Do Tomatoes Have Carbs? Complete Nutritional Facts

Yes, tomatoes contain carbohydrates—but in moderate amounts that make them suitable for most diets. A medium-sized raw tomato (123g) contains approximately 5.8 grams of total carbs, with 1.5 grams coming from fiber and 3.9 grams from natural sugars, according to USDA FoodData Central. This places tomatoes firmly in the low-carb vegetable category.

Understanding Tomato Carbohydrates: What You Really Need to Know

When you're monitoring your carbohydrate intake for health reasons or dietary preferences, knowing exactly what's in your food matters. Tomatoes often spark confusion because they're technically a fruit but used as a vegetable in cooking. Let's clear up the facts so you can make informed choices about including tomatoes in your meal plan.

Tomato Carb Content by the Numbers

Tomatoes are among the lowest-carb fruits you can eat, which explains why they're welcome in many dietary approaches. The carbohydrate composition varies slightly depending on the tomato variety and preparation method:

Tomato Type	Per 100g	Medium Tomato (123g)	Carb Breakdown
Raw Red Tomato	3.9g total carbs	5.8g total carbs	2.6g sugars, 1.2g fiber
Cherry Tomatoes	5.8g total carbs	4.5g total carbs (78g)	3.2g sugars, 1.2g fiber
Cooked Tomatoes	5.1g total carbs	7.6g total carbs (150g)	3.9g sugars, 1.7g fiber
Tomato Sauce (no sugar added)	5.8g total carbs	8.7g total carbs (150g)	4.3g sugars, 1.8g fiber

This comparison shows why whole, raw tomatoes are your best option when minimizing carbs. Cooking concentrates the natural sugars as water evaporates, slightly increasing the carb density per serving.

How Tomatoes Fit Into Different Dietary Approaches

Understanding the practical implications of tomato carbs helps you make smarter food choices. Here's how tomatoes function within common eating patterns:

For Low-Carb and Keto Diets

Most keto diets limit net carbs (total carbs minus fiber) to 20-50g daily. With just 2.7g net carbs per medium tomato, they're keto-friendly in moderation. The fiber content helps offset the sugar impact, making tomatoes a valuable source of nutrients without significantly affecting ketosis.

For Diabetes Management

Tomatoes have a low glycemic index (GI) of 15 and glycemic load (GL) of 3 per medium tomato, according to the American Diabetes Association. This means they cause minimal blood sugar spikes compared to higher-carb foods. The American Diabetes Association specifically recommends tomatoes as a non-starchy vegetable choice for people managing diabetes.

For Weight Management

With only 22 calories per medium tomato and high water content (95%), tomatoes provide volume and satisfaction with minimal calories. The fiber content promotes feelings of fullness, which can help with portion control throughout the day.

Common Misconceptions About Tomato Carbohydrates

Several myths persist about tomatoes and carbs that deserve clarification:

• "Tomatoes are high in sugar because they're sweet": While tomatoes contain natural sugars (primarily glucose and fructose), the amount is modest compared to most fruits. A medium tomato has less sugar than a single strawberry.
• "All tomato products have the same carb content": Processed tomato products vary significantly. Tomato paste (19g carbs per 100g) and ketchup (24g carbs per 100g with added sugar) contain substantially more carbs than fresh tomatoes.
• "Tomato carbs will kick you out of ketosis": One medium tomato represents only about 5-10% of a strict keto daily carb allowance, making it compatible with most low-carb approaches when consumed in reasonable portions.

Maximizing Tomato Nutrition While Managing Carbs

To get the most nutritional benefit from tomatoes while keeping carb intake in check:

• Eat them raw when possible: Raw tomatoes have slightly fewer net carbs than cooked versions
• Pair with healthy fats: Combining tomatoes with olive oil or avocado enhances absorption of fat-soluble nutrients like lycopene
• Watch portion sizes with processed products: Tomato sauce and paste concentrate the natural sugars, so measure servings carefully
• Choose seasonal varieties: In-season tomatoes typically have better flavor balance with less perceived sweetness

When Tomato Carbs Might Require Extra Attention

While tomatoes work for most dietary approaches, certain situations warrant closer monitoring:

• Very strict keto protocols: Some therapeutic keto diets for medical conditions limit net carbs to 20g daily. In these cases, track tomato consumption as part of your total carb budget.
• Specific digestive conditions: People with FODMAP sensitivity may need to limit tomatoes during elimination phases, though they're generally considered low-FODMAP in moderate portions (6-8 cherry tomatoes or 1 medium tomato).
• Medication interactions: While not directly related to carbs, note that tomatoes' vitamin K content may interact with blood thinners—consult your healthcare provider if you consume large quantities regularly.

For most people, however, tomatoes' carb content presents no concern and delivers significant nutritional benefits including vitamin C, potassium, and lycopene—a powerful antioxidant associated with reduced risk of heart disease and certain cancers.

Practical Serving Suggestions for Carb-Conscious Eating

Here are realistic ways to enjoy tomatoes while managing your carb intake:

• Breakfast: Add 3-4 cherry tomatoes (2g net carbs) to your morning omelet
• Lunch: Include 5-6 thin tomato slices (1.5g net carbs) in your salad or sandwich
• Dinner: Roast 3-4 small tomatoes (3g net carbs) with herbs as a side dish
• Snack: Enjoy 1 medium tomato (2.7g net carbs) with a sprinkle of sea salt

These portions keep tomato carbs well within most dietary frameworks while adding flavor, texture, and valuable nutrients to your meals.

Are tomatoes considered high-carb foods?

No, tomatoes are considered low-carb foods. A medium raw tomato contains only about 5.8g total carbs with 1.5g fiber, resulting in just 4.3g net carbs. This places them among the lowest-carb fruit options available.

Can I eat tomatoes on a keto diet?

Yes, tomatoes can fit within a keto diet in moderation. One medium tomato contains approximately 2.7g net carbs, which represents only about 5-13% of a typical keto daily carb limit of 20-50g net carbs. Stick to one medium tomato or a small handful of cherry tomatoes per serving.

Do tomatoes raise blood sugar levels significantly?

Tomatoes have minimal impact on blood sugar due to their low glycemic index (15) and glycemic load (3 per medium tomato). The American Diabetes Association classifies tomatoes as a non-starchy vegetable and recommends them as part of a diabetes-friendly diet.

Which tomato products have the highest carb content?

Processed tomato products generally have higher carb concentrations than fresh tomatoes. Tomato paste contains about 19g carbs per 100g, ketchup has approximately 24g carbs per 100g (with added sugar), and sun-dried tomatoes contain around 60g carbs per 100g due to water removal concentrating the natural sugars.

How many tomatoes can I eat daily while managing carb intake?

For most moderate low-carb diets, 2-3 medium tomatoes daily is reasonable. For stricter low-carb approaches (under 50g net carbs daily), limit to 1-2 medium tomatoes. Always consider tomatoes as part of your total daily carb budget rather than in isolation.