Lime vs Tangerine – Which is Healthier?

Our Verdict

When comparing limes to tangerines, we picked the tangerines.

Why?

It was close!

In terms of macros, limes start off strong with nearly 2x the fiber, while the other macros are approximately equal. So this round is nominally a win for limes, although it’s worth noting that you only get that fiber benefit with the whole fruit—a shot of lime juice in your drink won’t give you this! Given that very few people eat limes and tend to just use the juice, this is a relevant thing to consider.

In the category of vitamins, limes have more of vitamins A, B5, and K, while tangerines have more of vitamins B1, B2, B3, B6, B7, B9, and C. Yes, tangerines have more of the vitamin C for which limes are famous. In any case, a clear win for tangerines in this round!

Looking at minerals, limes have more copper, iron, selenium, and zinc, while tangerines have more magnesium, manganese, phosphorus, and potassium, for a 4:4 tie here.

Adding up the sections one win for each and a draw, but we say the tangerines win overall on tiebreakers, since their win (on minerals) was abundant and clear, whereas limes’ win (on macros) was based on a technicality and not very practical given how limes are usually consumed.

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Enjoy!