zero calorie foods

Title: 20 Near-Zero Calorie Foods

Intro
Eating low-calorie foods can help reduce overall daily intake while keeping you full and satisfied. Below are 20 items that are effectively “almost zero” calories, great for snacking, bulking up salads, or adding bulk to meals without adding much energy. For recipe inspiration that balances flavor and macros, check out this creamy garlic cheesy chicken potatoes recipe to plan satisfying meals around low-calorie sides.

Quick tips before we start

• “Almost zero” doesn’t mean zero — portions and preparation matter (dressings, oils or sauces add calories).
• Many items below add volume and water/fiber to meals, helping satiety.
• Keep in mind sodium in pickled or broth items.

The 20 foods (with uses and notes)

1. Water (still or sparkling)

• 0 calories. Drink to stay hydrated and help curb hunger between meals.

2. Black coffee

• Practically zero calories if served plain. Great for morning energy; avoid sugar/cream.

3. Unsweetened tea (green, black, herbal)

• Near-zero. Green tea also contains antioxidants and can be enjoyed hot or iced.

4. Celery

• Very low-calorie, high water content. Use as a snack with low-cal dips or chopped into soups.

5. Cucumber

• Crisp, refreshing, and great in salads, infused water, or as crudité.

6. Iceberg lettuce

• Extremely low calorie and adds crunch to salads and wraps.

7. Leafy greens (spinach, arugula, romaine)

• Low calorie, nutrient-dense — bulk up smoothies, salads, and omelets.

8. Zucchini

• Mild and versatile: spiralize for low-cal “zoodles,” grill, or roast.

9. Radishes

• Peppery crunch with very few calories; great in salads or as a raw snack.

10. Mushrooms (white, cremini)

• Earthy flavor, low calories; sautéed as a side or added to soups.

11. Bell peppers

• Colorful, sweet, and low-cal; slice for snacks or toss into stir-fries.

12. Cherry tomatoes

• Juicy and low in calories; perfect for salads or roasting for extra flavor.

13. Asparagus

• Low-cal and satisfying once grilled or steamed; season lightly.

14. Cauliflower

• Extremely versatile — rice, mash, or roast to replace higher-cal starchy sides.

15. Pickles (dill, no-sugar)

• Very low calories but can be high in sodium; good occasional tangy snack.

16. Broth-based soup (clear vegetable or chicken broth)

• Low in calories when broth is plain; avoid creamy additions.

17. Shirataki noodles

• Made from konjac root, near-zero calories — use in Asian-style dishes.

18. Nori and other seaweeds

• Thin sheets of nori are almost calorie-free and add umami and iodine.

19. Fresh herbs (parsley, cilantro, dill)

• Tiny calorie impact but huge flavor — use liberally to brighten dishes.

20. Sugar-free gelatin or flavored water enhancers

• If truly sugar-free, these give sweet flavor with negligible calories — read labels for artificial sweeteners.

Mid-article practical ideas

• Bulk any meal with a large bed of mixed greens, cucumber, and shredded zucchini to keep calories low while feeling full.
• Replace pasta with shirataki noodles and add lots of sautéed mushrooms and bell pepper.
• Use clear broth and lots of vegetables for a filling low-cal soup. For hearty main-course ideas that pair well, check this collection of grilling-friendly high-protein foods to build balanced plates around low-calorie sides.

Seasoning and preparation notes

• Avoid heavy dressings, oils, or sugary sauces if your goal is minimal calories; use vinegar, lemon juice, herbs, and spices.
• Watch portion sizes for items like fruit or roasted vegetables — they’re healthy but not zero-calorie.
• When using pickled or broth items, monitor sodium intake.

Conclusion

These near-zero calorie foods are convenient tools to increase volume and satisfaction without adding many calories. For a broader list and additional details on low-calorie options, see this helpful guide: Foods That Are Very Low in Calories: 22 Options.