How Many Calories Are in 6 Medium Tomatoes? A Nutritional Breakdown

November 29, 2025 •

4 min read

A single, raw, medium-sized tomato contains only about 22 calories. So, how many calories are in 6 medium tomatoes? By simple multiplication, you can expect a total calorie count of roughly 132 calories, making them a low-calorie addition to any diet.

Quick Summary

This guide provides a detailed breakdown of the calorie content and a full nutritional profile for six medium tomatoes. It explores their low-calorie nature, rich vitamin and mineral content, and offers comparisons to other foods to help with meal planning and weight management.

Key Points

Low Calorie: Six medium tomatoes contain approximately 132 calories, with each individual tomato averaging about 22 calories.
Rich in Lycopene: Tomatoes are a primary source of the antioxidant lycopene, which supports heart health and may reduce the risk of certain cancers.
High Vitamin and Mineral Content: A serving offers excellent amounts of vitamin C, vitamin K1, folate, and potassium, all essential for overall health.
Supports Weight Management: Their high water and fiber content helps promote satiety, which can be beneficial for controlling appetite and managing weight.
Enhanced Nutrient Absorption: Cooking tomatoes, especially with a small amount of healthy fat like olive oil, increases the bioavailability and absorption of the beneficial antioxidant lycopene.
Versatile for Meals: Tomatoes can be incorporated into countless meals, from fresh salads and sandwiches to cooked sauces and roasted dishes, making it easy to add their benefits to your diet.

Understanding the Calorie Count of Medium Tomatoes

To accurately determine how many calories are in 6 medium tomatoes, it is important to first establish the calorie count for a single, average-sized one. According to data from the USDA, a medium tomato, which is typically about 2-3/5 inches in diameter and weighs around 123 grams, contains approximately 22 calories. Based on this figure, six medium tomatoes would collectively contain around 132 calories. This calculation highlights tomatoes as an exceptionally low-calorie food, a key factor for individuals managing their weight or simply aiming for a healthier diet. The vast majority of a tomato's weight, around 95%, is water, contributing to its low-calorie density.

The Full Nutritional Profile Beyond Calories

While the calorie count is a primary consideration for many, the true value of tomatoes lies in their rich nutritional content. The calories from six medium tomatoes are not empty; they are accompanied by a wealth of beneficial nutrients. Here's what you can expect from a serving of this size:

Vitamins: Tomatoes are an excellent source of vitamin C, an essential antioxidant that supports the immune system and skin health. A single medium tomato can provide a significant portion of the recommended daily intake. They also offer a good amount of vitamin K1, which is important for blood clotting and bone health, and folate (B9), critical for cell growth and tissue function.
Minerals: A single medium tomato contains a notable amount of potassium, an essential mineral for blood pressure regulation and heart health.
Fiber: With about 1.5 grams of fiber per medium tomato, a serving of six provides a substantial dietary fiber intake. Fiber aids in digestion and can help with constipation.
Antioxidants: The vibrant red color of a ripe tomato is due to lycopene, a potent antioxidant. Lycopene has been extensively studied for its potential to reduce the risk of certain cancers and heart disease. Cooking tomatoes, especially with a bit of fat like olive oil, can actually increase your body's ability to absorb lycopene.

Factors That Influence Calorie Content

The calorie content in tomatoes can vary slightly depending on several factors, including the variety and preparation method. For instance, a larger beefsteak tomato will have more calories than a small cherry tomato. Furthermore, the way a tomato is prepared affects its overall calorie load. A raw, medium tomato is low in calories, but if it's canned, roasted with oil, or turned into a sauce with added ingredients, the calorie count will change.

Comparing Tomatoes to Other Low-Calorie Foods

To put the low-calorie nature of tomatoes into perspective, it's useful to compare them with other common low-calorie foods. This comparison can be helpful for those who are building a healthy, balanced diet. The table below shows the caloric comparison for a 100-gram serving of several vegetables and fruits. A medium tomato is about 123 grams, so a 100-gram portion is slightly smaller.


Food (100 grams)	Approximate Calories
Tomato	18-22
Cucumber	15
Celery	16
Bell Pepper	20
Strawberries	32

This table illustrates that tomatoes are in the same calorie-dense category as other popular, healthy vegetables, making them an ideal choice for adding volume and nutrients to meals without significantly increasing the caloric intake. Their high water and fiber content also contribute to a feeling of fullness, which is beneficial for weight management.

Incorporating Tomatoes into Your Diet

There are countless ways to enjoy the nutritional benefits of six medium tomatoes. Here are some simple suggestions:

Fresh: Slice them for salads, sandwiches, or Caprese skewers with mozzarella and basil.
Cooked: Roast them with herbs and olive oil for a flavorful side dish. Remember, cooking enhances lycopene absorption.
Sauce: Blend them into a low-calorie, homemade marinara sauce for pasta or pizza.
Salsa: Dice them up with onions, cilantro, and jalapeños for fresh, healthy salsa.
Juice: Blend them into a nutrient-rich vegetable juice or gazpacho.

Conclusion

In summary, the answer to "how many calories are in 6 medium tomatoes" is approximately 132 calories, offering a substantial nutrient boost for a very modest caloric cost. Tomatoes are an excellent choice for anyone looking to add more vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants like lycopene to their diet without sacrificing their health goals. Their versatility means they can be easily incorporated into a wide variety of healthy meals, both cooked and raw. Understanding this nutritional information empowers you to make informed decisions about your food choices and appreciate the full health benefits of these versatile fruits. For more in-depth nutritional data on a wide range of foods, including tomatoes, consult the official USDA FoodData Central database..

Note: This information is for educational purposes. For personalized dietary advice, it is best to consult with a healthcare professional or registered dietitian.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, a medium tomato contains only about 3 grams of sugar, and its overall carbohydrate content is low, making it a healthy choice for most diets.

Lycopene is a powerful antioxidant responsible for the red color of tomatoes. It is important for protecting your body's cells from damage and has been linked to a lower risk of heart disease and certain cancers.

Both raw and cooked tomatoes offer benefits. Eating them raw provides more vitamin C, while cooking them significantly increases the bioavailability of lycopene, making it easier for your body to absorb.

You can incorporate tomatoes easily by adding them to salads, blending them into sauces or soups, making fresh salsa, or roasting them as a flavorful side dish.

Yes, tomatoes are excellent for weight loss due to their low-calorie count and high water and fiber content, which helps you feel full and satisfied.

Canned tomatoes are also nutritious and often contain even higher levels of lycopene than fresh ones due to the cooking process. However, be mindful of added sodium in canned varieties.

Botanically, the tomato is a fruit, but nutritionally, it is typically counted as a vegetable in dietary guidelines like MyPlate. It is a healthy and versatile part of a balanced diet.