Red Bell Pepper Calories: 37 Per Medium Pepper

A medium raw red bell pepper (approximately 119 grams) contains just 37 calories, making it an excellent low-calorie option for health-conscious eaters. This vibrant vegetable provides substantial nutritional value with minimal caloric impact, offering 158% of the daily recommended vitamin C and 17% of vitamin A in a single serving.

Red bell peppers stand out as one of the most nutrient-dense vegetables you can add to your diet without worrying about excessive calorie intake. Understanding the precise calorie content helps you make informed dietary choices whether you're managing weight, following a specific meal plan, or simply aiming to eat healthier.

Nutritional Breakdown of Red Bell Peppers

When examining red pepper nutrition facts, it's essential to consider the complete nutritional profile beyond just calories. Red bell peppers deliver impressive nutritional value relative to their caloric content, making them a powerhouse of essential nutrients.

Nutrient	Amount per Medium Pepper (119g)	% Daily Value
Calories	37	2%
Total Fat	0.3g	0%
Carbohydrates	9g	3%
Dietary Fiber	2.5g	9%
Sugar	5.2g	n/a
Protein	1.2g	2%
Vitamin C	142mg	158%
Vitamin A	157mcg	17%
Vitamin B6	0.3mg	18%
Vitamin K	5.9mcg	5%

Understanding Serving Sizes and Calorie Variations

When tracking calories for red pepper consumption, serving size matters significantly. Many people wonder about red bell pepper calorie count per serving, so let's break it down:

• 1 cup chopped raw red pepper (150g): 46 calories
• 100g raw red pepper: 31 calories
• 1 whole medium pepper (119g): 37 calories
• 1/2 cup roasted red peppers: 19 calories
• 1/4 cup roasted red peppers: 10 calories

The preparation method affects the calorie density. Roasting red peppers concentrates flavors but doesn't significantly alter the calorie content since no additional ingredients are typically added. However, when red peppers are cooked with oils or other ingredients, the calorie count increases accordingly.

Red Peppers Compared to Other Bell Pepper Varieties

Many people curious about calories in red peppers also wonder how they compare to other bell pepper colors. The calorie differences between varieties are minimal, but nutritional profiles vary:

• Green bell peppers: Slightly fewer calories (30 per medium pepper) but significantly less vitamin C and beta-carotene than red peppers
• Yellow bell peppers: Approximately 34 calories per medium pepper with vitamin content between green and red varieties
• Orange bell peppers: About 36 calories per medium pepper with nutritional profile similar to red peppers

Red bell peppers contain nearly 11 times more beta-carotene than green peppers and almost double the vitamin C content. This makes red peppers not only comparable in calories for red pepper considerations but nutritionally superior to their less ripe counterparts.

Health Benefits of Low-Calorie Red Peppers

The exceptional calorie-to-nutrient ratio of red bell peppers makes them ideal for various dietary approaches. When considering red pepper calories for weight loss, their high water content (92%) and fiber contribute to satiety while keeping calorie counts low.

Research shows that incorporating low-calorie, nutrient-dense vegetables like red peppers can support healthy weight management. The capsaicinoids present in peppers (though less concentrated than in hot peppers) may provide mild metabolic benefits.

For those following specific dietary patterns:

• Keto diets: Red peppers contain approximately 6g net carbs per medium pepper, fitting within moderate keto guidelines
• Mediterranean diets: Perfectly aligned with this eating pattern's emphasis on vegetables
• Diabetes management: Low glycemic index (approximately 15) makes them suitable for blood sugar control

Practical Ways to Include Red Peppers in Your Diet

Knowing the exact calories in a medium red bell pepper helps you incorporate them strategically into meals. Here are practical, calorie-conscious ways to enjoy red peppers:

• Add sliced raw peppers to salads for crunch and vitamin C boost without significant calorie addition
• Stuff medium red peppers with lean protein and vegetables for a complete, visually appealing meal
• Create roasted red pepper hummus for a flavorful, low-calorie dip (approximately 50 calories per 2-tablespoon serving)
• Add chopped peppers to omelets for color and nutrition (adds only about 10 calories per 1/4 cup)
• Blend roasted red peppers into soups for natural sweetness and thickness without heavy cream

When tracking your intake of red pepper nutrition facts, remember that preparation methods affect the final calorie count. Raw peppers maintain their natural low-calorie profile, while adding oils, cheeses, or sauces will increase the overall calorie content.

Common Misconceptions About Red Pepper Calories

Several myths persist about red bell pepper calories that deserve clarification:

• Myth: Red peppers have more sugar and therefore more calories than green peppers
  Fact: While red peppers do contain slightly more natural sugars (5.2g vs 4.2g in green), the calorie difference is negligible (37 vs 30 calories)
• Myth: Cooking red peppers significantly increases their calorie content
  Fact: Basic cooking methods like roasting or grilling don't add calories unless oils or other ingredients are used
• Myth: The seeds and white membranes significantly increase calorie count
  Fact: Removing seeds reduces calories by only about 2-3 per pepper, not worth the effort for most people

FAQ Section

How many calories are in a whole red bell pepper?

A medium whole red bell pepper (approximately 119 grams) contains 37 calories. This serving provides substantial nutritional value with minimal caloric impact, making it an excellent choice for those monitoring their calorie intake.

Do roasted red peppers have the same calories as raw?

Yes, roasting red peppers doesn't significantly change their calorie content as long as no additional oils or ingredients are used. A medium roasted red pepper still contains approximately 37 calories. However, if oil is added during roasting, the calorie count will increase based on the amount of oil used.

Are red peppers good for weight loss considering their calorie content?

Absolutely. With only 37 calories per medium pepper and high water and fiber content, red peppers create a feeling of fullness while contributing minimal calories. Their high nutrient density means you get substantial vitamins and antioxidants without caloric excess, making them ideal for weight management diets.

How do red pepper calories compare to other common vegetables?

Red peppers have slightly more calories than some vegetables but offer superior nutrient density. For comparison: a medium red pepper (37 calories) has more vitamin C than an orange, while containing fewer calories. They have similar calories to cucumbers (45 per cup) but provide significantly more vitamins and antioxidants than many other low-calorie vegetables.