How many calories are in 42 grams of cherry tomatoes?

November 19, 2025 •

3 min read

According to nutritional data, a typical 100-gram serving of cherry tomatoes contains approximately 25 calories. Based on this metric, a 42-gram serving of these bite-sized fruits contains an exceptionally low number of calories, making them a perfect, healthy snack. Here’s a detailed breakdown of how many calories are in 42 grams of cherry tomatoes.

Quick Summary

A 42-gram portion of cherry tomatoes contains approximately 10.5 calories. This low-calorie serving is rich in vitamins, antioxidants like lycopene, and hydrating water content.

Key Points

Minimal Calories: A 42g serving of cherry tomatoes contains approximately 10.5 calories, making it a very light snack option.
Rich in Lycopene: Cherry tomatoes are a great source of lycopene, a powerful antioxidant that helps protect against cell damage and may reduce the risk of certain cancers.
Packed with Vitamins: Even a small serving provides vitamins C and A, which support immune function, vision, and skin health.
Highly Hydrating: With a high water content, cherry tomatoes help with hydration, which is essential for overall health and can aid in weight management.
Excellent for Snacking: Their small size and low-calorie nature make them an easy, satisfying, and guilt-free snack choice.
Versatile Ingredient: They can be easily incorporated into a variety of dishes, from salads and pastas to roasted vegetable platters.

The Exact Calorie Count

Based on the widely accepted nutritional information that 100 grams of cherry tomatoes contain around 25 calories, we can perform a simple calculation to determine the calorie content for a 42-gram serving. The formula is as follows: (25 calories / 100 grams) * 42 grams = 10.5 calories. Therefore, a 42-gram portion of cherry tomatoes provides approximately 10.5 calories. It's worth noting that the exact number can fluctuate slightly depending on the specific variety, ripeness, and growing conditions of the tomatoes. However, this figure provides a highly accurate estimate for those monitoring their caloric intake.

A Closer Look at the Macronutrients

Beyond just the calories, it's insightful to understand the macronutrient composition of this small but mighty serving. For 42 grams of cherry tomatoes, the nutritional breakdown is extremely lean, contributing to their reputation as a guilt-free snack.

Carbohydrates

The majority of the calories in cherry tomatoes come from carbohydrates, specifically sugars and dietary fiber. For a 42-gram serving, you can expect to find less than 3 grams of total carbohydrates, with a portion of that being natural sugars. The fiber content is also minimal in this small quantity but is still present and beneficial for digestive health.

Protein and Fat

Cherry tomatoes contain negligible amounts of both protein and fat. A 42-gram serving will have less than half a gram of protein and virtually no fat. This makes them an ideal choice for a snack that won't contribute significantly to your fat or protein macros, fitting easily into most dietary plans.

The Micronutrient Powerhouse

Despite their low-calorie count, cherry tomatoes are packed with essential vitamins and minerals that provide significant health benefits. A 42-gram serving contributes a valuable portion of your daily nutritional needs.

Antioxidants: Cherry tomatoes are especially rich in antioxidants like lycopene and beta-carotene. Lycopene, the compound responsible for their red color, has been linked to a reduced risk of certain cancers, particularly prostate cancer, and may protect skin from UV damage.
Vitamins: They are an excellent source of Vitamin C, which is crucial for immune function and skin health, and Vitamin A, which is important for vision. They also provide a small amount of Vitamin K, which is essential for blood clotting and bone health.
Minerals: Important minerals like potassium, which helps regulate blood pressure, and magnesium, which supports muscle function, are also present in these tiny fruits.

Comparison: Cherry Tomatoes vs. Other Snacks

To put the calorie count of cherry tomatoes into perspective, let’s compare a 42-gram serving to other common snack foods. As you can see, their caloric efficiency is exceptional.


Snack Food	Serving Size	Approximate Calories	Key Benefits
Cherry Tomatoes	42 grams	~10.5 calories	Rich in antioxidants, vitamins C & A, and highly hydrating.
Carrot Sticks	42 grams	~17 calories	Excellent source of Vitamin A and fiber.
Celery Sticks	42 grams	~6 calories	Mostly water, good source of Vitamin K.
Potato Chips	42 grams	~230 calories	High in fat and sodium, minimal nutritional value.
Almonds	42 grams	~240 calories	Good source of healthy fats, protein, and fiber (calorie-dense).

Practical Ways to Incorporate Cherry Tomatoes

Because of their low-calorie content and high nutrient density, cherry tomatoes are incredibly versatile and easy to add to your daily diet. Here are a few simple ideas to get you started:

As a quick snack: Wash and eat them directly from the container. They provide a satisfying burst of sweetness and hydration.
In salads: Toss whole or halved cherry tomatoes into your green salads for a pop of color and flavor.
Roasted: Roast them with a drizzle of olive oil, salt, and pepper until they begin to burst. They become sweeter and can be added to pasta, sandwiches, or served as a side dish.
In skewers: Alternate cherry tomatoes with mozzarella balls and fresh basil for a simple, elegant caprese skewer appetizer.
In sauces: Add them to homemade sauces or stir-fries for added texture and nutrients. Their flavor intensifies beautifully with heat.

Conclusion: The Tiny, Healthy Treat

In conclusion, 42 grams of cherry tomatoes contain a very low 10.5 calories, making them one of the most diet-friendly snack options available. Their minimal caloric impact is balanced by a potent nutritional profile, including significant amounts of vitamins, minerals, and powerful antioxidants like lycopene. Whether you're counting calories for weight loss or simply looking for a wholesome and hydrating snack, these vibrant little fruits are a smart and delicious choice. Their versatility allows for endless culinary applications, ensuring you can enjoy their health benefits in many creative ways. Learn more about the general nutritional benefits of tomatoes from the University of Rochester Medical Center.

Frequently Asked Questions

The number of cherry tomatoes that make up 42 grams can vary depending on their size. On average, a single cherry tomato weighs between 10 and 25 grams. Therefore, 42 grams would typically be equivalent to about 2 to 4 cherry tomatoes.

Yes, cherry tomatoes are an excellent food for weight loss. They are very low in calories, high in water content, and provide dietary fiber, which helps you feel full and satisfied without consuming excessive calories.

Cherry tomatoes offer several health benefits, including supporting heart health, protecting against oxidative stress with antioxidants like lycopene, and boosting immunity with a high concentration of Vitamin C.

Both cherry and grape tomatoes are very low in calories, with a high water content. Their calorie counts per gram are very similar, so for calorie-counting purposes, they can be considered equivalent healthy snacks.

Cooking cherry tomatoes does not significantly change their calorie content. However, preparing them with oil or other ingredients will increase the total calories of the dish. Roasting, for example, intensifies their natural sweetness without adding significant calories if done sparingly.

Yes, it is perfectly healthy to eat cherry tomatoes every day. They are a nutritious and hydrating snack that can be a regular part of a balanced diet. As with any food, moderation is key, but their low calorie and high nutrient content make them a great daily choice.

Cherry tomatoes are a good source of several vitamins, including Vitamin C, Vitamin A (from beta-carotene), and Vitamin K. They also contain important minerals like potassium.

While organic farming practices avoid synthetic pesticides and fertilizers, the core nutritional content of organic vs. conventional cherry tomatoes is generally comparable. The calories in 42 grams of cherry tomatoes would be nearly identical regardless of organic status.