How many calories are in 12 ounces of cherry tomatoes?

December 23, 2025 •

4 min read

According to nutrition data, a 12-ounce serving of raw, ripe cherry tomatoes contains approximately 61 calories. These small, juicy fruits are a powerhouse of vitamins and antioxidants, offering a low-calorie addition to salads, snacks, and meals.

Quick Summary

A 12-ounce portion of raw cherry tomatoes contains about 61 calories, along with important vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants like lycopene. This makes them a nutrient-dense food ideal for weight management and overall health.

Key Points

Low Calorie Count: 12 ounces of raw cherry tomatoes contain approximately 61 calories, making them an excellent choice for calorie-conscious diets.
Rich in Antioxidants: High levels of lycopene and beta-carotene help protect against cell damage and support heart health.
High Vitamin Content: A single serving provides more than half of the daily recommended Vitamin C, boosting immune function.
Aids in Weight Management: Their high water and fiber content contribute to satiety, helping to reduce overall food intake.
Versatile Ingredient: Can be enjoyed raw, roasted, sautéed, or incorporated into numerous recipes to add flavor and nutrients.
Minimal Fat and Sodium: Naturally low in fat and sodium, supporting cardiovascular health.

Calorie Breakdown of 12 Ounces of Cherry Tomatoes

When examining the nutritional content of cherry tomatoes, it's essential to understand the calorie breakdown. A 12-ounce serving, which is approximately 340 grams, provides a modest amount of energy, primarily from carbohydrates. This makes them an excellent choice for those looking to manage their calorie intake while still enjoying a flavorful and satisfying food. The vast majority of a cherry tomato's weight comes from water, contributing to its low-calorie density.

Raw Cherry Tomato Nutritional Profile

Beyond just the calorie count, a 12-ounce serving of raw, ripe cherry tomatoes offers a wealth of other nutrients.

Carbohydrates: About 13 grams, with a good portion coming from natural sugars and dietary fiber.
Protein: Approximately 3 grams, which is a decent amount for a fruit.
Fat: Less than 1 gram, making it a very low-fat option.
Vitamins: Rich in Vitamin C (about 52% of the Daily Value) and Vitamin A (about 16% of the Daily Value), which are important for immune function and vision.
Minerals: A significant source of potassium (about 17% of the Daily Value) and smaller amounts of iron and calcium.

Health Benefits of a Low-Calorie Snack

Including a low-calorie, high-nutrient food like cherry tomatoes in your diet can offer several health benefits. Their high water and fiber content help promote feelings of fullness, which can aid in weight management by reducing overall calorie consumption. Furthermore, the antioxidants present, particularly lycopene, have been linked to potential health-protective effects.

The Power of Lycopene and Other Antioxidants

Cherry tomatoes are especially known for their high levels of lycopene, a potent antioxidant that gives them their vibrant red color. Research suggests that lycopene may help protect against certain types of cancer and promote heart health. The presence of other antioxidants, like beta-carotene, further enhances their protective properties against cellular damage.

Cooking Methods and Their Impact on Calories

While raw cherry tomatoes are very low in calories, the way they are prepared can significantly alter their nutritional profile. It's important to be mindful of additives when cooking with them.

Comparison of Preparation Methods


Preparation Method	Calorie Impact	Nutritional Changes
Raw	Approximately 61 calories per 12 oz	Retains maximum vitamin content, especially heat-sensitive Vitamin C.
Roasted	Varies, can increase significantly	Calories increase with added oil. Lycopene can become more bioavailable with heat, but some Vitamin C is lost.
Sautéed	Varies, can increase significantly	Similar to roasting, depends on the amount of added oil. Often includes additional ingredients like garlic or herbs.
Canned	Can be higher, up to 133 calories per 12 oz	May contain added salt and sugars. Check labels for specific content.

Maximizing Nutrition from Your Cherry Tomatoes

To get the most nutritional value with the fewest added calories, consider these tips:

Roast with minimal oil: Use just a light spritz of olive oil to bring out the sweetness of the tomatoes without adding excessive fat.
Pair with other vegetables: Toss them with a variety of other low-calorie vegetables to create a colorful and filling salad.
Add to sauces and soups: Incorporate them into homemade sauces and soups to boost flavor and nutrient density without relying on high-calorie bases.
Use as a low-calorie garnish: Halved cherry tomatoes make an excellent, flavorful garnish for everything from pizzas to roasted chicken.

Conclusion

In conclusion, 12 ounces of raw cherry tomatoes contains a very low number of calories, making them a fantastic addition to almost any diet. Their high content of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants supports weight management, heart health, and overall well-being. While adding oils or other ingredients during cooking will increase the calorie count, the inherent benefits of the cherry tomato remain. For anyone seeking a nutritious, low-calorie snack or meal component, these little red gems are an ideal choice.

For more detailed nutritional information on various foods, including different types of tomatoes, consult the USDA FoodData Central database.

Further Nutritional Uses of Cherry Tomatoes

Beyond simply eating them raw, cherry tomatoes can be incorporated into a wide array of healthy dishes:

Salads: A classic choice, they add color, sweetness, and a juicy texture to any green salad.
Pasta dishes: Roasting cherry tomatoes with garlic and herbs creates a simple, fresh sauce.
Snacks: Enjoy them on their own, or with a light dip, for a healthy, low-calorie snack.
Kebabs: Skewer them with other vegetables and protein for a nutritious and delicious meal.
Bruschetta: Mince them and mix with basil and balsamic vinegar for a fresh topping on toasted whole-grain bread.

By understanding the minimal caloric impact and numerous health benefits, it's clear that cherry tomatoes are a valuable food for a balanced diet.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, cherry tomatoes are excellent for weight loss due to their low-calorie density and high water and fiber content. They help you feel full without consuming many calories, making them a satisfying snack.

Yes, cooking methods can increase the calorie count, especially if you add oil. For example, roasted tomatoes with oil will be higher in calories than raw ones. The base calorie count of the tomatoes themselves remains very low.

Cherry tomatoes have a similar calorie density to larger tomatoes, with both being very low in calories. The primary difference is their size, which means it takes more individual cherry tomatoes to equal the volume and weight of a large tomato.

The calories in cherry tomatoes mainly come from carbohydrates, specifically natural sugars. They are very low in fat, with a small amount of protein also contributing to the total calorie count.

A 12-ounce serving of raw cherry tomatoes contains a significant amount of lycopene, approximately 8753 micrograms, contributing to its antioxidant benefits.

No, it is highly unlikely to gain weight from eating cherry tomatoes alone. Their low calorie and high fiber content mean you would have to consume an extremely large amount to significantly impact your daily calorie intake.

Yes, depending on the brand and preparation, canned cherry tomatoes can be higher in calories due to added ingredients like oils or preservatives. Always check the nutritional information on the product label.