How many calories are in 87 grams of cherry tomatoes?

November 19, 2025 •

3 min read

According to nutritional data, there are approximately 16 calories in 87 grams of cherry tomatoes, making them a very low-calorie and guilt-free snack. These small, sweet fruits are packed with flavor and nutrients, proving that healthy eating doesn't have to be boring or difficult.

Quick Summary

87 grams of cherry tomatoes contain roughly 16 calories, plus vitamins, fiber, and potent antioxidants. This article explores the full nutritional profile, compares them to regular tomatoes, and offers practical ways to add this healthy snack to your diet.

Key Points

Low-Calorie Snack: 87 grams of cherry tomatoes contain only about 16 calories, making them a great choice for weight management.
Rich in Antioxidants: Cherry tomatoes are especially high in the powerful antioxidant lycopene, which protects cells from damage.
Excellent Source of Vitamins: They are packed with Vitamin C and Vitamin A, supporting immune health and vision.
Aids in Hydration: With a high water content of around 95%, they help keep your body hydrated.
Boosts Satiety: The combination of fiber and high water content can help you feel full, which is beneficial for weight loss.
Versatile in the Kitchen: Cherry tomatoes can be enjoyed raw, roasted, or used to make sauces, adding flavor and nutrients to many meals.

Nutritional Profile of 87 Grams of Cherry Tomatoes

For those tracking their intake, knowing the specifics of what you eat is crucial. A serving of 87 grams of cherry tomatoes is a nutritious, low-calorie choice. Based on standard nutritional information for tomatoes, this portion provides only a small number of calories, predominantly from carbohydrates. They are almost entirely free of fat and sodium, making them an excellent choice for a healthy diet.

Macronutrients and Micronutrients

Beyond just the calories, 87 grams of cherry tomatoes offer a range of important nutrients. Below is an approximation based on the nutritional content of raw, ripe tomatoes, adjusting for the specific weight:

Macronutrients:
- Calories: ~16 kcal
- Carbohydrates: ~3 grams, with a small portion being sugar
- Fiber: ~1 gram
- Protein: ~1 gram
- Fat: <0.5 grams
Micronutrients:
- Vitamin C: Provides a good source of this antioxidant, which supports immune function and skin health.
- Vitamin A: Rich in beta-carotene, which the body converts to vitamin A, crucial for vision and immune health.
- Potassium: Essential for maintaining fluid balance and healthy blood pressure.
- Antioxidants: High levels of lycopene are particularly beneficial, protecting cells from damage caused by free radicals.

Comparison Table: Cherry Tomatoes vs. Regular Tomatoes

While all tomatoes are nutritious, there are some subtle differences in their profiles. Here's a comparison based on a 100-gram serving, as reported by sources, to give you a clear perspective:


Nutrient (per 100g)	Cherry Tomatoes	Regular Tomatoes (average)
Calories	~25 kcal	~20 kcal
Protein	~1 g	~0.9 g
Carbohydrates	~6 g	~3.9 g
Fiber	~2 g	~1.2 g
Lycopene	Higher concentration	Present, but less concentrated
Vitamin C	Higher concentration	Good source

Health Benefits Beyond the Calories

The low-calorie count is just one of many reasons to include cherry tomatoes in your diet. Their small size makes them easy to incorporate into a wide variety of dishes, and they deliver a substantial nutritional punch. Some key benefits include:

Antioxidant Powerhouse: The vibrant red color comes from lycopene, a potent antioxidant linked to reducing the risk of heart disease and certain cancers.
Immune System Support: Packed with Vitamin C, these tomatoes help boost your immune system and protect your cells from damage.
Hydration: With a water content of around 95%, cherry tomatoes are an excellent way to stay hydrated, especially during warmer weather.
Weight Management: The combination of low calories and high fiber can help you feel full and satisfied, which is beneficial for weight loss efforts.
Skin Health: The high levels of carotenoids like lycopene and beta-carotene help protect the skin from sun damage and promote a healthy complexion.

Creative Ways to Incorporate Cherry Tomatoes

Getting more cherry tomatoes into your meals is easy and delicious. Here are some simple ideas to get you started:

Fresh Snacking: Enjoy them raw right out of the container for a quick, healthy, and satisfying snack.
Salad Enhancer: Toss halved cherry tomatoes into a green salad, pasta salad, or quinoa bowl for a burst of color and flavor.
Roasted Side Dish: Roast them with garlic, olive oil, and herbs until they blister and soften. Serve them on toast, with pasta, or alongside a protein.
Homemade Sauces: Use roasted or simmered cherry tomatoes to create a sweet and rustic pasta sauce.
Skewer Appetizers: Create fresh and vibrant caprese skewers with cherry tomatoes, mozzarella balls, and fresh basil.
Bruschetta Topping: Chop them up and mix with basil, garlic, and balsamic vinegar for a simple and classic bruschetta.
Pizza Topping: Add them whole to pizzas before baking for a fresh, juicy flavor that bursts in your mouth.

For more culinary inspiration, the website Urban Farm and Kitchen offers a wealth of ideas for incorporating cherry tomatoes into various dishes.

Conclusion

An 87-gram serving of cherry tomatoes is not only a minimal-calorie snack but also a significant source of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants essential for overall health. With just around 16 calories, they are an ideal choice for anyone watching their weight. Their versatility in the kitchen means you can easily enjoy their sweet, tangy flavor in salads, cooked dishes, and as a simple, satisfying snack. Adding these tiny, nutrient-dense fruits to your diet is a simple yet powerful step towards a healthier lifestyle.

Frequently Asked Questions

To calculate the calories in cherry tomatoes, you can use standard nutritional data. On average, cherry tomatoes contain about 25 calories per 100 grams. To find the calories for 87 grams, you would multiply (87 / 100) by 25, which gives you approximately 22 calories. However, some sources cite a slightly lower value of around 18-20 calories per 100g, which yields approximately 16 calories for an 87g serving.

Yes, cherry tomatoes are considered low in sugar. While their sugar content is slightly higher than some other tomatoes, it is still very low compared to most fruits. About 100g of cherry tomatoes contains less than 5g of sugar.

The main difference is the concentration of nutrients. Cherry tomatoes have a higher concentration of vitamins and antioxidants like Vitamin C and lycopene compared to regular, larger tomatoes. They also have slightly different calorie counts per 100 grams, though both are considered very low in calories.

Yes, cherry tomatoes are an excellent food for weight loss. They are low in calories and high in water and fiber, which helps increase satiety and keep you feeling full. Their nutritional density means you can eat a good volume without consuming many calories.

Yes, it is perfectly healthy to eat cherry tomatoes every day. They are packed with beneficial nutrients and antioxidants that support overall health. They are also low in fat and sodium, making them a great addition to your daily diet.

Cherry tomatoes benefit skin health through their high content of antioxidants like lycopene and beta-carotene. These compounds help protect your skin from sun damage and may improve collagen integrity, leading to more elastic and healthy-looking skin.

Cherry tomatoes are very versatile. You can eat them raw as a snack, toss them into salads, roast them with herbs and garlic, or use them to make simple pasta sauces. They can also be used for bruschetta or added to skewers with cheese and basil.