How Many Calories in a Tomato? Exact Numbers Revealed

A medium-sized raw tomato (148g) contains approximately 27 calories, according to the USDA FoodData Central database. This comprehensive guide breaks down tomato calories by size, variety, and preparation method with verified nutritional data.

Curious about how many calories a tomato contains? You're not alone. Millions search for this simple nutrition fact daily as they track their calorie intake or plan healthy meals. Whether you're counting calories for weight management, building balanced meal plans, or just satisfying your curiosity, this guide delivers precise, science-backed information you can trust.

Tomato Calorie Facts: What the Data Shows

Understanding tomato calories starts with recognizing serving sizes. The USDA's National Nutrient Database provides the most reliable figures for nutrition tracking:

Tomato Type	Weight	Calories
Medium raw tomato	148g	27 kcal
Cherry tomato (1)	17g	3 kcal
Roma tomato	123g	22 kcal
100g of raw tomato	100g	18 kcal

This data comes directly from the USDA FoodData Central, the gold standard for nutritional information in the United States. When tracking calories in tomatoes for weight loss, remember that preparation method affects the final count—raw tomatoes maintain their low-calorie profile, while cooked or processed versions may differ.

Why Tomato Calories Matter for Your Diet

Tomatoes aren't just low in calories—they're nutritional powerhouses. Understanding how many calories are in a tomato helps you make informed choices:

• Tomatoes are 95% water, making them exceptionally hydrating
• They provide 28% of your daily vitamin C in a single medium tomato
• Lycopene content increases when tomatoes are cooked
• Negligible fat content (0.3g per medium tomato)

For those tracking tomato calories for keto diet purposes, note that a medium tomato contains about 5g of carbohydrates, with 1.5g fiber, resulting in 3.5g net carbs—still keto-friendly in moderation.

Tomato Calorie Comparison: How They Stack Up

Putting tomato calories in context helps understand their place in a balanced diet. Compared to other common foods:

• 1 medium tomato (27 cal) vs. 1 medium apple (95 cal)
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes (27 cal) vs. 1 cup grapes (104 cal)
• 1 medium tomato (27 cal) vs. 1 medium banana (105 cal)

This significant difference explains why nutritionists often recommend how many calories in tomatoes for weight loss plans. Their high water and fiber content creates satiety with minimal calories—a winning combination for healthy eating.

Practical Uses for Calorie-Conscious Eating

Knowing exact calories in a tomato empowers you to use them strategically:

1. Volume eating: Add sliced tomatoes to meals to increase portion size without significant calorie increase
2. Healthy snacking: A cup of cherry tomatoes makes a 27-calorie snack rich in vitamins
3. Salad base: Create filling salads using tomatoes as the foundation instead of higher-calorie bases
4. Sauce alternative: Use fresh tomato salsa instead of higher-calorie dips and dressings

Registered dietitians frequently recommend including tomatoes in low calorie tomato recipes for weight loss due to their versatility and nutrient density. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) highlights tomatoes as part of their fruits and vegetables recommendations for maintaining a healthy weight.

Common Misconceptions About Tomato Calories

Several myths persist about tomato nutrition that deserve clarification:

• Myth: All tomato products have the same calorie count as fresh tomatoes
  • Fact: Tomato sauce (½ cup) contains about 50 calories, while ketchup (1 tbsp) has 15 calories—both higher per volume than raw tomatoes
• Myth: Organic tomatoes have fewer calories than conventional
  • Fact: Organic status doesn't affect calorie content—both contain approximately 18 calories per 100g
• Myth: Different colored tomatoes have significantly different calorie counts
  • Fact: Yellow, orange, and red tomatoes all contain similar calories—differences lie in vitamin composition, not energy content

These clarifications help ensure you're making decisions based on accurate information when considering how many calories are in different types of tomatoes.

Maximizing Tomato Benefits in Your Daily Diet

Now that you know how many calories in a medium tomato, here's how to incorporate them effectively:

• Start your day with tomato slices on whole-grain toast (under 100 calories total)
• Add cherry tomatoes to lunch salads for color, texture, and minimal calories
• Blend tomatoes into low-calorie gazpacho for a refreshing summer meal
• Use tomato-based sauces instead of cream-based options for pasta dishes
• Create tomato salsa as a flavorful, low-calorie topping for proteins

The American Heart Association recommends including tomatoes in heart-healthy diets due to their lycopene content and low sodium profile. Their healthy eating guidelines specifically highlight vegetables like tomatoes as essential components of balanced nutrition.

How many calories in a small tomato?

A small tomato (about 100g) contains approximately 18 calories according to USDA data. This makes small tomatoes an excellent low-calorie snack option.

Do tomatoes have zero calories?

No, tomatoes do contain calories, but they're very low. A medium tomato has about 27 calories. The myth that some vegetables have 'negative calories' isn't scientifically supported.

Are tomatoes good for weight loss?

Yes, tomatoes are excellent for weight loss due to their low calorie count (27 calories for medium tomato), high water content (95%), and fiber. They help create feelings of fullness while providing essential nutrients.

How many calories in cherry tomatoes?

One cherry tomato (about 17g) contains approximately 3 calories. A cup of cherry tomatoes (149g) has about 27 calories, making them a perfect low-calorie snack option.

Does cooking tomatoes change their calorie count?

Cooking concentrates tomato calories slightly by removing water. One cup of cooked tomatoes has about 50 calories compared to 32 calories for raw. However, cooking increases lycopene availability, enhancing nutritional benefits.