Cherry Tomato Carbs: Facts & Nutrition Guide

One cup (149g) of cherry tomatoes contains approximately 5.3 grams of total carbohydrates, with 1.8 grams of dietary fiber yielding about 3.5 grams of net carbs. This makes them an excellent choice for low-carb and keto diets when consumed in reasonable portions.

Understanding the carbohydrate content of cherry tomatoes is essential for anyone managing their dietary intake, whether for weight loss, diabetes control, or following a specific eating plan like keto. These sweet little gems pack a nutritional punch while keeping carb counts impressively low compared to many other fruits.

Cherry Tomato Carb Breakdown: What the Numbers Mean

When evaluating "cherry tomato carbs," it's crucial to understand both total carbohydrates and net carbs. Net carbs (total carbs minus fiber) matter most for those tracking carbohydrate intake for metabolic health or specific diets.

According to the USDA FoodData Central database, the definitive source for nutritional information in the United States, here's the precise nutritional profile for raw cherry tomatoes:

Nutrient	Per 100g	Per 1 Cup (149g)
Total Carbohydrates	3.53g	5.26g
Dietary Fiber	1.2g	1.8g
Sugars	2.13g	3.17g
Net Carbs	2.33g	3.46g
Calories	18kcal	27kcal

This data comes directly from the USDA's National Nutrient Database for Standard Reference, the most authoritative source for food composition information in the United States (fdc.nal.usda.gov). The values represent raw, unprocessed cherry tomatoes without added ingredients.

How Cherry Tomatoes Compare to Other Tomato Varieties

Many people wonder how cherry tomatoes stack up against other tomato types when counting carbs. The good news is that cherry tomatoes generally have a similar carbohydrate profile to other fresh tomato varieties, though slight differences exist:

• Roma tomatoes: Slightly lower in carbs (3.3g total carbs per 100g) due to lower water content
• Beefsteak tomatoes: Nearly identical carb profile (3.5g total carbs per 100g)
• Tomato paste: Significantly higher in carbs (9.4g per 100g) due to water removal concentrating sugars
• Sun-dried tomatoes: Much higher in carbs (54.1g per 100g) due to dehydration process

The minor variations between fresh tomato varieties rarely impact dietary planning significantly. What matters most is portion size and whether you're tracking total or net carbs.

Cherry Tomatoes in Different Dietary Contexts

Understanding "cherry tomato carbs" becomes particularly valuable when considering specific dietary frameworks. Here's how they fit into various eating approaches:

Keto Diet Compatibility

The ketogenic diet typically restricts net carb intake to 20-50 grams daily. With just 3.5 grams of net carbs per cup, cherry tomatoes can easily fit within keto parameters. Most keto dieters can enjoy a full cup without disrupting ketosis, though those at the stricter end of the spectrum might limit to half-cup servings.

Diabetes Management

For individuals managing diabetes, cherry tomatoes offer a low-glycemic option with a glycemic index of approximately 15 and a glycemic load of just 1 per cup. The American Diabetes Association consistently lists tomatoes as a non-starchy vegetable that won't cause significant blood sugar spikes when consumed in typical portions.

Low-Carb Diets

On moderate low-carb diets (50-100g net carbs daily), cherry tomatoes present virtually no restriction concerns. Even on stricter low-carb protocols (20-50g net carbs), they remain a viable option with mindful portioning.

Practical Tips for Incorporating Cherry Tomatoes

Maximize the nutritional benefits of cherry tomatoes while managing carb intake with these practical strategies:

• Raw consumption: Enjoy them raw to preserve maximum fiber content, which lowers net carbs
• Portion awareness: Measure servings if strictly tracking carbs—149g (1 cup) is the standard reference amount
• Pair with fats: Combine with healthy fats like olive oil or avocado to slow sugar absorption and enhance nutrient uptake
• Avoid added sugars: Skip candied or marinated varieties which significantly increase carb counts
• Seasonal selection: Choose peak-season tomatoes for optimal flavor without needing added sweeteners

Common Misconceptions About Tomato Carbs

Several myths persist about tomato carbohydrates that deserve clarification:

Myth: All tomatoes are high in sugar
Reality: While tomatoes contain natural sugars, their overall carb content remains low. Cherry tomatoes contain just 2.13g of sugar per 100g—less than many vegetables considered "low sugar."

Myth: Cooking increases tomato carb content
Reality: Cooking doesn't add carbs, but water loss from cooking concentrates existing carbs. One cup of cooked cherry tomatoes will have slightly more carbs than one cup raw due to reduced volume.

Myth: Organic tomatoes have fewer carbs
Reality: Organic certification affects farming practices but doesn't alter the fundamental nutritional composition of tomatoes.

Maximizing Nutritional Value Beyond Carbs

While carb content matters for certain diets, cherry tomatoes offer impressive nutritional benefits beyond their carbohydrate profile:

• Rich in lycopene, an antioxidant with potential heart health benefits
• Excellent source of vitamin C (16% of daily value per cup)
• Contains vitamin K1, potassium, and folate
• Naturally low in calories while providing satisfying volume
• Contains beneficial plant compounds like beta-carotene and lutein

These additional nutrients make cherry tomatoes a nutritionally dense food choice that delivers significant health benefits beyond their favorable carb profile.

When Cherry Tomato Carbs Might Require Extra Attention

While generally suitable for most dietary approaches, certain situations warrant closer attention to cherry tomato carbohydrate content:

• Very strict keto protocols: Those maintaining under 20g net carbs daily should measure portions carefully
• Specific medical conditions: People with rare fructose malabsorption may need to moderate intake
• Pre-surgery protocols: Some medical procedures require extremely low-carb preparation
• Competitive bodybuilding: During extreme cutting phases, every gram of carb counts

For the vast majority of people, however, cherry tomatoes present minimal carb concerns while delivering significant nutritional value.

How many carbs are in 10 cherry tomatoes?

Ten average-sized cherry tomatoes (approximately 100g) contain about 3.5 grams of total carbohydrates, with 1.2 grams of fiber yielding 2.3 grams of net carbs.

Are cherry tomatoes keto-friendly?

Yes, cherry tomatoes are generally keto-friendly with only about 3.5 grams of net carbs per cup (149g). Most keto dieters can enjoy a full cup without disrupting ketosis, though those following very strict protocols may limit to half-cup servings.

Do cherry tomatoes have more sugar than regular tomatoes?

Cherry tomatoes typically have slightly higher sugar content than larger tomato varieties—about 2.13g per 100g compared to 2.0g in regular tomatoes—but the difference is minimal and unlikely to impact most dietary plans.

How do I calculate net carbs in cherry tomatoes?

To calculate net carbs in cherry tomatoes, subtract the fiber content from total carbohydrates. For example, 100g of cherry tomatoes has 3.53g total carbs minus 1.2g fiber = 2.33g net carbs. Most people following low-carb diets track net carbs rather than total carbs.

Can diabetics eat cherry tomatoes freely?

Yes, diabetics can typically enjoy cherry tomatoes without concern. With a glycemic index of approximately 15 and a glycemic load of just 1 per cup, they have minimal impact on blood sugar levels when consumed in standard portions.