Red Bell Pepper Calories: 37 in a Medium Pepper (Nutrition Facts)

A medium raw red bell pepper (approximately 119 grams) contains about 37 calories. This vibrant vegetable is exceptionally low in calories while offering substantial nutritional benefits, making it an excellent choice for health-conscious eaters and those managing their weight.

Understanding the precise calorie content of foods is essential for effective meal planning and nutritional tracking. Red bell peppers, scientifically known as Capsicum annuum, stand out among vegetables for their impressive nutrient-to-calorie ratio. Whether you're following a specific diet plan, counting macros, or simply aiming to make healthier food choices, knowing exactly what you're consuming matters.

Nutritional Breakdown of Red Bell Peppers

Red bell peppers contain slightly more calories than their green counterparts due to the additional sugar content that develops during the ripening process. As peppers mature from green to red on the vine, their nutritional profile changes significantly, increasing both sweetness and certain nutrient concentrations.

Red Bell Pepper Size	Weight (grams)	Calories	Carbohydrates (g)	Protein (g)	Fat (g)
Small (4" long)	74	23	5.3	1.0	0.2
Medium (3.75" long)	119	37	8.6	1.5	0.3
Large (4.5" long)	186	58	13.4	2.5	0.5
Per 100g	100	31	7.2	1.3	0.2

Comparing Red Peppers to Other Varieties

When examining calories in a red bell pepper versus green bell pepper, you'll notice red peppers contain slightly more calories. A medium green pepper has approximately 30 calories compared to 37 in a red pepper of the same size. This difference stems from the higher sugar content in fully ripened red peppers.

The ripening process transforms the nutritional profile significantly:

• Red peppers contain nearly 9 times more beta-carotene than green peppers
• Vitamin C content increases by about 30% as peppers ripen from green to red
• Lycopene, an antioxidant not present in green peppers, develops in red peppers

Raw vs. Cooked: How Preparation Affects Calories

Many people wonder about how many calories in roasted red peppers compared to raw. Cooking methods can slightly alter the calorie density:

• Raw red pepper: 37 calories per medium pepper
• Roasted red pepper: Approximately 40-45 calories per medium pepper (depending on cooking method and added ingredients)
• Grilled red pepper: About 38-42 calories (minimal change unless oil is added)
• Stuffed red pepper: Varies significantly based on filling (can range from 100-300+ calories)

When roasting peppers without added fats, the calorie count remains relatively stable. However, if you use oil during cooking, each teaspoon of oil adds approximately 40 calories to the total.

Nutritional Benefits Beyond Calories

While the red bell pepper nutrition facts show a low-calorie profile, these vegetables offer remarkable nutritional density:

• Vitamin C powerhouse: One medium red pepper provides 169% of the daily recommended intake
• Vitamin A: Contains 19% of daily value, primarily as beta-carotene
• Fiber content: 2.5 grams per medium pepper, supporting digestive health
• Antioxidants: Rich in carotenoids, flavonoids, and vitamin E
• Hydration: Composed of about 92% water

These nutritional attributes make red peppers particularly valuable for immune support, skin health, and inflammation reduction. The combination of low calories with high nutrient density explains why nutritionists frequently recommend red peppers for weight loss diets.

Practical Applications in Meal Planning

Understanding how many calories in a red pepper helps with practical meal planning. Here are some ways to incorporate this versatile vegetable:

• Add sliced raw peppers to salads for crunch with minimal calorie impact
• Use as low-calorie pizza toppings instead of higher-calorie options
• Stuff with lean protein and whole grains for a balanced, nutrient-dense meal
• Blend into sauces and soups to boost nutrition without significantly increasing calories
• Create colorful vegetable skewers for grilling

For those tracking macros, red peppers offer an excellent balance: primarily carbohydrates (with natural sugars), minimal fat, and a small amount of protein. Their high water and fiber content contribute to satiety, helping you feel full while consuming relatively few calories.

Storage Tips to Maintain Nutritional Value

To preserve both flavor and nutritional content of red bell peppers:

• Store whole peppers in the crisper drawer of your refrigerator
• Keep them in a plastic bag with small holes for airflow
• Use within 1-2 weeks for optimal freshness and nutrient retention
• Avoid washing until ready to use to prevent premature spoilage
• Cut peppers lose nutrients more quickly, so prepare them shortly before eating

Proper storage helps maintain the vitamin C content, which can degrade over time, especially when exposed to light and air.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many calories are in a cup of chopped red bell pepper?

One cup of chopped raw red bell pepper (approximately 149 grams) contains about 46 calories. This serving provides 107% of the daily recommended intake of vitamin C and 20% of vitamin A.

Are red peppers good for weight loss?

Yes, red peppers are excellent for weight loss due to their low calorie density (only 31 calories per 100g) and high fiber content. The combination of water, fiber, and nutrients creates satiety while contributing minimal calories, helping you feel full longer without exceeding calorie goals.

Do red peppers have more sugar than green peppers?

Yes, red peppers contain more natural sugars than green peppers due to the ripening process. A medium red pepper has about 5.5 grams of sugar compared to 3.9 grams in a green pepper of the same size. This slight increase in sugar content accounts for the higher calorie count in red peppers (37 vs 30 calories).

How does the calorie content change when red peppers are cooked?

Cooking red peppers without added fats results in minimal calorie changes. A medium roasted red pepper contains approximately 40-45 calories compared to 37 calories raw. However, if oil or other fats are used during cooking, the calorie count increases significantly—each teaspoon of oil adds about 40 calories to the total.

What is the difference in nutritional value between red, yellow, and orange bell peppers?

Red, yellow, and orange bell peppers have similar calorie counts (35-40 calories for a medium pepper) but differ in specific nutrients. Red peppers contain the highest levels of beta-carotene and lycopene. Yellow peppers typically have the highest vitamin C content. Orange peppers fall between red and yellow in terms of carotenoid content. All colored varieties offer more nutrients than green peppers, which are harvested earlier.