It is an object to provide a non-aqueous electrolyte for use in a primary battery, which is advantageous in that the primary battery using the non-aqueous electrolyte suffers less lowering of voltage during the high-rate discharge and can work stably. Disclosed are a non-aqueous electrolyte for use in a primary battery, comprising at least one organic compound selected from the group consisting of 1,2-benzoquinone, 1,4-naphthoquinone, 1,2-naphthoquinone, 9,10-anthraquinone, 1,4-anthraquinone, acenaphthenequinone, and a derivative of 1,2-benzoquinone, 1,4-naphthoquinone, 1,2-naphthoquinone, 9,10-anthraquinone, 1,4-anthraquinone, acenaphthenequinone, or 1,4-benzoquinone; a non-aqueous electrolyte for use in a primary battery, comprising an organic compound exhibiting a reduction potential of 2.5 V or higher and a quantity of electricity in reduction reaction per electrode area of 1,000 mC/cm2 or lower under specific conditions; and a non-aqueous electrolyte for use in a primary battery, having a reduction potential of 2.5 V or higher and a quantity of electricity in reduction reaction per electrode area of 1,000 mC/cm2 or lower.