Can You Have Tomatoes on a No Carb Diet? (A Low-Carb Guide)

December 6, 2025 •

3 min read

Did you know that a single medium-sized raw tomato contains fewer than 4 grams of total carbohydrates? For those following a strict no-carb or low-carb diet, understanding which foods are permissible is key to success. This guide explores whether tomatoes can fit into your meal plan without derailing your goals.

Quick Summary

Raw tomatoes are low in net carbs and generally considered acceptable for low-carb and keto diets when consumed in moderation. Processed products like sauces and sun-dried versions are often higher in sugar and should be limited.

Key Points

Go for Fresh Tomatoes: Raw, fresh tomatoes are low in net carbs and fit well into most low-carb and ketogenic diets.
Avoid Processed Products: Watch out for store-bought sauces, paste, and juices, which often contain hidden added sugars.
Limit Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Due to their concentrated nature, sun-dried tomatoes are much higher in carbs than fresh ones and should be used sparingly.
Count Net Carbs: Focus on net carbs (total carbs minus fiber) to accurately track your intake. A medium tomato has about 2.7-3.3g net carbs.
Benefit from Nutrients: Tomatoes provide essential nutrients like lycopene, Vitamin C, and potassium, which are beneficial for overall health.

The Myth of a "No-Carb" Diet

When people ask if you can have tomatoes on a "no carb" diet, it's important to clarify what that truly means. The term "no carb" is largely a misnomer, as very few foods are entirely carbohydrate-free. Most successful very-low-carb diets, such as the ketogenic diet, allow for a small, controlled amount of carbohydrate intake, typically from fibrous vegetables. A true zero-carb diet is extremely restrictive and can be nutritionally imbalanced, making a moderated low-carb approach a more sustainable option. The question should therefore be rephrased: can tomatoes be consumed as part of a low-carb diet?

The Truth About Tomatoes and Net Carbs

Fortunately, fresh, raw tomatoes are a very low-carb food, making them an excellent candidate for inclusion in a low-carb diet. A medium raw tomato (approximately 123 grams) contains around 4.8 grams of total carbs, with 1.5 grams coming from dietary fiber. The key metric for low-carb and keto diets is net carbs, which are calculated by subtracting the fiber content from the total carbohydrates. For a medium tomato, this results in just 3.3 grams of net carbs. This low net carb count is what makes tomatoes so suitable for keeping your body in a fat-burning state of ketosis.

Beyond their favorable carb profile, tomatoes offer a host of nutritional benefits. They are an excellent source of essential vitamins and minerals, including Vitamin C, Vitamin K, and potassium. Tomatoes are also rich in the potent antioxidant lycopene, which supports heart and eye health. Including nutrient-dense foods like tomatoes can help compensate for nutrients that might be lacking on a restrictive diet.

Fresh vs. Processed: A Crucial Distinction

Not all tomato products are created equal when it comes to carbohydrate content. While fresh tomatoes are a low-carb hero, many processed versions are a hidden source of added sugars and concentrated carbs. This is a critical distinction for anyone closely monitoring their intake.


Aspect	Fresh Tomatoes	Processed Tomatoes
Carb Content	Low (~3-4g net carbs per 100g)	Often higher due to added sugars and concentration
Hidden Sugars	None	Likely present; always check the label
Best for Low-Carb?	Yes, in moderation	No, best to avoid or limit strictly
Example Products	Whole, raw tomatoes	Ketchup, most commercial sauces, sun-dried tomatoes

Sun-dried tomatoes, in particular, must be consumed with caution. Because their water content is removed, their carbs become highly concentrated, pushing their net carb count significantly higher than their fresh counterparts. Always read the nutrition label on any packaged tomato products to ensure there are no added sugars or high-fructose corn syrup.

How to Include Tomatoes in a Low-Carb Diet

Incorporating tomatoes into your meal plan is straightforward, as long as you stick to the fresh varieties and control your portion sizes. Here are some simple, low-carb ways to enjoy them:

Toss fresh cherry or grape tomatoes into your daily salads for a burst of color and flavor.
Make a simple tomato and mozzarella dish by combining fresh tomatoes with a low-carb cheese like mozzarella or goat cheese.
Dice raw tomatoes and add them to scrambled eggs or omelets for a quick, filling breakfast.
Use fresh or unsweetened canned tomatoes as the base for a homemade, low-carb salsa or marinara sauce.

Delicious Low-Carb Tomato Recipe Ideas

Keto Caprese Salad Skewers: On a skewer, alternate cherry tomatoes, small fresh mozzarella balls, and basil leaves. Drizzle with high-quality olive oil and a small amount of balsamic vinegar for flavor.
Keto Stuffed Tomatoes: Hollow out beefsteak tomatoes and fill them with a mixture of cooked ground meat, herbs, and cheese before baking.
Roasted Tomato and Garlic: Quarter your fresh tomatoes and place them in a baking dish with peeled garlic cloves and olive oil. Roast until tender and serve as a side dish or purée into a sauce.
Low-Carb Bruschetta: Create a tomato, garlic, and basil mixture and serve it on a keto-friendly bread alternative, such as almond flour toast or cheese crisps.

Conclusion: Tomatoes are a Go, with Caveats

Yes, you can have fresh tomatoes on a low-carb diet. They are a nutritious and flavorful addition that offers valuable vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. The key is to be mindful of your choices, opting for fresh, raw tomatoes and steering clear of processed versions with hidden sugars and concentrated carbs. By paying attention to portion sizes and reading labels, you can confidently include tomatoes in your low-carb meal plan without compromising your dietary goals.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, fresh tomatoes are generally considered keto-friendly due to their low net carb count. You should, however, consume them in moderation to stay within your daily carb limit.

A medium raw tomato contains approximately 2.7 to 3.3 grams of net carbs, which is calculated by subtracting its fiber from the total carbohydrates.

Sun-dried tomatoes have much of their water content removed, which concentrates their sugars and carbs. This makes their carb count significantly higher per serving than fresh tomatoes.

Store-bought tomato sauces often contain added sugars and can be surprisingly high in carbs. It is best to check the label for added sugars or make your own sauce from fresh or unsweetened canned tomatoes.

Tomatoes are a good source of valuable nutrients that can be beneficial on a restrictive diet, including Vitamin C, Vitamin K, potassium, and the antioxidant lycopene.

Canned tomatoes can be used, but you must always read the ingredients list to ensure there are no added sugars or high-fructose corn syrup, which can increase the carb content.

Different fresh tomato varieties have slightly different carb counts, but all remain low-carb. Cherry tomatoes are a perfectly acceptable choice for a low-carb diet when consumed in moderation.