Small Tomato Calories: Exact Count & Nutritional Facts

A small tomato (approximately 100g or 3.5 ounces) contains just 18 calories, making it an excellent low-calorie addition to any diet. This nutritional powerhouse also delivers essential vitamins, antioxidants, and fiber with minimal energy intake.

Understanding exactly how many calories are in small tomatoes helps you make informed dietary choices without sacrificing flavor or nutrition. Whether you're tracking macros, managing weight, or simply curious about your food, knowing the precise calorie count empowers your meal planning.

What Defines a Small Tomato?

When discussing calories in small tomatoes, it's crucial to understand what qualifies as "small" in nutritional terms. According to USDA standards, a small tomato typically weighs around 100 grams (3.5 ounces) - roughly the size of a plum tomato or a large cherry tomato. This standard measurement ensures consistency when calculating how many calories in small tomato portions.

Nutritional Profile Beyond Calories

While the calorie count is impressively low, small tomatoes offer remarkable nutritional value beyond just energy content. Each small tomato provides:

• Vitamin C: Approximately 14% of your daily recommended intake
• Vitamin A: About 8% of daily needs, primarily as beta-carotene
• Lycopene: A powerful antioxidant with numerous health benefits
• Dietary fiber: Roughly 1.5 grams per small tomato
• Potassium: Essential for proper cellular function

This impressive nutrient density explains why nutritionists consistently recommend incorporating tomatoes into daily meals despite their minimal calorie contribution.

Tomato Size	Weight	Calories	Carbohydrates
Small (plum)	100g	18	3.9g
Medium (slicing)	148g	27	5.8g
Large (beefsteak)	182g	33	7.1g
Cherry	12g	2	0.5g

Practical Applications for Your Diet

Knowing exactly how many calories in small tomato portions can transform your approach to healthy eating. Consider these practical applications:

• Weight management: Add small tomatoes to salads, sandwiches, or as snacks without significantly impacting your daily calorie budget
• Balanced meals: Pair tomatoes with protein sources like grilled chicken or fish for satisfying, nutrient-dense meals
• Healthy snacking: Enjoy 3-4 small tomatoes (about 50-60 calories) with a sprinkle of herbs for a refreshing snack
• Meal prep: Include diced small tomatoes in egg dishes, grain bowls, or salsas for added flavor without extra calories

Factors That Affect Tomato Calorie Counts

While the standard calories in small tomato measurement is remarkably consistent, several factors can cause minor variations:

• Ripeness level: Fully ripe tomatoes contain slightly more natural sugars (and thus marginally more calories) than underripe ones
• Growing conditions: Soil quality and climate can influence sugar content
• Preparation method: Raw tomatoes maintain their low-calorie profile, while cooked or processed versions may have added ingredients that increase calories

According to research from the USDA FoodData Central, these variations typically affect calorie counts by less than 5%, making tomatoes reliably low-calorie regardless of these factors.

Tomatoes in Different Dietary Approaches

Small tomatoes fit seamlessly into various dietary patterns due to their minimal calorie impact and high nutrient density:

• Keto diets: With only 3.9g net carbs per small tomato, they can be incorporated in moderation
• Mediterranean diets: A staple ingredient providing flavor without excess calories
• Plant-based diets: Contribute essential nutrients while keeping calorie counts low
• Diabetes management: Low glycemic impact makes them suitable for blood sugar control

Maximizing Nutritional Benefits

To get the most from your small tomatoes while maintaining their low-calorie advantage:

• Eat with healthy fats: Pair tomatoes with olive oil or avocado to enhance absorption of fat-soluble nutrients like lycopene
• Choose seasonal: In-season tomatoes typically have superior nutrient profiles
• Store properly: Keep at room temperature until fully ripe, then refrigerate to extend freshness
• Avoid added sugars: When using in sauces or salsas, rely on natural tomato sweetness rather than added sugars

Common Misconceptions About Tomato Calories

Several myths persist about tomato nutrition that deserve clarification:

• "All tomatoes have the same calorie count" - Different varieties and sizes contain varying calorie amounts
• "Cooked tomatoes have more calories" - The cooking process doesn't increase calories, though added ingredients might
• "Tomato products are equally low-calorie" - Processed tomato products often contain added sugars or salt that increase calorie density

Understanding these distinctions helps you make more informed choices about how many calories in small tomato versus other tomato forms.

Tracking Your Tomato Consumption

For those monitoring their intake precisely, consider these practical tracking tips:

• Weigh tomatoes using a kitchen scale for the most accurate calories in small tomato calculation
• Use nutrition apps that reference USDA databases for reliable information
• When dining out, estimate portions based on standard sizes (a small tomato is roughly the size of a golf ball)
• Remember that preparation method affects total calories - a small tomato salad with dressing will have higher calories than the tomato alone

How many calories are in one small tomato?

A small tomato weighing approximately 100 grams contains about 18 calories according to USDA nutritional data.

Are cherry tomatoes lower in calories than small plum tomatoes?

Cherry tomatoes have similar calorie density per gram, but since they're smaller (about 12g each), one cherry tomato contains only about 2 calories compared to 18 calories in a 100g small plum tomato.

Do tomatoes lose calories when cooked?

Cooking doesn't reduce calories in tomatoes. The calorie count remains the same, though water loss during cooking may concentrate nutrients and sugars in a smaller volume.

Can I eat unlimited tomatoes while dieting?

While tomatoes are very low-calorie, consuming excessive amounts could contribute to your daily calorie intake. However, you'd need to eat a very large quantity (around 25 small tomatoes) to reach 500 calories, making them an excellent choice for weight management.

How do tomato calories compare to other common vegetables?

Tomatoes have similar calorie counts to most non-starchy vegetables. A small tomato (18 calories) has slightly more calories than celery (16 calories per 100g) but fewer than carrots (41 calories per 100g), making them one of the lowest-calorie vegetable options.