Calories in Celery: Nutrition Facts by Serving Size

Celery is one of the lowest-calorie foods in existence, made up of about 95% water. Despite its minimal calorie content, celery provides vitamin K, potassium, folate, and a range of antioxidants including apigenin and luteolin. Here is a full breakdown of celery nutrition by serving size.

Calories by serving size:

Celery also contains phthalides, natural compounds that may help relax blood vessel walls and support healthy blood pressure. It is one of the most popular snack vegetables for its satisfying crunch and versatility.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How many calories are in a stalk of celery?

One medium celery stalk (about 40 grams) contains approximately 6 calories. Even a large stalk has only 9 calories. This makes celery one of the absolute lowest-calorie foods available. A whole cup of chopped celery has just 14 calories, making it an ideal snack for virtually any diet plan.

Is it true that celery has negative calories?

The "negative calorie" claim — that celery takes more energy to digest than it provides — is a popular myth but not scientifically accurate. However, celery is extremely low in calories at only 14 per 100 grams, and its thermic effect of digestion does use a meaningful percentage of those few calories. For practical purposes, celery is about as close to a zero-calorie food as you can get.

Is celery good for weight loss?

Celery is one of the best foods for weight loss. Its extremely low calorie density means you can eat large quantities without significantly impacting your calorie intake. Its high water and fiber content promote fullness, and its satisfying crunch can help curb the desire to snack on higher-calorie alternatives.

Is celery high in sodium?

Celery has a higher sodium content than most vegetables, with about 80 mg per 100 grams. However, this is still very low compared to processed foods and represents only about 3% of the recommended daily limit. The sodium in celery is naturally occurring and is balanced by a good amount of potassium, which supports healthy blood pressure.

What nutrients does celery provide?

Despite being very low in calories, celery provides several important nutrients. One cup of chopped celery delivers about 30% of your daily vitamin K, along with folate, potassium, and vitamin A. Celery also contains antioxidants like apigenin and luteolin, which have been studied for their anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective properties.