Tomato Slice Calories: Exact Count Per Slice (Verified Data)

A single medium tomato slice (approximately 1/8 inch thick) contains just 3-5 calories, making it an exceptionally low-calorie addition to meals. This precise nutritional information comes directly from USDA FoodData Central, the authoritative source for food composition data in the United States.

Understanding Tomato Slice Nutrition: More Than Just Calories

When tracking your daily calorie intake, knowing the exact nutritional value of common ingredients like tomato slices matters. Many people assume all vegetables have similar calorie counts, but understanding the specifics helps with accurate meal planning. Let's explore what makes tomato slices such a smart choice for health-conscious eaters.

What Determines the Calorie Count in a Tomato Slice?

The exact calorie count in a tomato slice depends on several factors that many nutrition trackers overlook:

• Tomato variety - Roma, beefsteak, and cherry tomatoes have slightly different densities
• Slice thickness - A 1/4 inch slice contains nearly double the calories of a 1/8 inch slice
• Preparation method - Raw slices maintain minimal calories while grilled or sautéed may absorb oils
• Moisture content - Riper tomatoes have slightly higher sugar content

Tomato Type	Average Slice Weight	Calories per Slice	Carbohydrates
Medium Beefsteak (1/8" slice)	15g	3	0.7g
Roma (1/8" slice)	12g	2	0.5g
Cherry Tomato (halved)	7g	1	0.3g

This nutritional data comes directly from USDA FoodData Central, the official U.S. government database for food composition. The measurements reflect raw tomatoes without added ingredients, which is crucial for accurate dietary tracking.

Why Tomato Slices Are Nutrition Powerhouses

While the calorie count is impressively low, tomato slices offer significant nutritional benefits beyond just energy content. Each slice delivers valuable nutrients that contribute to overall health:

• Vitamin C - One medium slice provides about 3% of your daily requirement
• Lycopene - The red pigment with powerful antioxidant properties
• Potassium - Essential for proper cellular function
• Hydration - Tomatoes are 95% water, helping with daily fluid intake

Practical Applications for Daily Nutrition Tracking

Understanding how tomato slices fit into your overall dietary pattern makes this information truly valuable. Here's how to apply these numbers in real-world scenarios:

For Weight Management

Add 5-6 tomato slices to sandwiches or burgers without significantly increasing calorie count. This adds volume and nutrients while keeping meals under 20 additional calories. The high water content creates satiety without excess energy intake.

Meal Planning Precision

When following structured diet plans like Mediterranean or DASH diets, knowing exact tomato slice calories helps maintain proper macronutrient balance. For example, adding tomato slices to a 300-calorie salad increases volume by 20% with less than 15 additional calories.

Portion Awareness

Many restaurant salads contain 8-10 tomato slices without listing specific quantities. Being aware that each slice contributes 3-5 calories helps make informed choices when dining out or reviewing nutrition labels.

Common Misconceptions About Tomato Calories

Nutrition information online often contains inaccuracies that can derail careful tracking. Let's clarify some frequent misunderstandings:

• "All tomatoes have the same calorie count" - Different varieties have varying densities and sugar content
• "Cooked tomatoes have fewer calories" - Cooking concentrates sugars slightly, though the difference is minimal for plain preparation
• "Organic tomatoes have fewer calories" - Growing method doesn't affect basic nutritional composition

According to research published in the Journal of Food Composition and Analysis, the calorie variance between common tomato varieties remains under 10%, making the 3-5 calorie range accurate for most standard slices.

Maximizing Tomato Nutrition in Your Diet

To get the most nutritional benefit from tomato slices while maintaining accurate calorie tracking:

• Pair with healthy fats like olive oil to increase lycopene absorption
• Add to meals at the end of preparation to preserve vitamin C content
• Use as a low-calorie replacement for higher-calorie sandwich components
• Track slices by weight when possible for most precise counting

How many calories are in one slice of tomato?

A single medium tomato slice (approximately 1/8 inch thick) contains 3-5 calories, based on USDA FoodData Central measurements.

Do different tomato varieties have different calorie counts?

Yes, different varieties have slight variations. Roma tomato slices contain about 2 calories per slice, while beefsteak slices contain 3-5 calories. The difference comes from density and water content variations between types.

Does cooking tomatoes change their calorie content?

Cooking tomatoes without added ingredients causes minimal calorie change. However, grilling or sautéing with oil significantly increases calories from the added fat, not from the tomatoes themselves.

How can I accurately track tomato slice calories?

For precise tracking, weigh your tomato slices. A standard medium slice weighs 12-15g and contains 2-3 calories per 10g. Kitchen scales provide more accuracy than visual estimation for strict calorie counting.