Calories in 1 Stalk Celery: Exact Count & Nutrition Facts

One medium celery stalk (approximately 40 grams) contains just 6 calories, making it an exceptionally low-calorie vegetable perfect for weight management and healthy eating plans. This single-stalk serving also provides 0.3g of dietary fiber, 0.4g of natural sugars, and essential nutrients like vitamin K and potassium.

Understanding exactly how many calories are in celery helps you make informed choices about your diet. Whether you're tracking macros, managing weight, or simply curious about this crunchy vegetable's nutritional profile, knowing the precise calorie count per stalk gives you practical information for meal planning.

What Exactly Is a "Stalk" of Celery?

Before we dive deeper into celery's nutritional profile, it's important to clarify terminology. What many people call a "stalk" of celery is technically a rib—the individual curved piece that snaps off the main bunch. The entire cluster of ribs is called the head or bunch of celery.

When nutrition databases like the USDA FoodData Central reference "one stalk," they typically mean one medium rib weighing approximately 40 grams (about 7-8 inches long). This standard measurement ensures consistency when calculating calories in 1 stalk celery for dietary tracking.

Celery Measurement	Weight	Calories	Carbohydrates
1 medium stalk (rib)	40g	6	1.2g
1 cup chopped	100g	16	3g
1 large stalk	60g	9	1.8g
1 cup juice	240ml	42	9g

The USDA National Nutrient Database confirms these values through laboratory analysis of representative celery samples. This government resource provides the most reliable nutritional information for calories in celery stalks and other foods.

Why Celery Is Considered a Negative Calorie Food (And Why That's Misleading)

You've probably heard celery described as a "negative calorie food"—meaning your body supposedly burns more calories digesting it than the food itself contains. While this concept is popular in diet circles, it's not scientifically accurate.

According to research published in the Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, the thermic effect of food (calories burned during digestion) typically represents only 5-10% of a food's total caloric value. For celery's 6 calories, your body would expend less than 1 calorie during digestion.

However, celery remains an excellent choice for weight management because:

• Its high water content (95%) creates volume with minimal calories
• The fiber content promotes feelings of fullness
• It satisfies crunchy snack cravings without significant caloric impact

Practical Ways to Use Celery in Your Diet

Knowing the calorie content of celery opens up numerous practical applications for your daily eating habits. Here's how to maximize this low-calorie vegetable:

Smart Snacking

Replace higher-calorie crunchy snacks with celery paired with healthy dips:

• Celery sticks with 2 tablespoons of natural peanut butter: 200 calories
• Celery with 2 tablespoons of hummus: 70 calories
• Celery with Greek yogurt dip: 50 calories

Meal Integration

Celery adds flavor and texture to dishes with minimal caloric impact:

• Add chopped celery to soups and stews (1 stalk = 6 calories)
• Include in stir-fries instead of higher-carb vegetables
• Use as a crunchy component in salads
• Blend into smoothies for hydration without significant sugar

Nutritional Benefits Beyond Calories

While the calorie count in celery makes it popular for weight management, this vegetable offers additional nutritional advantages:

Vitamins and Minerals

One stalk provides:

• Approximately 3% of your daily vitamin K needs (important for blood clotting)
• About 2% of daily potassium (supports healthy blood pressure)
• Small amounts of vitamin A and vitamin C

Hydration Support

With 95% water content, celery contributes to your daily hydration needs. Proper hydration supports metabolism, digestion, and overall bodily functions—factors that indirectly support healthy weight management.

Common Celery Questions Answered

Understanding calories in 1 stalk celery leads to several practical questions about incorporating this vegetable into your diet:

• Does cooking celery change its calorie count? No, cooking doesn't significantly alter celery's calorie content, though it may concentrate flavors as water evaporates.
• Are organic and conventional celery nutritionally different? According to USDA comparative studies, nutritional profiles are nearly identical regardless of growing method.
• Can celery help with weight loss? While no single food causes weight loss, celery's low calorie density makes it an excellent component of weight management plans.

How many calories are in one average celery stalk?

One medium celery stalk (approximately 40 grams) contains 6 calories according to USDA FoodData Central measurements.

Does celery really have negative calories?

No, the 'negative calorie' concept is a myth. While celery is very low in calories (6 per stalk), your body doesn't burn more calories digesting it than it contains. The thermic effect of food is typically only 5-10% of a food's caloric value.

How does celery compare to other vegetables in calories?

Celery is among the lowest-calorie vegetables. One stalk (40g) has 6 calories, compared to 27 calories for the same amount of cucumber, 25 calories for zucchini, and 31 calories for broccoli.

Does the size of the celery stalk affect the calorie count?

Yes, calorie content scales with weight. A small stalk (30g) contains about 4 calories, while a large stalk (60g) contains approximately 9 calories. The standard measurement used in nutritional databases is a 40g medium stalk with 6 calories.