Large Tomato Calories: Exact Count & Nutritional Facts

A large tomato (approximately 182 grams) contains just 33 calories, making it an exceptionally low-calorie food choice that's perfect for weight management and healthy eating plans.

Understanding the precise nutritional value of everyday foods helps you make informed dietary choices without unnecessary guesswork. Whether you're tracking calories for weight management, building balanced meals, or simply curious about what's on your plate, knowing exactly what you're consuming matters.

Nutritional Breakdown of a Large Tomato

According to the USDA FoodData Central database, a large raw tomato weighing approximately 182 grams provides:

Nutrient	Amount	% Daily Value*
Calories	33	2%
Total Fat	0.4g	1%
Carbohydrates	7.1g	3%
Dietary Fiber	2.2g	8%
Sugars	4.8g	-
Protein	1.6g	3%
Vitamin C	23.6mg	26%
Vitamin A	833IU	17%
Potassium	438mg	9%

*Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

This nutritional profile comes directly from the USDA FoodData Central, the most authoritative source for food composition information in the United States. The database compiles information from laboratory analyses of food samples, providing reliable data you can trust for meal planning and nutritional tracking.

How Tomato Size Affects Calorie Count

"Large" is a relative term when discussing tomatoes, which creates important context boundaries for accurate calorie counting:

• Large tomato (182g): 33 calories
• Medium tomato (148g): 27 calories
• Small tomato (100g): 18 calories
• Roma tomato (140g): 25 calories
• Cherry tomato (5g each): 1 calorie per tomato

These measurements follow the USDA's standardized portion sizes used in nutritional labeling. When tracking calories, using a kitchen scale provides the most accurate measurement since tomato sizes can vary significantly even within the same "large" category at your grocery store.

Tomatoes in Your Daily Nutrition Plan

With only 33 calories, a large tomato represents less than 2% of a standard 2,000-calorie daily intake. This makes tomatoes an excellent choice for:

• Weight management programs where calorie density matters
• Diabetes-friendly meal planning due to low sugar content
• Hydration support (tomatoes are 95% water)
• Adding volume to meals without significant calorie cost

Nutrition researchers have documented tomatoes' nutritional value for decades. The first comprehensive nutritional analysis of tomatoes appeared in USDA Bulletin 64 in 1915, with increasingly precise measurements emerging as analytical techniques improved. Modern laboratory methods now provide the exact calorie counts we rely on today for accurate dietary tracking.

Health Benefits Beyond Calories

While the low calorie count makes tomatoes appealing for weight-conscious eaters, their nutritional value extends far beyond just being low-calorie:

• Lycopene powerhouse - This antioxidant gives tomatoes their red color and may reduce risk of heart disease
• Vitamin C boost - One large tomato provides over a quarter of your daily vitamin C needs
• Hydration support - High water content helps maintain fluid balance
• Fiber source - Contributes to digestive health and satiety

Research published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition shows that lycopene absorption increases when tomatoes are cooked or processed, making tomato sauce and paste excellent sources of this beneficial compound despite having slightly higher calorie density than raw tomatoes.

Practical Ways to Enjoy Tomatoes Without Calorie Anxiety

Knowing that a large tomato contains just 33 calories opens up numerous guilt-free culinary possibilities:

• Add sliced tomatoes to sandwiches instead of high-calorie spreads
• Create refreshing tomato salads with minimal dressing
• Blend into low-calorie sauces and salsas
• Enjoy as a satisfying snack between meals
• Use as a pizza topping to increase vegetable content

Dietitians consistently recommend tomatoes as part of balanced eating patterns like the Mediterranean diet, which has been associated with numerous health benefits including reduced risk of cardiovascular disease.

Common Questions About Tomato Calories

Many people have specific questions about incorporating tomatoes into their diet while managing calorie intake:

Do different colored tomatoes have different calorie counts?

Calorie content remains remarkably consistent across tomato varieties. Whether red, yellow, orange, or purple, a large tomato (182g) typically contains 33 calories. Color variations primarily affect antioxidant profiles rather than caloric value.

How do cooking methods affect tomato calories?

Raw tomatoes contain 33 calories per large fruit. Cooking concentrates flavors and may slightly increase calories per volume as water evaporates, but the actual caloric change is minimal. A cup of tomato sauce (249g) contains about 74 calories, while sun-dried tomatoes (40g) contain approximately 120 calories due to water removal.

Are tomato seeds and skin included in the calorie count?

Yes, standard nutritional values for tomatoes include both the flesh and seeds. The skin contains valuable fiber and nutrients, so nutritionists recommend consuming tomatoes with skin intact for maximum nutritional benefit without significant calorie increase.

How accurate are tomato calorie counts on restaurant menus?

Restaurant tomato portions can vary significantly from standard measurements. A 'large tomato' on a menu might range from 150-250g, creating potential calorie variations from 27-45 calories. For precise tracking, weighing tomatoes at home provides the most accurate measurement.