How many calories are in 250 g of cherry tomatoes?

According to nutritional data, a 250-gram serving of raw cherry tomatoes contains approximately 45 calories. This makes them an exceptionally low-energy food, rich in flavor and nutrients, offering a guilt-free way to enhance your meals or enjoy a healthy snack.

Quick Summary

A 250 g serving of raw cherry tomatoes contains approximately 45 calories. This low-calorie snack is rich in vitamins C and A, potassium, and the powerful antioxidant lycopene, making it an excellent choice for a nutritious diet and weight management.

Key Points

• Calorie Count: 250 grams of raw cherry tomatoes contains approximately 45 calories.

• Nutrient-Dense: Despite being low in calories, they are packed with vitamins A and C, potassium, and fiber.

• Antioxidant Power: A significant source of lycopene, a potent antioxidant that supports heart health.

• Promotes Satiety: The combination of high water and fiber content helps you feel full, which is beneficial for weight management.

• Versatile Ingredient: Easily incorporated into salads, sauces, or enjoyed raw as a healthy snack.

• Low Fat Content: With only 0.5g of fat per 250g serving, they are a very low-fat food option.

• Natural Sweetness: The sugar content provides a natural, appealing sweetness without significant caloric impact.

A 250 g portion of raw cherry tomatoes, a common serving size found in grocery stores, provides an estimated 45 calories. This places them firmly in the category of low-calorie, nutrient-dense foods that are perfect for maintaining a healthy diet. Their minimal energy content, combined with a high water and fiber composition, means you can feel full and satisfied without consuming a significant number of calories. Understanding the calorie content of everyday foods, like cherry tomatoes, is a crucial step for anyone managing their weight or simply aiming for a healthier lifestyle.

Nutritional Breakdown of 250g Cherry Tomatoes

While the calorie count is low, the nutritional benefits are high. A typical 250 g serving of cherry tomatoes offers more than just hydration. The macronutrient and micronutrient profile reveals a powerhouse of essential vitamins and minerals.

• Macronutrients
  • Calories: ~45 kcal
  • Carbohydrates: ~10 g
  • Fiber: ~3 g, which supports digestive health and satiety
  • Sugar: ~7 g, contributing to their naturally sweet flavor
  • Protein: ~2 g
  • Fat: A minimal ~0.5 g
• Micronutrients
  • Vitamin C: Provides a significant portion of your daily value, crucial for immune function and skin health.
  • Vitamin A: Important for vision and cellular growth.
  • Potassium: Key for blood pressure regulation and nerve function.
  • Lycopene: A powerful antioxidant linked to reduced risk of certain cancers and heart disease.

How Cherry Tomato Calories Compare to Common Snacks

To put the 45-calorie figure into perspective, a 250g serving of cherry tomatoes is a much healthier and more filling alternative to many processed snacks. The table below illustrates the stark difference in nutritional value and calorie density.

Item	Serving Size	Approximate Calories	Key Nutritional Benefit
Cherry Tomatoes	250 g	45 kcal	Rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.
Potato Chips	28 g (small bag)	~160 kcal	Minimal nutritional value, high in fat and sodium.
Milk Chocolate Bar	44 g (standard bar)	~235 kcal	High in sugar and saturated fat, very low in nutrients.
Granola Bar	30-40 g	~120-150 kcal	Often high in sugar, can contain trans fats, variable nutrition.
Sugary Soda	355 ml (can)	~140 kcal	Zero nutritional value, high in refined sugar.

Health Benefits Beyond the Calorie Count

The advantages of adding cherry tomatoes to your diet extend far beyond their low-calorie profile. They are a potent source of health-promoting compounds, especially antioxidants. The bright red color of cherry tomatoes is a sign of their high lycopene content, an antioxidant that becomes more

Frequently Asked Questions

How many calories are in a single cherry tomato?

The calorie count for a single cherry tomato is very low and depends on its size. Since a 250g serving has about 45 calories, and there are roughly 20-30 cherry tomatoes in that quantity, a single one contains around 1.5 to 2 calories.

Are there more calories in cooked cherry tomatoes?

Cooking cherry tomatoes alone does not add calories. However, if you cook them with oil, butter, or other high-calorie ingredients, the total calorie count will increase. The calories from the tomato itself remain minimal.

How do cherry tomatoes compare to regular tomatoes in terms of calories?

On a per-gram basis, cherry tomatoes and regular tomatoes have similar calorie counts. A 100g serving of regular tomatoes has about 18 calories, which is comparable to the 18 calories per 100g in cherry tomatoes.

Are cherry tomatoes good for weight loss?

Yes, their low-calorie density and high fiber and water content make cherry tomatoes an excellent food for weight loss. They can help you feel full without consuming excess calories, making them a great snack option.

What is the primary nutrient in cherry tomatoes?

Besides being low in calories, cherry tomatoes are a great source of Vitamin C, Vitamin A, and the antioxidant lycopene, which is beneficial for overall health.

Do cherry tomatoes contain a lot of sugar?

A 250g serving contains about 7g of sugar, which is relatively low and is all natural fruit sugar. The fiber content helps to moderate the body's absorption of this sugar.

Can I eat too many cherry tomatoes?

While extremely nutritious, eating an excessive amount could lead to digestive upset due to the high fiber content. As with any food, moderation is key for a balanced diet.

Are the calories in cherry tomatoes different if they are a different color, like yellow or orange?

The calorie count is largely consistent across different colored cherry tomato varieties. Any minor differences would be negligible and not impact their status as a low-calorie food.

Do canned or sun-dried cherry tomatoes have the same calorie count?

No, processed cherry tomatoes like canned or sun-dried versions will have a different calorie count. Sun-dried tomatoes, especially those packed in oil, are significantly higher in calories. Always check the label for processed products.