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How Many Calories Are In 5 Mini Tomatoes?

2 min read

According to nutritional data, five mini tomatoes, such as the common cherry or grape varieties, contain approximately 15 calories. These small, juicy fruits are a low-calorie and nutrient-dense addition to any diet, making them an excellent choice for a healthy snack or salad topping.

Quick Summary

An average serving of five raw mini tomatoes contains around 15 calories, offering a low-fat, high-fiber, and nutrient-rich snack option for a balanced diet.

Key Points

  • Low Calorie: Five mini tomatoes, including cherry and grape varieties, contain only about 15 calories, making them an excellent healthy snack option.

  • Rich in Lycopene: Mini tomatoes are a great source of the powerful antioxidant lycopene, which supports heart health and may reduce the risk of certain cancers.

  • Packed with Vitamins: They provide a significant amount of Vitamin C, Vitamin A, and potassium for their size, supporting immune function and other bodily processes.

  • High in Water and Fiber: With high water content and dietary fiber, mini tomatoes help with hydration and promote a feeling of fullness, aiding in weight management.

  • Versatile Ingredient: Mini tomatoes can be enjoyed raw, roasted, or added to salads, pastas, and sauces, making them a versatile addition to many recipes.

  • Supports Skin and Eye Health: The antioxidants present in mini tomatoes, such as beta-carotene, lutein, and zeaxanthin, are beneficial for skin protection and vision.

In This Article

Understanding the Calorie Count of Mini Tomatoes

When it comes to tracking your food intake, knowing the calorie count of common snacks is essential. For five mini tomatoes, such as the popular cherry or grape types, the number is remarkably low, averaging about 15 calories. This makes them an ideal choice for a guilt-free snack or as an addition to salads without significantly impacting your daily caloric intake.

Nutritional Breakdown of a Five-Tomato Serving

Beyond just calories, these tiny tomatoes offer a solid nutritional punch for their size. A typical serving of 5 cherry or grape tomatoes (around 50 grams) generally contains:

  • Carbohydrates: Around 3 grams, with some natural sugars and about 1 gram of dietary fiber.
  • Protein: Less than 1 gram.
  • Fat: Very little fat, under 0.2 grams.
  • Vitamins and Minerals: Rich in Vitamin C, Vitamin A, potassium, and the antioxidant lycopene.

Mini Tomatoes vs. Standard Tomatoes: A Comparison

Mini tomatoes and standard tomatoes share similar nutritional profiles. Here is a comparison based on approximate values:

Nutrient (approx.) 5 Mini Tomatoes (50g) 1 Small Standard Tomato (91g)
Calories 15 kcal 16 kcal
Carbohydrates 3 g 3.5 g
Protein 1 g 0.8 g
Dietary Fiber 1 g 1.1 g
Vitamin C 12 mg 12.5 mg
Potassium 201 mg 215.7 mg

Mini tomatoes offer a similar nutrient profile to standard tomatoes in a convenient size.

Health Benefits of Adding Mini Tomatoes to Your Diet

Mini tomatoes offer numerous health benefits, largely due to their rich antioxidant content.

  • Antioxidant Power: They contain lycopene, an antioxidant linked to reduced risk of certain cancers and cell protection. Cooking can enhance lycopene absorption.
  • Heart Health: Potassium, fiber, and Vitamin C support cardiovascular health by helping to manage blood pressure and cholesterol.
  • Skin and Eye Health: Antioxidants like lycopene, beta-carotene, lutein, and zeaxanthin are beneficial for skin protection and eye health, potentially reducing the risk of age-related macular degeneration.
  • Hydration and Digestion: With over 90% water and dietary fiber, they aid hydration and promote healthy digestion.

Creative Ways to Enjoy Mini Tomatoes

Mini tomatoes are versatile and can be used in many ways:

  • Snack: Enjoy them raw, alone or with a healthy dip.
  • Salads: Add to various salads, including Caprese.
  • Roasted: Roast with olive oil, salt, and pepper for a flavorful dish or topping.
  • Sauces: Include whole or halved in sauces and stir-fries.
  • Skewers: Create colorful appetizers with cheese and other vegetables.

Conclusion: A Small Package, Big Nutrition

With around 15 calories per five, mini tomatoes provide vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants like lycopene that benefit heart, skin, and eye health. Their high water and fiber content also helps with satiety and weight management. Mini tomatoes are a simple and delicious way to enhance your diet. For more ideas, explore preparing cherry tomatoes.

Frequently Asked Questions

There are approximately 15 calories in a serving of 5 cherry tomatoes.

Yes, mini tomatoes are excellent for weight loss because they are low in calories and high in water and fiber, which helps you feel full and satisfied.

Five mini tomatoes contain about 15 calories, 3 grams of carbohydrates, 1 gram of protein, and negligible fat, along with beneficial vitamins and antioxidants.

You can add mini tomatoes to salads, roast them with olive oil, use them in sauces, or simply snack on them raw with a healthy dip like hummus.

Cooking mini tomatoes can reduce the amount of Vitamin C, but it can actually increase the amount of lycopene your body can absorb, boosting its antioxidant benefits.

Both grape and cherry tomatoes, when considering a similar serving size of five, have a comparable calorie count of approximately 15 calories.

Mini tomatoes offer numerous health benefits, including supporting heart health, protecting skin and eyes, and aiding digestion, thanks to their rich content of antioxidants, vitamins, and fiber.

References

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Medical Disclaimer

This content is for informational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice.