Oranges vs tangerines

Key differences

• Neither is a meaningful source of protein: 2 and 1.5 g per 100 kcal.
• Oranges have fewer calories: 47 kcal per 100 g, versus 53 for tangerines, so the same calories come with more grams of food.
• Oranges have more fiber: 2.4 g per 100 g, versus 1.8 g for tangerines.

Comparison per 100 g

Per typical serving

With typical servings, 180 g (6.5 oz) of oranges have about 85 kcal and 1.7 g of protein, and 90 g (3 oz) of tangerines about 48 kcal and 0.7 g.

The typical serving is a common amount used for the math, not a recommendation. Ounces are rounded US equivalents; the values come from the database entries cited in the sources.

Which is more filling?

Oranges and tangerines have the same estimated satiety score: 5 out of 5.

Only oranges were measured in people, in the Holt satiety index (1995): 202 versus 100 for white bread.

• 5/5Oranges: Very low energy density; a lot of fiber per calorie; high water content.
• 5/5Tangerines: Calculation: 1 (base) + 2 (very low energy density: 53 kcal/100 g) + 0 (protein: 1.5 g/100 kcal) + 1 (fiber: 3.4 g/100 kcal) + 1 (solid food with 85.2 g of water) = 5.

The 1 to 5 score is our own estimate: it starts at 1 point, adds points for low energy density, for protein and fiber per 100 kcal, and for the water in solid foods, and subtracts points for drinks with calories. It is useful for comparing foods with each other; it is not a measurement in people. Holt satiety index: Holt SH, Miller JC, Petocz P, Farmakalidis E. A satiety index of common foods. Eur J Clin Nutr. 1995;49(9):675-90.

When to choose each one

Oranges

• If you want to eat more grams for the same calories: 47 kcal per 100 g.
• If you want to add fiber: 2.4 g per 100 g.

Tangerines

• If you prefer a lighter typical serving: about 48 kcal in 90 g (3 oz).

On a GLP-1 medication

Oranges. “Low energy density”: plenty of volume for few calories; make sure it does not push protein foods off your plate. “Hydrating”: a lot of water, which contributes to hydration when you eat and drink less.

Tangerines. “Low energy density”: plenty of volume for few calories; make sure it does not push protein foods off your plate. “Hydrating”: a lot of water, which contributes to hydration when you eat and drink less.

These are general guidelines, not medical advice: everyone tolerates foods differently.

Full food pages

• Oranges: every nutrient, frequently asked questions, and similar foods.
• Tangerines: every nutrient, frequently asked questions, and similar foods.

Other comparisons

• Oranges vs orange juice
• Kiwis vs oranges

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