Bell Pepper Calories: Exact Count by Color (2024 Data)

A medium-sized bell pepper (approximately 119g) contains 24-31 calories, with green varieties at the lower end (24 calories) and red, yellow, and orange peppers slightly higher (31 calories). This low-calorie vegetable offers substantial nutritional benefits while being versatile for various dietary plans.

Understanding the exact calorie content of bell peppers is essential for anyone tracking their nutritional intake. Whether you're meal prepping, following a specific diet, or simply making healthier food choices, knowing how many calories is in a bell pepper helps you make informed decisions about your meals.

Nutritional Profile of Bell Peppers by Color

Bell peppers come in various colors, each with slightly different nutritional profiles. While the calorie difference between colors is minimal, the vitamin content varies significantly. All bell peppers are predominantly water (about 92%), making them naturally low in calories while providing hydration and essential nutrients.

Bell Pepper Color	Calories (per 100g)	Calories (medium pepper)	Key Nutrients
Green	20	24	Vitamin C, Vitamin K, Folate
Red	31	37	Vitamin A, Vitamin C (nearly 3x green), Antioxidants
Yellow/Orange	30	36	Vitamin C, Beta-carotene, Potassium

Why Bell Peppers Are a Nutritional Powerhouse

When considering how many calories in a medium bell pepper, it's equally important to examine what those calories deliver nutritionally. Bell peppers provide impressive nutritional value relative to their calorie count:

• Vitamin C content: One medium red bell pepper contains approximately 152mg of vitamin C, which exceeds the daily recommended intake for adults. This powerful antioxidant supports immune function and skin health.
• Vitamin A benefits: Red bell peppers are particularly rich in beta-carotene, which converts to vitamin A in the body, supporting eye health and immune function.
• Fiber contribution: A medium bell pepper provides about 2.5g of dietary fiber, aiding digestion and promoting satiety despite the low calorie count.
• Antioxidant variety: Different colored peppers contain unique phytonutrients that combat oxidative stress in the body.

Comparing Bell Pepper Calories to Other Common Vegetables

Understanding where bell peppers fall on the calorie spectrum compared to other vegetables helps contextualize their place in a balanced diet. When examining bell pepper nutrition facts alongside similar produce:

• Bell peppers have fewer calories than corn (134 calories per cup) and peas (118 calories per cup)
• They contain slightly more calories than cucumbers (16 calories per cup) but offer significantly more vitamins
• Bell peppers have comparable calories to zucchini (20 calories per 100g) but provide more vitamin C
• They're lower in calories than potatoes (77 calories per 100g) while offering different nutritional benefits

Practical Applications for Calorie-Conscious Eating

Knowing are bell peppers low calorie is valuable information for various dietary approaches. These versatile vegetables work well in numerous eating plans:

For weight management, bell peppers provide volume and crunch with minimal calories, making them excellent for adding substance to salads, stir-fries, and snacks without significantly impacting daily calorie goals. Their natural sweetness satisfies cravings for sugary foods while delivering essential nutrients.

Cooking methods affect the final calorie count. Raw bell peppers maintain their natural low-calorie profile, while roasting or sautéing with oils will increase the total calories based on the amount of fat added. For those tracking bell pepper calories vs other vegetables, consider preparation methods when calculating total meal calories.

Maximizing Nutritional Benefits

To get the most from your bell peppers while maintaining awareness of their calorie content:

• Eat them raw when possible to preserve heat-sensitive vitamins like vitamin C
• Pair red bell peppers with healthy fats (like olive oil or avocado) to enhance absorption of fat-soluble vitamins
• Store properly in the refrigerator's crisper drawer to maintain freshness and nutritional value
• Use different colors throughout the week to benefit from the varied phytonutrient profiles

Common Questions About Bell Pepper Nutrition

Many people researching calories in a red bell pepper have related questions about incorporating these vegetables into their diets. Understanding the complete nutritional picture helps make informed dietary choices that align with personal health goals.

How many calories in a small bell pepper?

A small bell pepper (about 74g) contains approximately 15 calories. This makes even smaller portions an excellent low-calorie option for snacks or recipe additions.

Do different colored bell peppers have different calorie counts?

Yes, though the difference is minimal. Green bell peppers contain about 20 calories per 100g, while red, yellow, and orange varieties contain approximately 30-31 calories per 100g due to slightly higher sugar content as they ripen.

Are bell peppers good for weight loss?

Absolutely. Bell peppers are low in calories but high in fiber and water content, which promotes satiety. Their natural sweetness can satisfy sugar cravings, and they add volume to meals without significant calorie impact, making them excellent for weight management diets.

How does cooking affect bell pepper calories?

Cooking doesn't significantly change the inherent calorie content of bell peppers themselves. However, preparation methods matter - roasting or sautéing with oils will increase the total calories based on the amount of fat added, while steaming or eating raw maintains their natural low-calorie profile.

Which color bell pepper is the healthiest?

All bell pepper colors offer excellent nutrition, but red peppers generally provide the most health benefits. As they ripen longer on the vine, red bell peppers develop higher levels of beta-carotene (which converts to vitamin A) and contain nearly three times more vitamin C than green peppers. They also have more antioxidants overall.