Calories in Tomatoes: Per Tomato, Per Cup, and By Type
Tomatoes are one of the lowest-calorie foods you can eat. Whether you are tracking intake or simply curious, the calorie count in tomatoes is consistently low — across almost every size, type, and preparation method. This page gives you exact numbers by serving size, tomato variety, and cooking method.
Quick Answer: How Many Calories Are in a Tomato?
A medium raw tomato (about 123g) contains approximately 22 calories. Per 100g, raw tomatoes provide around 18 calories. One cup of chopped raw tomatoes (about 180g) contains roughly 32 calories.
- Per 100g (raw): 18 calories
- Medium tomato (123g): ~22 calories
- One cup chopped (180g): ~32 calories
- Cherry tomato (17g): ~3 calories
- Large beefsteak tomato (182g): ~33 calories
Why Tomatoes Are So Low in Calories
Tomatoes are about 95% water by weight. This extremely high water content means the energy density — the number of calories per gram — is very low. The remaining 5% is mostly carbohydrates, a small amount of fiber, and trace protein and fat.
There is no fat in a raw tomato, and the natural sugars present are simple sugars in small quantities. This combination is what keeps calorie counts low regardless of serving size.
Calories in Tomatoes by Serving Size
| Serving | Approximate Weight | Calories |
|---|---|---|
| 1 cherry tomato | 17g | 3 kcal |
| 1 plum / Roma tomato | 62g | 11 kcal |
| 1 medium round tomato | 123g | 22 kcal |
| 1 large beefsteak tomato | 182g | 33 kcal |
| 1 cup chopped raw tomato | 180g | 32 kcal |
| 1 cup cherry tomatoes | 149g | 27 kcal |
| 100g raw tomato | 100g | 18 kcal |
All values are for raw, whole tomatoes with no added oil, salt, or seasoning. Sources: USDA FoodData Central.
Calories by Tomato Type
The calorie differences between tomato varieties are small. Most fall within the same 16–20 kcal per 100g range when raw. The variation comes mainly from sugar content and how dense or meaty the variety is.
| Tomato Type | Calories per 100g (raw) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Standard round / slicing tomato | ~18 kcal | Most common type |
| Cherry tomato | ~18 kcal | Slightly sweeter, similar calories |
| Roma / plum tomato | ~17 kcal | Denser flesh, less water |
| Beefsteak tomato | ~18 kcal | Large but still low calorie |
| Grape tomato | ~19 kcal | Slightly higher sugar |
| Heirloom tomato | ~18–20 kcal | Varies by cultivar |
| Green (unripe) tomato | ~23 kcal | Slightly higher due to starch |
How Cooking and Processing Change Calorie Count
Cooking does not destroy calories, but it does reduce water content. This concentrates the nutrients and calories into a smaller volume. The calorie count per gram increases when tomatoes are cooked or processed — even though the total calories in the tomato itself have not changed.
Raw vs Cooked Tomatoes
A cup of raw chopped tomatoes contains about 32 calories. When you cook those same tomatoes down into a sauce, you lose a large portion of water. The result is that a cup of cooked tomatoes or tomato sauce contains more calories per cup — not because calories were added, but because the volume shrank.
| Preparation | Calories per 100g | Calories per cup |
|---|---|---|
| Raw tomato | ~18 kcal | ~32 kcal |
| Stewed tomatoes (no added fat) | ~24 kcal | ~66 kcal |
| Canned whole tomatoes (no salt) | ~17 kcal | ~41 kcal |
| Tomato paste | ~82 kcal | ~215 kcal |
| Tomato sauce (plain, canned) | ~24 kcal | ~59 kcal |
| Sun-dried tomatoes (dry pack) | ~258 kcal | ~139 kcal per half cup |
| Sun-dried tomatoes (oil-packed) | ~213 kcal | ~234 kcal per half cup |
Sun-dried tomatoes are the clearest example of calorie concentration. The water has been almost entirely removed, leaving a much higher calorie density per gram than fresh tomatoes.
