Green Bell Pepper Calories: 24 Per Medium Pepper (Exact Count)

A medium-sized raw green bell pepper (approximately 119 grams) contains about 24 calories. This makes green bell peppers an excellent low-calorie vegetable option for those monitoring their daily caloric intake while seeking nutrient-dense food choices.

Understanding the precise nutritional profile of green bell peppers helps health-conscious individuals make informed dietary decisions. Whether you're following a specific meal plan, managing weight, or simply aiming to incorporate more vegetables into your diet, knowing the exact calorie count and nutritional composition is essential.

Nutritional Breakdown of Green Bell Peppers

Green bell peppers offer more than just low calories—they're packed with essential vitamins and minerals. Here's a detailed nutritional profile for a medium raw green bell pepper (119g):

Nutrient	Amount	% Daily Value*
Calories	24	1%
Total Fat	0.2g	0%
Carbohydrates	5.8g	2%
Dietary Fiber	2.5g	9%
Sugars	3.2g	n/a
Protein	1.2g	2%
Vitamin C	95mg	106%
Vitamin A	313IU	6%
Vitamin B6	0.3mg	15%
Vitamin K	8.3mcg	7%
Potassium	260mg	7%

*Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Green Bell Pepper Calorie Variations

The exact calorie count in green bell peppers can vary slightly based on size and growing conditions. Here's how different measurements translate to calories:

• Per 100 grams: Approximately 20 calories
• Small pepper (74g): About 15 calories
• Medium pepper (119g): Approximately 24 calories
• Large pepper (186g): Roughly 37 calories
• 1 cup chopped (150g): Around 30 calories

When tracking calories for weight management, it's important to consider whether you're consuming raw or cooked green bell peppers. Cooking methods can affect the calorie density:

• Raw: 24 calories per medium pepper
• Steamed: Approximately 25 calories (minimal change)
• Roasted: About 26 calories (slight concentration as water evaporates)
• Sautéed with oil: 70-100+ calories (depends on oil amount)

Green vs. Other Colored Bell Peppers: Calorie Comparison

Many people wonder if different colored bell peppers have different calorie counts. The truth is, the calorie difference between colors is minimal, but nutritional profiles vary significantly as peppers ripen:

• Green bell peppers: Least ripe, harvested early, 24 calories per medium pepper, highest in certain phytochemicals
• Yellow bell peppers: More ripe, slightly sweeter, 32 calories per medium pepper, higher in vitamin C
• Orange bell peppers: Further ripened, 31 calories per medium pepper, increased beta-carotene
• Red bell peppers: Fully ripe, 37 calories per medium pepper, highest in antioxidants and vitamins

While red bell peppers contain slightly more calories than green ones, they also offer significantly more nutritional benefits due to their extended time on the vine. However, green bell peppers remain an excellent low-calorie option with substantial nutritional value.

Health Benefits of Green Bell Peppers

Despite being lower in some antioxidants than their riper counterparts, green bell peppers provide numerous health benefits:

• Vitamin C powerhouse: One medium green bell pepper provides over 100% of your daily vitamin C needs, supporting immune function and skin health
• Rich in dietary fiber: With 2.5 grams per medium pepper, they promote digestive health and help maintain stable blood sugar levels
• Low glycemic index: Ideal for diabetes management as they have minimal impact on blood sugar
• Packed with antioxidants: Contain lutein, zeaxanthin, and other compounds that protect against cellular damage
• Hydration support: Composed of about 92% water, contributing to daily fluid intake

Practical Ways to Enjoy Green Bell Peppers

Incorporating green bell peppers into your meals is simple and versatile. Here are practical suggestions for adding this low-calorie vegetable to your diet:

• Add raw slices to salads for crunch and nutrition without significantly increasing calorie count
• Stuff with lean protein and whole grains for a balanced, low-calorie meal
• Include in stir-fries with minimal oil to maintain their low-calorie profile
• Blend into sauces and salsas for added flavor and nutrients
• Roast with other vegetables as a side dish (use spray oil to minimize added calories)
• Chop finely and add to omelets or egg scrambles for breakfast

For those specifically tracking calories in bell peppers for weight loss, remember that preparation method significantly impacts the final calorie count. Raw consumption provides the lowest calorie option, while adding oils or cooking with high-calorie ingredients can substantially increase the total.

Common Misconceptions About Bell Pepper Nutrition

Several myths persist about bell pepper nutrition that deserve clarification:

• Misconception: Green bell peppers are less nutritious than colored varieties
  Reality: While red peppers have higher levels of certain antioxidants, green peppers contain unique phytochemicals and are harvested earlier in the ripening process
• Misconception: All bell peppers have the same calorie count
  Reality: Riper peppers (red, orange, yellow) contain slightly more calories due to increased sugar content as they mature
• Misconception: Cooking destroys all nutritional value in bell peppers
  Reality: While some heat-sensitive nutrients decrease, cooking actually increases the availability of certain antioxidants like carotenoids

Nutrition Tracking Tips

When tracking calories in green bell peppers for dietary purposes:

• Use kitchen scales for precise measurements rather than estimating by piece
• Consider the entire pepper when calculating—seeds and membranes contribute to total nutrition
• Account for preparation methods that add calories (oils, dressings, cooking fats)
• Remember that organic versus conventionally grown peppers have virtually identical nutritional profiles
• Seasonal peppers may have slightly different nutrient densities based on growing conditions

For meal planning, green bell peppers offer exceptional versatility. Their mild flavor pairs well with numerous ingredients while contributing minimal calories but significant volume and nutrients to dishes—a valuable characteristic for those following calorie-controlled diets.

How many calories are in a whole green bell pepper?

A whole medium-sized green bell pepper (approximately 119 grams) contains about 24 calories. The exact count varies based on size: small peppers (74g) have around 15 calories, while large peppers (186g) contain approximately 37 calories.

Are green bell peppers good for weight loss?

Yes, green bell peppers are excellent for weight loss due to their low calorie count (only 24 calories per medium pepper) and high fiber content (2.5g per pepper). They add volume and nutrients to meals without significantly increasing calorie intake, helping you feel full while maintaining a calorie deficit.

Do cooked green bell peppers have more calories than raw?

Cooking alone doesn't significantly increase calories in green bell peppers. A medium raw pepper has 24 calories, while steamed or roasted (without added ingredients) contains about 25-26 calories. However, sautéing with oil can increase the calorie count to 70-100+ calories depending on the amount of oil used.

How do green bell peppers compare nutritionally to red bell peppers?

Green bell peppers contain slightly fewer calories (24 vs 37 per medium pepper) but red bell peppers have significantly higher levels of certain nutrients. Red peppers contain nearly 9 times more beta-carotene and 1.5 times more vitamin C than green peppers. Both are nutritious, but red peppers offer more antioxidants due to longer ripening time on the plant.

What is the carbohydrate content in green bell peppers?

A medium green bell pepper (119g) contains approximately 5.8 grams of carbohydrates, of which 2.5 grams are dietary fiber and 3.2 grams are natural sugars. This makes them suitable for most carbohydrate-controlled diets, including many diabetic meal plans, as they have a low glycemic index and high fiber content.