One small Cutie (clementine, ~74 g) has ~35 calories; larger mandarins land closer to 40–45 calories.
Calories Per Fruit
Mid-Size Estimate
Upper Range
Snack-Only
- One fruit between meals
- Pair with nuts or yogurt
- Peel-and-go convenience
Basic
Breakfast Boost
- Add slices to oatmeal
- Use zest for aroma
- Keep fiber by skipping juice
Better
Meal Builder
- Toss segments in salads
- Balance sweet-savory
- Aim for color variety
Best
Cuties are small, seedless mandarins that peel in seconds. Most are clementines, and their calorie count tracks with size. You’ll see numbers in the mid-30s for a small fruit and closer to the mid-40s for a heavier one. The reason is simple: calories in fruit come mostly from natural sugars and a little fiber, so more grams of fruit bring more total energy.
Calories In A Cutie Clementine: Portion Guide
One fruit doesn’t always look the same as the next. Growers pick across a range of weights, and water content shifts a gram or two as fruit sits on the counter. A handy rule of thumb: use ~47 calories per 100 grams, then scale up or down based on the fruit you’re holding. A kitchen scale gives the most precise number, but you can estimate by size too.
Quick Size-To-Calorie Reference
Here’s a broad table you can use right away. It covers common sizes you’re likely to find in a bag of seedless mandarins.
| Size Label | Typical Weight (g) | Estimated Calories |
|---|---|---|
| Small | 60–70 | 28–33 |
| Medium | 72–80 | 34–38 |
| Large | 90–100 | 42–47 |
Numbers above scale from ~47 kcal per 100 g and match the typical 35-ish calories you see quoted for a small clementine. If you’re tracking intake for the day, snacks slot in cleanly once you set your daily calorie needs.
Why The Range Exists
Fruit size isn’t completely uniform. Early season lots lean smaller; later lots can be plumper. Peel thickness, water content, and variety labels (clementine vs. other mandarins) nudge the final count too. Even with these shifts, the spread is narrow enough that a single fruit won’t blow a plan—two fruits usually land around 70–90 calories total.
What’s Inside That Calorie Count
Most energy in a Cutie comes from natural sugars, with a gram of protein and a touch of fat at most. Alongside those calories you get hydration (citrus is mostly water), fiber, and standout vitamin C. One small fruit often delivers a third to half of the daily target for that vitamin.
Macros In Plain Terms
Per small fruit (~74 g), you’re looking at roughly 9 g carbohydrate, about 1 g fiber, and less than 0.2 g fat. That fiber slows digestion a bit, which is why eating the whole fruit feels steadier than drinking juice.
Vitamin C And More
These little oranges punch above their size for ascorbic acid. A single fruit often lands around 35–50% of the daily value. If you want the deep dive on recommended intakes and upper limits, the NIH vitamin C fact sheet lays out the numbers clearly.
How To Estimate Without A Scale
Don’t have a scale? Use your eyes and a quick mental shortcut. A golf-ball-sized fruit usually weighs near 70–75 g. A slightly bigger one sits near 90–100 g. Multiply the visible size by the 47-per-100-g rule and you’ll be close enough for daily logging.
Two-Fruit Snack Math
Two small fruits: think ~70 calories. One small plus one large: call it ~80–85. If you’re building a snack with protein, pair with Greek yogurt or a handful of almonds to keep energy even between meals.
Peel, Pith, And Edible Portion
Only the edible segments count toward calories. The peel and most of the pith don’t add energy you absorb. That said, zest has aroma and tiny amounts of oils. If you grate zest into oatmeal or salad, the calorie bump is minimal at home-use amounts.
How Cuties Compare To Other Citrus
Clementines share a profile with other mandarins and small oranges. Per 100 g of edible fruit, energy stays right around the mid-40s. Vitamin C varies a little by variety and season, but the range keeps you well covered for daily needs when citrus shows up often in your week. For raw data tables and serving weights, see the structured entry at MyFoodData: clementines, which compiles USDA figures.
Serving Ideas That Keep The Fiber
- Toss segments with arugula, olive oil, and toasted pumpkin seeds.
- Add wedges to oatmeal with cinnamon and chopped walnuts.
- Build a snack box: two fruits, string cheese, and whole-grain crackers.
Portion Control Tips For Calorie Goals
Fruit makes logging easier because sizes are predictable and energy density is low. If you meal-prep, note “2 mandarins” right on the container to remove guesswork during the week.
When You’re Counting Carbs
Expect about 8–10 g carbohydrate per fruit. That fits neatly into many meal plans, including those that space carbs across the day. If you’re watching sodium too, citrus is naturally low, which helps your daily balance.
Nutrition Snapshot Per Fruit (Approx. 74 G)
| Nutrient | Typical Amount | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| Energy | ~35 kcal | Light snack that fits most plans |
| Carbohydrate | ~9 g (1 g fiber) | Slow release with the fiber intact |
| Vitamin C | ~35–50% DV | Supports collagen and iron absorption |
Label Reading And Brand Claims
Some bags print “only 40–45 calories per fruit.” That’s still within the same weight-based math: heavier fruit, slightly higher energy. If you want the most precise number for a specific lot, weigh one peeled fruit, then apply the 47-per-100-g rule to get an exact estimate for your tracking app.
How Many Should You Eat In A Day?
A couple of fruits make an easy snack or add color to breakfast. If you’re aiming for a balanced plate, pair citrus with lean protein and whole grains. For context on day-to-day intake, public health guidance suggests 1.5–2 cups of fruit for many adults. Whole fruit counts toward that target and brings fiber you won’t get from juice.
Smart Pairings That Keep You Full
- Two mandarins + cottage cheese
- Spinach salad with segments, chickpeas, and avocado
- Overnight oats with zest and chia
Buying, Storing, And Prep
Pick fruit that feels heavy for its size and smells fresh at the stem end. Store at room temperature for a few days or refrigerate for a week to hold firmness. Peel just before eating to keep segments juicy. If you cook with them, add segments near the end so they don’t break down too much.
Practical Takeaways
- Small fruit: about 30–35 calories.
- Medium fruit: mid-30s.
- Large fruit: around 45 calories.
- Use ~47 kcal per 100 g to dial in precision with a scale.
Want a friendly walkthrough for dialing in weight loss math? Try our calorie deficit guide.