Added Fats and Ingredients
Tomatoes on their own are very low in calories. Calorie counts increase significantly when tomatoes are cooked with oil, butter, cream, cheese, or sugar. A plain tomato sauce made with olive oil can contain two to three times the calories of plain tomatoes cooked in water. Always account for added ingredients when calculating total calories.
Tomato Calories in Context
To put tomato calories in practical perspective:
- One medium tomato (22 kcal) has fewer calories than most individual crackers
- A full cup of sliced tomatoes (32 kcal) provides meaningful volume for very low energy intake
- You would need to eat approximately five medium raw tomatoes to reach 100 calories
- Tomatoes are classified as a low-energy-density food, which means they provide bulk and satiety relative to their calorie load
For people managing calorie intake, tomatoes are one of the most useful foods to include because of how much food volume they provide per calorie.
Calories and the Broader Nutrition Profile
Calories in tomatoes come almost entirely from carbohydrates — primarily simple sugars like fructose and glucose. There is virtually no fat and only a small amount of protein. The fiber content is modest but contributes to the slightly lower net carb count.
If you are tracking macros alongside calories, see the related guides below for a complete picture of carbs in tomatoes, fiber in tomatoes, and the full tomato nutrition facts page.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many calories are in one tomato?
A medium raw tomato weighing about 123g contains approximately 22 calories. A small tomato contains around 11–16 calories. A large beefsteak tomato contains around 33 calories.
How many calories are in 100g of tomato?
Raw tomatoes contain approximately 18 calories per 100g. This is consistent across most common varieties when raw and unprocessed.
Are tomatoes low calorie?
Yes. Tomatoes are one of the lowest-calorie vegetables commonly eaten. Their very high water content — around 95% — keeps calorie density low. A full cup of raw chopped tomatoes contains only about 32 calories.
Do cherry tomatoes have more calories than regular tomatoes?
No. Cherry tomatoes contain roughly the same calories per 100g as regular round tomatoes — approximately 18 kcal per 100g. They may taste slightly sweeter due to a higher sugar concentration in a small fruit, but the calorie difference is minimal.
Do cooked tomatoes have more calories than raw?
Per gram, yes. Cooking removes water, which concentrates calories into a smaller volume. The total number of calories in the tomato does not change, but per cup or per gram, cooked tomatoes have a higher calorie count than raw. Tomato paste, for example, contains about 82 kcal per 100g compared to 18 kcal per 100g for raw tomatoes.
How many calories are in tomato paste?
Tomato paste contains approximately 82 calories per 100g. It is a concentrated form where most of the water has been cooked away, so a small amount contains many more calories per gram than fresh tomatoes.
How many calories are in sun-dried tomatoes?
Dry-packed sun-dried tomatoes contain approximately 258 calories per 100g. Oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes contain approximately 213 calories per 100g. Both are dramatically higher in calories per gram than fresh tomatoes due to extreme water removal.
Are tomatoes good for a low-calorie diet?
Tomatoes are widely used in low-calorie eating plans because they are filling, flavorful, and very low in energy density. They provide volume, texture, and nutrients with minimal calorie contribution. They are also naturally free of fat.
Related Tomato Nutrition Guides
- Tomato Nutrition Facts – Complete Guide
- Carbs in Tomatoes: Per Serving and By Type
- Net Carbs in Tomatoes
- Fiber in Tomatoes
- Lycopene in Tomatoes
- Potassium in Tomatoes
- Canned Tomatoes Nutrition
- Vitamin C in Tomatoes
Final Thoughts
Tomatoes are among the lowest-calorie foods available. A medium raw tomato contains about 22 calories. Per 100g, raw tomatoes provide around 18 calories. Calorie counts stay low across almost all fresh varieties, but increase meaningfully with cooking, concentration, and oil.
If you are tracking calories, raw and lightly cooked tomatoes can be eaten in generous portions without a significant calorie contribution.