Calorie Count for 25g of Raw Tomato
For a 25-gram portion of a standard raw, ripe red tomato, the calorie count is incredibly low, typically registering at just 5 kcal. To put this into perspective, 25 grams is roughly the weight of a single cherry tomato or a thin slice from a larger tomato. This energy comes primarily from a small amount of carbohydrates, as tomatoes are mostly made of water.
Nutritional Composition of 25g of Raw Tomato
Beyond just calories, a 25g serving of tomato provides a beneficial nutritional snapshot:
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 1 gram
- Fiber: Around 0.3 grams
- Sugar: Roughly 1 gram
- Protein: About 0.2 grams
- Fat: Less than 0.1 gram
This composition confirms that tomatoes are a low-carb, low-sugar, and virtually fat-free food. The fiber content, though small in a 25g serving, contributes to digestive health and adds to the feeling of fullness.
Factors Influencing Tomato Calorie Counts
The precise calorie count of tomatoes can vary slightly based on several factors. While the number for 25 grams remains very low across the board, these distinctions are worth noting.
Variety of Tomato
Different types of tomatoes can have slightly different calorie densities due to varying water and sugar content. For example, a 25g serving of red, ripe Roma tomatoes contains about 5 calories, similar to average red tomatoes. Some varieties, like certain cherry tomatoes, might be slightly more or less dense, but the overall caloric impact is negligible.
Preparation Method
How a tomato is prepared can slightly alter its nutritional value and calorie density. A raw tomato, which is high in water, has the lowest calorie density. Cooking tomatoes concentrates their nutrients and sugars, but the change in calories per 25g is minimal unless oils or other ingredients are added. For example, 25g of canned tomatoes packed in juice contains approximately 4 calories. The most significant changes occur with processed tomato products, like sauces, which often contain added sugars and oils that drastically increase the calorie and fat content.
Raw vs. Processed Tomato Nutrients
Interestingly, while cooking can slightly alter the calorie profile, it significantly impacts the availability of certain nutrients. Specifically, the antioxidant lycopene becomes more bioavailable when tomatoes are cooked.
Comparison Table: 25g vs. 100g Tomato
To provide better context, here is a comparison of a small 25g serving versus a more standard 100g serving of raw, ripe tomato.
| Nutrient | 25g Serving | 100g Serving |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | ~5 kcal | ~18 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | ~1 g | ~3.9 g |
| Fiber | ~0.3 g | ~1.2 g |
| Sugar | ~1 g | ~2.6 g |
| Protein | ~0.2 g | ~0.9 g |
| Fat | <0.1 g | ~0.2 g |
Health Benefits Beyond the Calorie Count
Despite their low-calorie profile, tomatoes are packed with beneficial compounds. They are an excellent source of vitamin C, an essential antioxidant for immune health, and vitamin K, important for blood clotting and bone health. Additionally, they provide potassium, a mineral crucial for blood pressure regulation. The most celebrated compound in tomatoes is lycopene, an antioxidant that has been linked to numerous health benefits, including a reduced risk of heart disease and certain types of cancer.
Versatile Ways to Enjoy Tomatoes
Given their low-calorie count and rich nutritional profile, tomatoes are a versatile ingredient in many healthy recipes. They can be enjoyed fresh in salads and sandwiches, or cooked into sauces, soups, and stews. Incorporating tomatoes is a simple way to add flavor and nutrients without adding excess calories.
- Salads: A handful of cherry tomatoes can add a burst of flavor and color to any green salad. A 25g serving adds minimal calories.
- Sandwiches and Wraps: Add a thin slice of fresh tomato to your sandwiches for extra hydration and a tangy flavor.
- Sauces: Cooked tomato sauce is a rich source of lycopene. Use it as a base for pasta or pizza.
- Snacks: Snack on whole cherry tomatoes as a low-calorie, hydrating alternative to processed snacks.
- Salsas and Dips: Freshly diced tomatoes are the key ingredient in a vibrant, healthy salsa.
Conclusion
A 25-gram serving of raw tomato contains only about 5 calories, making it a nearly calorie-free food choice that is excellent for a balanced diet. Its high water content, combined with essential vitamins, minerals, and potent antioxidants like lycopene, solidifies its reputation as a nutrient-dense food. Whether you're counting calories or simply aiming for a healthier diet, this small serving of tomato offers significant nutritional value without impacting your daily calorie goals. For more detailed information on the specific nutrient values of tomatoes, you can consult reliable sources such as the USDA nutrient database.
Note: The values presented are based on an average raw, red, ripe tomato. Slight variations may occur depending on the specific variety, ripeness, and growing conditions.
