How Many Calories Are in 125 Grams of Tomatoes?

November 19, 2025 •

3 min read

According to USDA data, a 125-gram serving of raw, ripe tomatoes contains approximately 23 calories. This incredibly low-calorie density makes tomatoes a fantastic addition to any diet, especially for those focused on weight management or simply boosting their nutrient intake without adding significant calories.

Quick Summary

This guide provides a detailed breakdown of the calorie count and nutritional composition for 125 grams of tomatoes. It compares calories across different tomato varieties and preparation methods, highlights their key health benefits, and offers practical tips for incorporating them into your daily meals.

Key Points

23 Calories: A standard 125-gram serving of raw tomatoes contains only around 23 calories.
Nutrient-Dense: Besides being low in calories, tomatoes are rich in vitamins C and K, potassium, and folate.
Lycopene Power: They are a major source of lycopene, a potent antioxidant linked to heart health and reduced cancer risk.
Supports Weight Loss: With high water and fiber content, tomatoes promote satiety and can help with appetite control.
Versatile Ingredient: Tomatoes can be enjoyed raw in salads or cooked in sauces, with cooking increasing the body's absorption of lycopene.
Health Benefits: Regular consumption is associated with improved heart health, better vision, and antioxidant protection against cell damage.

Caloric Breakdown of 125g of Tomatoes

For a standard serving of 125 grams, raw, red, ripe tomatoes contain about 23 calories. This is based on an average year-round analysis and can vary slightly depending on the specific variety and ripeness. The macronutrient distribution for this portion is heavily weighted towards carbohydrates, with minimal fat content. The caloric value comes primarily from natural sugars, while a small amount is derived from protein.

Nutritional Composition Beyond Calories

While the low-calorie count is appealing, the nutritional benefits of tomatoes extend far beyond just energy content. A 125-gram serving offers a wealth of vitamins and minerals essential for overall health.

Carbohydrates: Approximately 5 grams, with 3 grams from natural sugars and 2 grams from dietary fiber.
Protein: Around 1 gram, making it a low-protein food.
Fat: A negligible 0.3 grams.
Vitamins: Rich in Vitamin C (around 19% of the Daily Value) and a good source of Vitamin K.
Minerals: A significant source of potassium (around 6% of the Daily Value), which is vital for heart health and fluid balance.
Antioxidants: Packed with lycopene, beta-carotene, and other powerful antioxidants that offer protective health benefits.

Comparing Calories in Different Tomato Types

It's important to note that the calorie content can vary slightly between different tomato varieties due to differences in size, sugar, and water content. However, they all remain relatively low in calories.


Tomato Type	Serving Size	Approximate Calories	Source
Standard Red Tomato	125 grams	23 kcal
Cherry Tomatoes	125 grams	23 kcal
Grape Tomatoes	1 grape tomato (~8g)	1 kcal
Roma (Plum) Tomato	1 Roma tomato (~62g)	11 kcal
Beefsteak Tomato	1 large (~182g)	33 kcal

The Health Benefits of Eating Tomatoes

Beyond their low-calorie nature, tomatoes are a nutritional powerhouse linked to numerous health advantages, including antioxidant protection and supporting vital bodily functions.

Antioxidant Protection: The vivid red color of tomatoes comes from lycopene, a potent antioxidant that helps protect cells from damage caused by free radicals. Tomatoes also contain other antioxidants like vitamin A, vitamin C, and beta-carotene, all of which contribute to overall well-being.

Heart Health: Studies suggest that diets rich in tomatoes may reduce the risk of heart disease. Lycopene and potassium help lower LDL ('bad') cholesterol levels and regulate blood pressure, contributing to better cardiovascular health.

Improved Vision and Eye Protection: Tomatoes are a great source of vitamin A, which is essential for maintaining good vision. Additionally, they contain lutein and zeaxanthin, which protect the eyes from light-induced damage.

Potential Anti-Cancer Properties: Lycopene, especially when cooked with a source of fat like olive oil, becomes more bioavailable and has been linked to a reduced risk of certain cancers, particularly prostate cancer.

Digestive Health: Tomatoes are a good source of dietary fiber, which aids digestion and promotes healthy, regular bowel movements.

Versatile Ways to Add Tomatoes to Your Diet

Their versatility makes it easy to incorporate tomatoes into a variety of meals and snacks. Here is a list of simple and healthy ways to enjoy them:

Fresh Salads: Slice fresh tomatoes and add them to salads with leafy greens, cucumber, and a light vinaigrette.
Homemade Sauces: Create a nutritious tomato sauce for pasta or as a base for stews and curries. Cooking tomatoes increases the bioavailability of lycopene, their powerful antioxidant.
Soups: A warm bowl of tomato soup is both comforting and low in calories, making it a great meal starter or light lunch.
Salsa: Use fresh, diced tomatoes to make a vibrant salsa to serve with grilled chicken or fish.
Roasted: Roasting tomatoes with a little olive oil and herbs can intensify their flavor and create a delicious side dish.
Sandwiches and Wraps: Add slices of fresh tomatoes to sandwiches, wraps, or toast for extra flavor and nutrients.
Smoothies and Juices: For a hydrating, nutrient-rich beverage, blend fresh tomatoes with other vegetables like cucumber and a squeeze of lemon juice.

Conclusion

In summary, 125 grams of tomatoes contain approximately 23 calories, making them an excellent choice for a low-calorie diet. Their nutritional profile is rich in vitamins, minerals, and powerful antioxidants like lycopene. Whether eaten raw in salads, cooked into sauces, or blended into soups, tomatoes offer significant health benefits for heart health, vision, and antioxidant protection. Their high water and fiber content also contribute to a feeling of fullness, which can aid in weight management. Adding this nutrient-dense and versatile fruit to your diet is a simple yet effective way to boost your overall health and wellness.

Frequently Asked Questions

Cooking tomatoes can increase the bioavailability of lycopene, making it easier for the body to absorb this antioxidant. However, some heat-sensitive nutrients like Vitamin C may be slightly reduced. Both raw and cooked forms offer significant nutritional value, and combining them provides the best benefits.

Tomatoes aid in weight loss because they are low in calories and high in water and fiber, which helps you feel full and satisfied. Their satiating properties can help curb unnecessary cravings and reduce overall calorie intake.

Lycopene is a powerful antioxidant and a pigment that gives red fruits and vegetables like tomatoes their color. It is important for its potential to protect against cellular damage, improve heart health, and reduce the risk of certain types of cancer.

Yes, eating tomatoes every day is perfectly fine for most people and provides a regular supply of essential vitamins and antioxidants. They are a healthy and versatile addition to a balanced diet.

Yes, different varieties have slightly different calorie counts, though all remain very low. For example, a larger beefsteak tomato has more calories than a small grape tomato, but the calorie density per 100 grams is similar.

Yes, tomatoes are a good source of potassium, a mineral crucial for regulating blood pressure, fluid balance, and heart rhythm.

The time of day you eat tomatoes does not significantly impact weight loss. The key is your overall daily calorie balance. Enjoying them at any time can help you feel full and add nutrients.