Solved: How many calories are in 129 grams of tomatoes?

November 19, 2025 •

3 min read

Raw tomatoes are surprisingly low in calories, with most varieties containing fewer than 20 calories per 100 grams. This guide will break down the precise answer to your question, detailing exactly how many calories are in 129 grams of tomatoes, and exploring the broader nutritional advantages of this versatile fruit.

Quick Summary

A 129g serving of fresh, ripe tomatoes contains approximately 23 calories, making them an exceptionally low-calorie food. This portion offers valuable vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants like lycopene, with minimal carbs and virtually no fat.

Key Points

Low Calorie Count: 129 grams of raw tomatoes contain approximately 23 calories, ideal for weight management.
Rich in Lycopene: Tomatoes are a primary source of lycopene, an antioxidant linked to reduced cancer and heart disease risk.
Abundant Vitamins: A 129g serving provides vitamins C, K, A, and potassium, supporting immunity, vision, and bone health.
Increased Lycopene Bioavailability: Cooking tomatoes with a little fat significantly increases the body's absorption of lycopene.
Excellent Source of Fiber: The fiber content in tomatoes, around 1.2-1.5 grams in a medium tomato, aids in healthy digestion.
Hydrating and Filling: Over 95% water, tomatoes are a hydrating and low-energy-density food that promotes fullness.

The Quick Answer: Calorie Count for 129g of Tomatoes

For a serving of 129 grams of raw, ripe tomatoes, you can expect the calorie count to be approximately 23 calories. This number is based on the average nutritional data for standard red tomatoes. Since 100 grams of tomatoes typically contain around 18 calories, a simple calculation confirms this low energy density: $(129/100) \times 18 \approx 23$ calories. The exact figure can vary slightly based on the tomato variety and ripeness, but it will always be a very low number, making tomatoes an excellent choice for a low-calorie diet.

Beyond Calories: A Detailed Look at Tomato Nutrition

Tomatoes are packed with more than just a low-calorie count. They are a nutritional powerhouse, rich in vitamins, minerals, and beneficial antioxidants. For your 129-gram portion, here is a detailed breakdown of what you're consuming:

Macronutrient Profile for 129g

Carbohydrates: Around 5 grams, primarily from simple sugars like fructose and glucose.
Protein: Roughly 1 gram, contributing to a small portion of the overall calories.
Fat: Negligible, with less than 0.3 grams.
Fiber: Approximately 1.2 to 1.5 grams, important for digestive health.

Key Vitamins and Minerals

Vitamin C: An essential antioxidant that supports immune health. A medium tomato can provide a significant portion of your daily needs.
Potassium: Crucial for regulating blood pressure and heart function.
Vitamin K: Important for blood clotting and strong bone health.
Folate (Vitamin B9): Vital for tissue growth and cell function.
Vitamin A: Good for vision and skin health.

The Power of Lycopene: A Standout Antioxidant

One of the most notable compounds in tomatoes is lycopene, a potent antioxidant that gives red tomatoes their vibrant color. Extensive research has linked lycopene consumption to several significant health benefits:

Reduced cancer risk: Studies suggest that lycopene may help reduce the risk of certain cancers, particularly prostate cancer.
Heart health: Lycopene and other compounds in tomatoes can help lower cholesterol and blood pressure, reducing the risk of heart attacks and strokes.
Skin protection: Lycopene may offer some protection against sunburn by neutralizing free radicals caused by UV exposure.

Interestingly, the bioavailability of lycopene is enhanced by cooking and combining it with a small amount of fat, such as olive oil, making processed tomato products like sauce and paste surprisingly high in absorbable lycopene.

Fresh vs. Processed: A Calorie Comparison

While fresh, raw tomatoes are great, it's useful to know how different preparations affect their calorie count. Processed tomato products often concentrate nutrients and calories.


Tomato Form	Calories per 100g (Approx.)	Key Difference	Recommended Use
Raw Tomato	18 kcal	High water content, fresh nutrients.	Salads, sandwiches, fresh snacks.
Tomato Paste	80-100 kcal	Highly concentrated, cooked down.	Sauces, stews, concentrated flavor.
Tomato Sauce	30-40 kcal	Cooked tomatoes, may have added ingredients.	Pasta sauces, soups.
Sun-Dried Tomatoes	200-300 kcal	Water removed, concentrating sugars and nutrients.	Salads, appetizers, flavor boost.

Practical Ways to Incorporate Tomatoes into Your Diet

Given their low-calorie and nutrient-rich profile, tomatoes are an excellent addition to almost any diet. Here are some simple and delicious ideas:

Fresh Salads: Toss chopped tomatoes with cucumbers, onions, and a light vinaigrette for a refreshing side salad.
Sandwiches and Wraps: Add fresh tomato slices for a juicy, nutritious layer.
Healthy Snacks: Enjoy cherry or grape tomatoes on their own, or with a light dip.
Homemade Sauces: Create a delicious, low-calorie pasta sauce from scratch using fresh or canned tomatoes.
Soups and Stews: Tomatoes serve as a flavorful base for many warming recipes.
Roasted Tomatoes: Roasting fresh tomatoes with herbs and a drizzle of olive oil enhances their sweetness and makes for a fantastic side dish.

Conclusion: Tomatoes are a Diet-Friendly Choice

For those watching their calorie intake, the low-calorie nature of tomatoes is a major advantage. A 129-gram portion provides a minimal number of calories while delivering a wide array of essential nutrients, antioxidants like lycopene, and a satisfying taste. Their versatility means they can be enjoyed in a variety of dishes, both raw and cooked, to support a healthy and balanced diet. Whether you're aiming for weight loss or simply looking to add more nutrition to your meals, tomatoes are a smart and delicious choice.

Visit Healthline for more detailed information on tomato nutrition and health benefits.

Frequently Asked Questions

Not necessarily, but they can be. Canned diced tomatoes with added ingredients can have slightly more calories due to added salt or other seasonings. Canned products like paste or sauce are more concentrated and therefore have more calories and lycopene per gram than fresh tomatoes.

The calories in a tomato come mainly from carbohydrates, specifically natural sugars like fructose and glucose. Fat and protein contribute only a minimal amount to the total energy.

Yes, but the difference is typically small. For example, sun-dried tomatoes have a much higher calorie density because most of the water has been removed. However, fresh varieties like cherry or Roma tomatoes have very similar low-calorie profiles to standard red tomatoes.

Yes, tomatoes are excellent for weight loss. They are low in calories, high in fiber and water, which helps you feel full and satisfied. Swapping high-calorie, high-fat ingredients for tomatoes is a great weight management strategy.

While tomatoes are highly nutritious, excessive consumption could potentially lead to issues like heartburn for those with acid reflux due to their acidity. Additionally, some individuals may need to monitor their intake due to specific medical conditions or medication interactions.

Cooking tomatoes does not destroy all nutrients. While some heat-sensitive vitamins like Vitamin C may decrease slightly, the heat can break down the cell walls, significantly increasing the bioavailability and absorption of beneficial lycopene.

Lycopene is a carotenoid and a powerful antioxidant found in tomatoes that gives them their red color. It is important for protecting cells from damage caused by free radicals, potentially reducing the risk of heart disease and certain cancers.