Small Tomato Calories: Exact Count Per Serving (2024 Data)

One small cherry or grape tomato (about 17g) contains approximately 3 calories, while a standard 1-cup serving (149g) provides just 27 calories with zero fat and 1.2g of natural sugar.

Understanding the precise nutritional value of small tomatoes helps you make informed choices for healthy eating. Whether you're managing calorie intake, following a specific diet, or simply curious about this popular snack, knowing exactly what's in these bite-sized fruits matters for your nutritional planning.

Small Tomato Nutrition: Complete Breakdown

Small tomatoes—including cherry, grape, and cocktail varieties—pack impressive nutrition into their tiny packages. According to the USDA's FoodData Central database, here's exactly what you get in a standard serving:

Nutrient	Per 100g	Per 1 Cup (149g)	Per Single Tomato (17g)
Calories	18 kcal	27 kcal	3 kcal
Total Carbohydrates	3.9g	5.8g	0.7g
Dietary Fiber	1.2g	1.8g	0.2g
Natural Sugars	2.5g	3.7g	0.4g
Protein	0.9g	1.3g	0.15g
Vitamin C	15mg (25% DV)	22mg (37% DV)	2.5mg (4% DV)
Lycopene	2573μg	3834μg	437μg

This nutritional profile makes small tomatoes an excellent choice for calorie-conscious eating. Their high water content (94.5%) and fiber contribute to satiety without adding significant calories—perfect for snacking or enhancing meals without derailing your nutritional goals.

How Serving Size Affects Your Calorie Count

Understanding portion sizes is crucial when tracking calories from small tomatoes. Unlike larger produce where a "serving" is more intuitive, the bite-sized nature of cherry and grape tomatoes means it's easy to consume more than you realize.

Research from the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health shows that people often underestimate portions of small, snackable items by 30-50%. For accurate tracking:

• A standard serving equals approximately 8-10 cherry tomatoes (149g)
• Grape tomatoes run slightly smaller—aim for 12-15 per serving
• When snacking directly from the container, use a small bowl rather than eating from the package

Small Tomatoes vs. Regular Tomatoes: Nutritional Comparison

Many wonder if smaller tomato varieties differ nutritionally from standard globe tomatoes. The Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry published research showing key differences:

• Sugar content: Small tomatoes contain about 25% more natural sugars than regular tomatoes, contributing to their sweeter taste
• Lycopene levels: Cherry tomatoes provide up to 20% more lycopene—the antioxidant responsible for tomatoes' red color and health benefits
• Vitamin C: Both varieties offer similar vitamin C content by weight, but you consume more tomatoes per bite with smaller varieties
• Fiber density: Small tomatoes have slightly higher fiber content per gram due to their thicker skins

Health Benefits Beyond Calories

The value of small tomatoes extends far beyond their low-calorie count. Their nutritional composition delivers several science-backed health advantages:

Antioxidant Powerhouse

Small tomatoes contain higher concentrations of lycopene than larger varieties. According to a CDC analysis, lycopene absorption increases when tomatoes are consumed with healthy fats, making them perfect for salads with olive oil dressing.

Blood Sugar Management

With a glycemic load of just 1 per serving, small tomatoes won't cause blood sugar spikes. The American Diabetes Association recommends them as a "free food" for people managing diabetes due to their minimal impact on glucose levels.

Hydration Support

At 94.5% water content, small tomatoes contribute to daily hydration needs. Registered dietitians often recommend them as part of hydration strategies, especially for people who struggle to drink enough water.

Practical Ways to Enjoy Small Tomatoes

Incorporating small tomatoes into your diet doesn't require complicated recipes. These practical approaches maximize their nutritional benefits while keeping meals interesting:

Smart Snacking Strategies

• Pair 10 cherry tomatoes with 1 oz of mozzarella for a complete protein snack (70 calories total)
• Freeze grape tomatoes for a refreshing, hydrating snack on hot days
• Create tomato "cups" by removing centers and filling with hummus or tuna salad

Meal Enhancement Techniques

• Add to omelets during the last minute of cooking to preserve nutrients
• Toss with balsamic vinegar and fresh basil for a 30-second side dish
• Roast at high heat (425°F) for 15 minutes to concentrate flavors without adding calories

Common Misconceptions Clarified

Several myths persist about small tomato nutrition that deserve clarification:

• "All tomatoes have the same calorie count" - False. Smaller varieties contain slightly more sugar per gram, making them marginally higher in calories by weight (though still extremely low)
• "Organic tomatoes have fewer calories" - Incorrect. Organic status affects farming methods but not the fundamental nutritional composition
• "Cooking destroys all nutritional value" - Misleading. While vitamin C decreases with heat, lycopene becomes more bioavailable—roasted small tomatoes actually provide more antioxidant benefits

Seasonal Availability and Nutritional Impact

The nutritional profile of small tomatoes varies slightly by season. Research from the US Department of Agriculture shows:

• Summer harvest: Highest lycopene content (up to 30% more than winter-grown)
• Winter greenhouse: Slightly higher water content but comparable vitamin levels
• Frozen options: Nutritionally similar to fresh when flash-frozen at peak ripeness

For maximum nutritional benefit, choose deeply colored, firm tomatoes regardless of season. The deeper the red hue, the higher the lycopene concentration.

How many calories in 5 small tomatoes?

Five small cherry or grape tomatoes (approximately 85g) contain about 15 calories. Each individual small tomato provides roughly 3 calories, making them an excellent low-calorie snack option.

Are small tomatoes good for weight loss?

Yes, small tomatoes are excellent for weight loss diets. With only 27 calories per cup and high water and fiber content, they create satiety without significant calories. Their natural sweetness can also satisfy sugar cravings healthily.

Do grape tomatoes have fewer calories than cherry tomatoes?

No, both varieties have nearly identical calorie counts. Grape tomatoes are slightly smaller and more oblong with marginally less water content, but the difference is negligible—both provide approximately 3 calories per piece and 27 calories per cup.

Can I eat unlimited small tomatoes on a calorie-restricted diet?

While small tomatoes are very low calorie, consuming excessive amounts could still impact your daily intake. A reasonable portion is 1-2 cups daily. Though unlikely to cause weight gain, extremely high consumption might lead to digestive discomfort due to their fiber content.

Does roasting small tomatoes increase their calorie count?

Roasting concentrates flavors but doesn't significantly change calorie content. A cup of roasted small tomatoes still contains approximately 27 calories. However, adding oil during roasting will increase the calorie count based on the amount used.