Red Pepper Calories: 31 Calories Per Medium Pepper

A medium raw red bell pepper (approximately 119 grams) contains 31 calories. Per 100 grams, red peppers provide about 26 calories, making them an exceptionally low-calorie vegetable option for health-conscious eaters and those managing dietary intake.

Understanding the precise calorie content of red peppers helps with meal planning and nutritional tracking. This vibrant vegetable offers more than just minimal calories—it's packed with essential vitamins and antioxidants that contribute significantly to overall health. Whether you're following a weight management program, building balanced meals, or simply curious about vegetable nutrition, knowing the exact red pepper calorie count provides valuable dietary insight.

Nutritional Profile of Red Peppers

Red bell peppers stand out not only for their low calorie count but also for their impressive nutrient density. Beyond the basic calorie information, these colorful vegetables deliver remarkable nutritional benefits that make them worthy additions to any diet. The transition from green to red as peppers ripen increases both sweetness and nutritional value, particularly vitamin C content.

Nutrient	Amount per Medium Pepper (119g)	% Daily Value
Calories	31	2%
Total Fat	0.4g	1%
Carbohydrates	7.2g	3%
Dietary Fiber	2.5g	9%
Sugar	5.2g	n/a
Vitamin C	152mg	169%
Vitamin A	3131IU	63%
Vitamin B6	0.3mg	15%
Potassium	323mg	9%

Understanding Serving Sizes and Calorie Variations

When tracking calories in a medium red bell pepper, precise serving size matters. The standard medium pepper weighs approximately 119 grams, but sizes vary significantly:

• Small red pepper (74g): 19 calories
• Medium red pepper (119g): 31 calories
• Large red pepper (159g): 41 calories
• Per 100g serving: 26 calories

Cooking methods also affect the red pepper calorie count. Raw red peppers maintain their low-calorie profile, while roasted or grilled peppers remain similarly low in calories unless prepared with oils or sauces. For those tracking calories in roasted red pepper vs raw, the difference remains minimal when prepared without added fats—typically just 1-3 additional calories due to slight water loss during cooking.

Red Peppers Compared to Other Bell Pepper Varieties

All bell peppers share similar nutritional profiles, but color indicates ripeness and slight nutrient variations. Understanding these differences helps when calculating red bell pepper calorie count for weight loss compared to other varieties:

Pepper Type	Calories per 100g	Vitamin C Content	Sweetness Level
Red Bell Pepper	26	152mg (169% DV)	Highest
Yellow Bell Pepper	27	137mg (152% DV)	High
Orange Bell Pepper	26	140mg (156% DV)	High
Green Bell Pepper	20	80mg (89% DV)	Lowest

Notice that green peppers contain slightly fewer calories than their riper counterparts but significantly less vitamin C. The ripening process increases sugar content (making red peppers sweeter) while dramatically boosting antioxidant levels. When considering are red peppers low calorie compared to other vegetables, they rank among the lowest-calorie options available.

Health Benefits Beyond Calorie Count

The question how many calories is in a red pepper often comes from those managing dietary intake, but these vegetables offer benefits that extend far beyond their minimal calorie contribution. Red bell peppers represent one of the most nutrient-dense vegetables you can add to your diet.

With 169% of your daily vitamin C in a single medium pepper, red peppers significantly outperform oranges in this essential nutrient. This powerful antioxidant supports immune function, skin health, and iron absorption. The high vitamin A content (from beta-carotene) promotes eye health and functions as another potent antioxidant.

Research shows that the carotenoids in red peppers may reduce inflammation and lower the risk of chronic diseases. The dietary fiber content (2.5g per medium pepper) supports digestive health and helps maintain stable blood sugar levels—important considerations for anyone tracking red pepper nutrition facts for overall wellness.

Incorporating Red Peppers into Your Diet

Given their versatility and minimal impact on daily calorie totals, red peppers deserve regular rotation in meal planning. Here are practical ways to enjoy these colorful vegetables while maintaining awareness of calories in raw red pepper servings:

• Add sliced raw peppers to salads for crunch and vibrant color
• Stuff whole peppers with lean protein and whole grains for a complete meal
• Blend roasted red peppers into soups and sauces for natural sweetness
• Include in stir-fries with minimal oil to maintain low-calorie profile
• Create colorful vegetable skewers for grilling
• Use as edible containers for healthy dips like hummus

For those specifically monitoring intake, remember that one medium red pepper contributes only about 2% of a standard 1,500-2,000 calorie daily diet. This makes them an excellent choice for volume eating—filling your plate with nutrient-dense food without significantly impacting calorie totals. When tracking red bell pepper calorie count for weight loss, their high water and fiber content promotes satiety while delivering minimal calories.

Storage Tips to Maintain Nutritional Value

Proper storage preserves both the crisp texture and nutritional content of red peppers. Store whole, unwashed peppers in the crisper drawer of your refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. Once cut, store in an airtight container for 3-4 days.

Unlike some vegetables that lose nutrients during storage, bell peppers maintain their vitamin C content relatively well when refrigerated. However, prolonged storage or improper conditions can lead to softening and nutrient degradation. For maximum nutritional benefit, consume red peppers within 7-10 days of purchase.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many calories in a medium red bell pepper?

A medium red bell pepper (approximately 119 grams) contains 31 calories. This makes red peppers an excellent low-calorie vegetable option for those monitoring their dietary intake.

Are red peppers good for weight loss?

Yes, red peppers are excellent for weight loss due to their low calorie count (only 26 calories per 100g), high water content, and significant fiber (2.5g per medium pepper). They provide volume and nutrients with minimal calorie impact, helping you feel full while maintaining a calorie deficit.

Do cooked red peppers have more calories than raw?

No, cooking doesn't significantly increase red pepper calories when prepared without added fats. A raw medium red pepper has 31 calories, while roasted or grilled versions typically contain just 1-3 more calories due to minor water loss. However, adding oils, butter, or sauces during cooking will increase the calorie count substantially.

How does red pepper compare to green pepper nutritionally?

Red peppers contain more calories (26 vs 20 per 100g) than green peppers but offer significantly higher nutritional value. Red peppers have nearly double the vitamin C (152mg vs 80mg) and much higher beta-carotene (which converts to vitamin A). The ripening process increases sweetness and nutrient density while slightly raising calorie content.

What is the serving size for red pepper calories?

The standard serving size for nutritional calculations is one medium red bell pepper weighing approximately 119 grams, which contains 31 calories. However, red peppers vary in size, so small peppers (74g) contain about 19 calories, while large peppers (159g) contain approximately 41 calories.