How can a pickle have zero calories?

[Pixiedust34]

I mean, it has to have some calories, right?

I was just reading a few labels while thinking about what to make for lunches and I noticed that the store brand sliced pickles we have has a label that says "0 calories." I knew that they'd be low calorie (like maybe 5-15 calories per pickle slice) but I didn't expect to see zero calories on that label. Doesn't the cucumber have a few calories?

BTW, lunch will be grilled cheese sandwiches, with mine light on the cheese and heavy on the pickles.

 

[mirthmaiden]

I could be totally wrong, but I seem to recall reading in my nutrition class about this. I think it's because it takes your body more energy to digest it than what it contains. I'm sure somebody out there will know for sure.

 

[MAKmom]

1/4 a pickle is 5 calories so a slice may be zero.

 

[Chattyaholic]

1/4 a pickle is 5 calories so a slice may be zero.

My pickles have 0 calories. Spartan Fresh Pack Polish Dill Spears -
Serving size: 1 spear
Calories: 0

 

[The Mystery Machine]

It doesn't of course... Legally the printed label can say zero if it falls under a certain mark.

A spear is 23 calories.

Here is a calculation link...
http://www.thecaloriecounter.com/Foods/1100/11940/8/Food.aspx

 

[bicker]

Government regulations allow food purveyors to report anything less than five calories as zero calories. It is one reason why you'll see some really silly serving sizes for so-called zero calorie foods. Eat enough servings (often just two) and you'll have a significant (as defined by the government) amount of calories.

 

[The Mystery Machine]

Government regulations allow food purveyors to report anything less than five calories as zero calories. It is one reason why you'll see some really silly serving sizes for so-called zero calorie foods. Eat enough servings (often just two) and you'll have a significant (as defined by the government) amount of calories.

Yea, but a pickle spear is listed at 23 calories...hmmm...wonder how they get away with that.

 

[olena]

I remember hearing that about celery....you burn more calories eating it then you get from it.

 

[The Mystery Machine]

I remember hearing that about celery....you burn more calories eating it then you get from it.

I can see that.

 

[JR6ooo4]

Clausen Kosher Dill spears
5 cal
330 mg sodium!!!!

Mikeeee

 

[DISUNC]

 

[IMGONNABE40!]

Yea, but a pickle spear is listed at 23 calories...hmmm...wonder how they get away with that.

It depends on the pickle. Bread and Butter pickles have more calories than your average dill.

 

[The Mystery Machine]

Not into the Bread and Butter or sweet pickles for that matter.

Favorite pickles used to be Heinz Genuine Dills....can't find them here.

Or a delicious Deli pickle.....

Great now I want PICKLES.

 

[Kath2003]

I remember hearing that about celery....you burn more calories eating it then you get from it.

Yeah, apparently it takes a lot of calories to digest evil.

 

[bicker]

Yea, but a pickle spear is listed at 23 calories...hmmm...wonder how they get away with that.

Different pickles? I know bread and butter pickles have a lot more calories than half-sours.

 

[mirthmaiden]

I remember hearing that about celery....you burn more calories eating it then you get from it.

yep, that was it - celery. I was mixed up