Calories in Red Sweet Pepper: Complete Nutritional Facts

A medium red sweet pepper (approximately 119 grams) contains about 37 calories, making it an exceptionally low-calorie vegetable option. Per 100 grams, red sweet peppers provide roughly 31 calories, with carbohydrates comprising most of the macronutrient content while being virtually fat-free and low in protein.

Red sweet peppers stand out among vegetables for their impressive nutritional profile relative to their minimal calorie count. These vibrant vegetables consist of approximately 92% water, which explains their low energy density while providing significant volume and fiber to promote satiety. Understanding the complete nutritional picture helps contextualize why red sweet peppers are a staple in weight management and healthy eating plans.

Nutritional Breakdown of Red Sweet Peppers

Beyond their calorie content, red sweet peppers offer remarkable nutritional benefits that make them valuable additions to any diet. As bell peppers ripen from green to red, their nutrient composition changes significantly, resulting in higher concentrations of certain vitamins and antioxidants.

Nutrient	Per 100g	Medium Pepper (119g)	% Daily Value*
Calories	31 kcal	37 kcal	2%
Carbohydrates	6.2 g	7.4 g	2%
Dietary Fiber	2.1 g	2.5 g	9%
Vitamin C	128 mg	152 mg	169%
Vitamin A	3131 IU	3726 IU	124%
Vitamin B6	0.3 mg	0.4 mg	18%
Vitamin K	4.9 mcg	5.8 mcg	6%
Potassium	211 mg	251 mg	5%

*Percent Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet

Red vs. Other Colored Bell Peppers: Calorie Comparison

Many people wonder about the differences in calories in red bell pepper versus green. While the calorie differences are minimal, the nutritional profiles vary considerably. Red sweet peppers, being fully ripened, contain significantly higher levels of certain nutrients compared to their less mature counterparts.

A medium green bell pepper contains approximately 24 calories, slightly fewer than the 37 calories in a red pepper of the same size. This small difference primarily reflects the increased sugar content as peppers ripen and change color. The additional calories in red sweet peppers come with substantial nutritional benefits, particularly higher concentrations of beta-carotene, lycopene, and vitamin C.

Health Benefits Beyond Calorie Count

When considering are red bell peppers good for weight loss, the answer is decidedly yes. Their low calorie density combined with high water and fiber content makes them exceptionally satisfying without contributing significantly to daily caloric intake. The fiber content in red sweet peppers (approximately 2.5 grams per medium pepper) supports digestive health and helps maintain stable blood sugar levels.

The impressive vitamin C content—providing more than 150% of the daily recommended value in a single medium pepper—supports immune function and acts as a powerful antioxidant. Additionally, red sweet peppers contain carotenoids like lycopene and beta-carotene, which convert to vitamin A in the body and support eye health and immune function.

Practical Applications in Meal Planning

Understanding how many calories in raw red pepper helps when incorporating them into various dietary patterns. Whether following a Mediterranean diet, low-carb eating plan, or simply aiming to increase vegetable intake, red sweet peppers offer versatility and flavor without caloric penalty.

For those tracking carbs in red sweet pepper, it's worth noting that a medium pepper contains about 7.4 grams of carbohydrates, with 2.5 grams coming from fiber. This makes the net carb count approximately 4.9 grams, which fits well within most dietary frameworks. The natural sweetness of red peppers makes them particularly appealing for those reducing added sugars in their diet.

Chefs and home cooks appreciate red sweet peppers for their ability to add color, texture, and sweetness to dishes. They work well raw in salads, roasted as a side dish, stuffed with grains and proteins, or incorporated into sauces and salsas. Unlike some vegetables that significantly increase in calories when cooked with oils or fats, red sweet peppers maintain their low-calorie advantage even when prepared with minimal healthy fats to enhance nutrient absorption.

Maximizing Nutritional Value

To get the most from your red sweet peppers while maintaining their low-calorie advantage, consider these evidence-based tips:

• Eat them raw when possible to preserve maximum vitamin C content, which can degrade with heat exposure
• If cooking, use minimal oil—just enough to help absorb fat-soluble vitamins like A and K
• Pair with healthy fats like avocado or olive oil to enhance absorption of carotenoids
• Store properly in the refrigerator's crisper drawer to maintain freshness and nutrient density
• Choose deeply colored, firm peppers with smooth skin for optimal nutrient content

When calculating red bell pepper serving size for calories, remember that a standard serving is typically considered one medium pepper (about 119g) or approximately 37 calories. This serving provides substantial nutritional benefits without significantly impacting daily calorie goals, making red sweet peppers an excellent choice for those monitoring their intake.

How many calories are in half a red bell pepper?

Half of a medium red bell pepper (approximately 59.5 grams) contains about 18-19 calories. This makes it an excellent low-calorie option for snacks or as part of meals when monitoring calorie intake.

Are red sweet peppers suitable for a keto diet?

Yes, red sweet peppers can fit within a keto diet in moderation. A medium red pepper contains approximately 7.4 grams of total carbohydrates with 2.5 grams of fiber, resulting in about 4.9 grams of net carbs. Those following strict keto guidelines may need to monitor portion sizes, but they can be included as part of a well-planned low-carb eating pattern.

Do cooked red peppers have the same calorie count as raw?

The calorie content remains virtually identical whether red peppers are consumed raw or cooked. A medium cooked red pepper still contains approximately 37 calories. However, cooking methods that add oils or sauces will increase the overall calorie count of the prepared dish.

How do red bell peppers compare nutritionally to other common vegetables?

Red bell peppers outperform many common vegetables in vitamin C content, providing more than 150% of the daily value per medium pepper. They contain more vitamin A than green peppers and comparable fiber to many non-starchy vegetables. While slightly higher in natural sugars (and thus calories) than green peppers, they offer superior antioxidant profiles due to their ripeness.

Can eating red sweet peppers help with weight management?

Yes, red sweet peppers are excellent for weight management due to their low calorie density (only 31 calories per 100g), high water content (92%), and fiber content. They provide volume and satisfaction with minimal calories, helping to create a feeling of fullness without exceeding calorie goals. Their natural sweetness can also help satisfy sugar cravings in a healthy way.