How Many Calories Are in 65 g of Tomatoes? A Quick Guide

November 19, 2025 •

3 min read

According to nutrition data, a 65 g serving of raw, ripe, red tomatoes contains approximately 12 calories. This minimal energy contribution makes them a fantastic food for those managing their weight or simply looking to add a nutritious, hydrating, and flavorful ingredient to their meals without a high caloric cost.

Quick Summary

A 65-gram serving of raw, ripe tomatoes contains about 12 calories, providing essential nutrients such as vitamins C and K, potassium, and the potent antioxidant lycopene.

Key Points

Low Calorie: 65 grams of raw, ripe tomatoes contain only about 12 calories.
Rich in Nutrients: Despite being low-calorie, they provide a good source of vitamins C and K, as well as potassium.
High Antioxidant Content: Tomatoes are an excellent source of lycopene, a potent antioxidant linked to numerous health benefits.
Hydrating Food: With a high water content (around 95%), tomatoes are great for hydration.
Versatile Ingredient: They can be easily added to various meals, from salads to sauces, without significantly increasing calorie intake.
Low in Fat: A 65g serving has a minimal amount of fat, contributing to its low-calorie density.
Enhanced Benefits from Cooking: The powerful antioxidant lycopene is more easily absorbed by the body from cooked tomatoes.

The Nutritional Breakdown of 65g of Tomatoes

When considering the nutritional value of tomatoes, it is clear that they are a healthy and low-calorie food. A standard 65-gram serving, which is approximately the size of one small to medium tomato, is composed mostly of water, making it incredibly light in energy. The total calorie count comes from the small amounts of carbohydrates, protein, and fat it contains. This small but mighty fruit-vegetable offers a variety of micronutrients that contribute to a balanced diet.

Macronutrients in 65g of Tomatoes

The macronutrient composition is what determines the bulk of a food's caloric content. For a 65g serving of red, ripe, raw tomatoes, the breakdown is as follows:

Carbohydrates: Approximately 3g. Most of this comes from natural sugars, which contribute to the tomato's mildly sweet flavor.
Protein: Approximately 1g.
Fat: A negligible amount, around 0.1g, making it a virtually fat-free food option.

Vitamins and Minerals

Beyond the basic macros, tomatoes are a powerhouse of essential vitamins and minerals, even in a small 65g serving. This nutrient density is a key reason they are recommended by nutritionists. Key nutrients include:

Vitamin C: A crucial vitamin for immune function and skin health.
Potassium: An electrolyte that plays a vital role in blood pressure regulation and heart health.
Vitamin K: Important for blood clotting and bone health.
Folate (Vitamin B9): Necessary for proper cell function and tissue growth.

Antioxidants and Other Health-Boosting Compounds

Tomatoes are famous for their high concentration of antioxidants, which combat free radicals in the body. The most notable of these is lycopene, a powerful carotenoid responsible for the tomato's red color.

Lycopene: Consuming lycopene has been linked to several health benefits, including a reduced risk of certain cancers and improved heart health. Interestingly, lycopene becomes more bioavailable when tomatoes are cooked, meaning your body can absorb it more easily from tomato sauce than from raw tomatoes.
Beta-carotene: This is another important antioxidant found in tomatoes, which the body can convert into Vitamin A.

Comparison Table: 65g Tomatoes vs. Other Common Foods

To put the calorie count of 65g of tomatoes into perspective, let's compare it with a similar-sized serving of other popular foods.


Food Item	Serving Size (65g)	Calories (approx.)	Primary Macronutrient	Health Highlight
Raw Tomato	65g	12 kcal	Carbohydrates	Rich in Lycopene and Vitamin C
Avocado	65g	105 kcal	Healthy Fats	High in Monounsaturated Fats
Cucumber	65g	10 kcal	Water	Extremely Low Calorie and Hydrating
Cooked Brown Rice	65g	80 kcal	Carbohydrates	Good source of Fiber
Cooked Chicken Breast	65g	110 kcal	Protein	High in Lean Protein

How to Easily Incorporate Tomatoes into Your Diet

Adding tomatoes to your daily meals is simple and provides a nutritional boost for very few calories. Here are some easy ways to integrate them:

Fresh in Salads: Dice up a few raw tomatoes and toss them into your favorite salad for added flavor, color, and nutrients.
Blend into Smoothies: A single tomato can be a unique and healthy addition to a vegetable-based smoothie, pairing well with cucumbers and celery.
Use in Sauces and Soups: Cooking tomatoes releases more lycopene. Use them as a base for low-calorie pasta sauces or a hearty vegetable soup.
Snack on Cherry Tomatoes: Grab a handful of cherry tomatoes for a quick, low-calorie, and satisfying snack on the go.
Roast Them: Roasting tomatoes with a sprinkle of herbs brings out their natural sweetness and can be a delicious side dish.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the answer to how many calories are in 65 g of tomatoes is approximately 12 calories. This is an incredibly low figure, highlighting why tomatoes are a staple in healthy eating plans. They offer a winning combination of minimal calories, high water content, and a wealth of essential vitamins and potent antioxidants like lycopene. Whether eaten raw in a salad, blended into a smoothie, or cooked into a sauce, 65g of tomatoes provides a nutritious and versatile addition to any meal, proving that great things truly do come in small, flavorful packages.

For more detailed nutritional information on a wide range of foods, you can explore reliable resources such as the USDA FoodData Central.

Frequently Asked Questions

A 65g serving of cherry tomatoes contains approximately 13 calories, a very similar amount to regular ripe tomatoes. They are a great, low-calorie snack option.

The calorie count of tomatoes is very low, comparable to other hydrating vegetables like cucumbers. For example, 65g of cucumber is about 10 calories, while starchy vegetables would be much higher.

Yes, 65g of tomatoes are excellent for weight loss. Their low-calorie density and high water and fiber content help you feel full with minimal calorie intake.

Cooking tomatoes themselves does not significantly alter the inherent calorie count. However, adding ingredients like oil, cheese, or sugar during the cooking process will increase the final caloric value.

A 65-gram serving of tomatoes is roughly equivalent to one small to medium-sized whole tomato. The exact size can vary based on the specific variety.

Beyond their low calorie count, 65g of tomatoes provide dietary fiber, carbohydrates, and important nutrients like potassium, vitamin C, and lycopene.

Yes, tomatoes are considered keto-friendly. A 65g serving has a very low net carbohydrate count (about 2g), making it suitable for low-carb diets.