Celery and the Negative Calorie Myth: Fact or Fiction?

Celery often appears on weight-loss lists, praised as a “negative calorie food.” The idea is simple: you burn more calories chewing and digesting celery than the vegetable contains. But is this really true? Let’s explore what science says.

What Does “Negative Calorie Food” Mean?

The theory is that some foods are so low in calories that your body uses more energy digesting them than the food provides. This would mean a “net calorie loss” every time you eat them. Celery, cucumber, lettuce, and grapefruit are often included in this category.

The Calories in Celery

Celery is very low in calories.

One large stalk (about 40 grams) has roughly 6 calories.
It’s also high in water and fibre, which makes it filling.

However, the body does not use more calories to digest celery than celery provides. Digesting food typically uses about 5–15% of the calories in the meal. For celery, this means you might use 1 calorie to digest it — but you still gain calories overall.

Why Celery Still Matters

Even though celery is not a “negative calorie” food, it has other benefits:

High water content helps with hydration.
Fibre supports digestion and gut health.
Antioxidants and vitamins (such as vitamin K and folate) contribute to overall health.
It can be a low-calorie snack for those trying to manage weight.

The Verdict: True or False?

The claim is false. Celery does not have negative calories. While it is very low in calories, your body still gains energy from it.

Final Word

Celery won’t magically burn fat, but it is a healthy, low-calorie snack that fits well in a balanced diet. Pair it with hummus or nut butter for a satisfying option that provides both crunch and nutrition.

References

USDA FoodData Central. Celery, raw. Updated 2024.
Livesey G. Energy values of dietary fibre and sugar alcohols for nutrition labelling of foods. Br J Nutr. 2022.
Mayo Clinic. The truth about negative-calorie foods. 2023.