What Fruit Has the Lowest Calorie Count?

Fruit offers fiber, vitamins and minerals, but it can also contain a high number of calories. One serving equals 1 cup of fruit, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Choose wisely to enjoy a healthy snack without taking in too many calories.

Watermelons for sale at a market. (Image: Khlongwangchao/iStock/Getty Images)

First Place: Watermelon

Watermelon wins as the fruit with the least number of calories per cup. According to the USDA National Nutrient Database, 1 cup of diced watermelon contains just 46 calories. For those calories, it offers less than 1 gram each of fat, protein and fiber, but 11.6 grams of carbohydrates, including 9.5 grams of natural sugars.

Second Place: Strawberries

If watermelon isn't available, strawberries ring in as the second-lowest for calories, with 53 calories per cup of sliced berries. A cup of strawberries also provides 3 grams of fiber along with 1.5 grams of protein, less than 1 gram of fat and 12.7 grams of carbohydrates, including 8 grams of sugar.

Third Place: Papaya

Papaya comes in third -- 1 cup of diced papaya contains 62 calories, along with 2.5 grams of fiber. It also has less than 1 gram each of fat and protein, but 15.7 grams of carbohydrates, including 11 grams of sugar.