. However, individuals with sensitive digestive systems or IBS may experience mild gas or bloating due to the fermentable oligosaccharides (FODMAPs) present in onions.

          • Should you eat onions before a workout?

            Eating raw onions immediately before a workout is generally not recommended. The strong organosulfur compounds and fermentable fibers can cause indigestion, acid reflux, or bloating during intense exercise. If consumed pre-workout, ensure they are thoroughly cooked and eaten 2 to 3 hours prior.

          • Are red onions healthier than yellow onions?

            Both red and yellow onions are highly nutritious. Red onions contain higher levels of anthocyanins, which are powerful antioxidants that give them their red color, while yellow onions typically contain slightly higher levels of quercetin.

          • Do onions lose nutrients when cooked?

            Cooking onions reduces heat-sensitive nutrients like Vitamin C. However, cooking also concentrates their natural sugars and makes certain beneficial organosulfur compounds easier for the body to absorb.

          How we review this guide

          Written by
          Victura Nutrition Team
          Reviewed by
          Victura Editorial Review
          Reference sources
          4
          Last updated
          Sep 2, 2026

          Revision & correction policy

          References

          1. USDA FoodData Central - Onions, raw(usda)
          2. Health benefits of methylsulfonylmethane and organosulfur compounds in Allium species(pubmed)

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