Calories in 1 Tomato: Exact Count Revealed (2025 Data)

One medium-sized tomato (approximately 123g) contains just 22 calories, making it an excellent low-calorie addition to any diet. This precise nutritional information comes directly from the USDA FoodData Central database, the most authoritative source for food nutrition facts in the United States.

Understanding the exact calorie content of everyday foods is essential for effective nutrition tracking. Whether you're managing your weight, following a specific diet plan, or simply curious about what you're eating, knowing the precise caloric value of common ingredients like tomatoes helps you make informed dietary choices without unnecessary guesswork.

Tomato Size Variations and Calorie Counts

Not all tomatoes are created equal when it comes to size and, consequently, calorie content. The "medium tomato" referenced in nutritional databases typically weighs about 123 grams, but tomatoes come in many varieties and sizes. Here's how calorie counts change based on tomato size:

Tomato Type	Average Weight	Calorie Count
Cherry tomato (1 piece)	12g	2 calories
Roma tomato (1 medium)	110g	20 calories
Globe/Beefsteak (1 medium)	148g	27 calories
Tomato, sliced (1 cup)	180g	32 calories

This data comes directly from the USDA FoodData Central, which maintains the most comprehensive and scientifically verified nutritional database available to the public. The values represent raw tomatoes without any added ingredients.

Why Tomato Calorie Information Matters for Your Diet

Tomatoes rank among the most versatile low-calorie foods you can incorporate into your daily meals. Their naturally low energy density means you can enjoy generous portions while keeping calorie intake in check. This characteristic makes tomatoes particularly valuable for individuals following calorie-controlled diets or those seeking nutrient-dense food options.

When tracking calories for weight management, precise measurements matter. Many people underestimate portion sizes, which can lead to inaccurate calorie counting. Using a kitchen scale to measure tomatoes provides the most accurate calorie calculation, especially when following strict dietary guidelines.

Complete Nutritional Profile of Tomatoes

While calories provide important information for energy tracking, tomatoes offer significant nutritional value beyond their low-calorie count. One medium tomato delivers:

• Vitamin C: Approximately 28% of your daily recommended intake
• Vitamin A: About 20% of your daily needs in the form of beta-carotene
• Potassium: 9% of the daily value, important for heart health
• Lycopene: A powerful antioxidant associated with numerous health benefits
• Fiber: 1.5 grams, supporting digestive health

According to research published in the Journal of Food Science and Technology, tomatoes contain minimal fat (0.2g per medium tomato) and carbohydrates (4.8g), with natural sugars comprising about 2.8g of that total. This nutritional composition makes tomatoes an excellent choice for various dietary approaches including Mediterranean, DASH, and plant-based eating patterns.

Practical Tips for Accurate Calorie Tracking with Tomatoes

When incorporating tomatoes into your meal planning, consider these practical strategies for precise calorie management:

1. Use a kitchen scale for the most accurate measurement, especially with irregularly shaped tomatoes
2. Understand preparation impact - cooking methods can concentrate flavors but don't significantly alter calorie content
3. Account for added ingredients - while tomatoes themselves are low-calorie, dressings, oils, and other additions substantially increase the total
4. Track varieties separately - different tomato types have slightly different nutritional profiles

Registered dietitians often recommend including tomatoes in weight management plans because their high water content (95%) and fiber contribute to feelings of fullness without adding significant calories. This satiety effect can help reduce overall calorie intake throughout the day.

Common Misconceptions About Tomato Calories

Several myths persist about tomato nutrition that can lead to inaccurate calorie tracking:

• "All tomatoes have the same calorie count" - Different varieties and sizes contain varying amounts of calories
• "Cooking tomatoes increases their calories" - The cooking process concentrates flavors but doesn't add calories (though added oils or sugars do)
• "Tomato products like sauce have the same calories as fresh tomatoes" - Processing often adds ingredients that increase calorie density

When using tomato products rather than fresh tomatoes, always check the nutrition label as processing methods and added ingredients significantly affect the final calorie count. For example, a half-cup of tomato sauce typically contains 45-60 calories, while the same volume of fresh tomatoes would contain only about 16 calories.

Tomatoes in Popular Diet Frameworks

Tomatoes feature prominently in many evidence-based dietary approaches due to their favorable nutritional profile:

• Mediterranean Diet: Tomatoes form the base of many traditional dishes, contributing flavor without excess calories
• DASH Diet: Recommended for blood pressure management due to high potassium and low sodium content
• Weight Watchers: Classified as a "zero-point food" in many plans due to minimal caloric impact
• Diabetes Management: Low glycemic index (15) makes them suitable for blood sugar control

The American Heart Association recognizes tomatoes as heart-healthy foods due to their lycopene content and potassium levels. Their naturally low sodium content (only 6mg per medium tomato) further enhances their cardiovascular benefits.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many calories are in a large tomato?

A large tomato (approximately 182g) contains about 33 calories according to USDA nutritional data. The exact count varies slightly based on the specific variety and growing conditions.

Do different colored tomatoes have different calorie counts?

No, the calorie content remains relatively consistent across different tomato colors (red, yellow, orange). The primary nutritional differences involve varying levels of specific carotenoids and antioxidants, not significant changes in caloric value.

Are tomato seeds high in calories?

Tomato seeds contain minimal calories. The entire tomato, including seeds and gel, contributes to the total calorie count. Removing seeds doesn't significantly reduce the overall calorie content of the tomato.

How does the calorie content of tomatoes compare to other common vegetables?

Tomatoes are among the lowest-calorie vegetables. A medium tomato (22 calories) contains fewer calories than a medium carrot (25 calories) or a medium bell pepper (24 calories), but slightly more than celery (10 calories for 40g). Their advantage lies in providing substantial volume and nutrients for minimal calories.