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How many calories are in baby tomatoes?

2 min read

A single cherry tomato contains approximately 3 calories, making it an exceptionally low-energy food. This bite-sized fruit is a popular and nutritious snack, but many wonder exactly how many calories are in baby tomatoes and what other nutritional benefits they offer.

Quick Summary

Baby tomatoes, including cherry and grape varieties, are low in calories and packed with vitamins, fiber, and antioxidants. Their high water content makes them a healthy, hydrating, and filling snack option for any diet.

Key Points

  • Low in Calories: A single cherry tomato has approximately 3 calories, while a single grape tomato can have as little as 1 calorie.

  • Rich in Antioxidants: Baby tomatoes are an excellent source of lycopene, beta-carotene, and lutein, which help protect cells and support heart and eye health.

  • Supports Weight Management: The high water and fiber content provides a feeling of fullness, making them an ideal, low-calorie snack for controlling appetite.

  • Packed with Vitamins and Minerals: They are rich in vitamins A, C, and K, as well as minerals like potassium, which are essential for immune function, skin health, and blood pressure regulation.

  • Can Cause Acid Reflux: The acidity in tomatoes may worsen symptoms for individuals with sensitive stomachs or GERD.

  • Cooking Increases Nutrient Absorption: Cooking baby tomatoes can increase the bioavailability of certain antioxidants, like lycopene.

In This Article

Calorie Breakdown for Baby Tomatoes

Baby tomatoes, including popular varieties like cherry and grape, are very low in calories, with counts varying slightly by type and size. Fats and protein content are almost negligible.

Cherry Tomatoes

  • Per single tomato: Approximately 3 calories.
  • Per 100 grams: Around 25–27 calories.

Grape Tomatoes

  • Per single tomato: As little as 1 calorie.
  • Per 100 grams: About 27 calories.

Variations in reporting can be due to differences in testing methods or processing.

The Health Benefits Beyond the Calories

Baby tomatoes are packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. They are particularly rich in lycopene, beta-carotene, and lutein. These antioxidants are linked to reduced risk of certain cancers, heart health, and improved vision and skin. Cooking tomatoes can enhance lycopene absorption.

They are also a good source of vitamins C, A, and K, plus potassium, which support immune function, vision, bone health, and fluid balance.

Why Baby Tomatoes Are Great for Weight Loss

Baby tomatoes are ideal for weight management due to their low calorie count, high water content, and fiber, which help you feel full.

How to Incorporate Baby Tomatoes into Your Diet

  • Snack on them raw.
  • Add them to salads.
  • Roast with olive oil and herbs.
  • Blend into salsas or sauces.
  • Use in appetizers like Caprese skewers.

Comparison of Baby and Regular Tomatoes

Feature Cherry Tomatoes Grape Tomatoes Regular Tomatoes (e.g., Beefsteak)
Shape Round, plump Oblong, grape-like shape Large, round, sometimes irregularly shaped
Texture Juicier with thinner skin Firmer with thicker skin Fleshy, sturdy, and less juicy
Flavor Sweeter and sometimes tarter Very sweet Varies, often mild and less intense
Water Content Higher Lower Lower
Calories (per 100g) ~25-27 kcal ~27 kcal ~20-22 kcal (depending on variety)

Cherry tomatoes are good for juicy salads, while grape tomatoes are firmer for roasting. All varieties offer similar nutritional benefits, making any type a healthy addition to your diet.

Considerations: Potential for Acid Reflux

The acidity of tomatoes may cause or worsen acid reflux symptoms for some. Lower-acidity yellow varieties might be better options for those with sensitivity.

Conclusion: Low Calorie, High Impact

Baby tomatoes are low in calories and rich in vitamins, fiber, and antioxidants like lycopene. They are a nutritious and delicious way to enhance your diet. Detailed nutrition information is available from sources like the USDA data compiled by UR Medicine.

Frequently Asked Questions

The calorie count for a single baby tomato varies by type. A single cherry tomato contains approximately 3 calories, while a smaller grape tomato may have as few as 1 calorie.

Yes, baby tomatoes are excellent for weight loss. They are very low in calories, high in water, and provide dietary fiber, which promotes a feeling of fullness and helps manage appetite.

The calorie count per 100 grams is similar for both cherry and grape tomatoes, around 25-27 calories. The main difference is that a single grape tomato tends to be smaller and therefore has slightly fewer calories per piece than a single cherry tomato.

Baby tomatoes offer numerous health benefits, including high levels of antioxidants like lycopene and beta-carotene, which protect cells and support heart health. They are also rich in vitamins A, C, K, and potassium.

Both raw and cooked baby tomatoes are beneficial. Eating them raw preserves the maximum amount of vitamin C, while cooking them can increase the body's absorption of lycopene.

Due to their natural acidity, baby tomatoes can potentially worsen symptoms of acid reflux or GERD in some individuals. Those with concerns should monitor their intake and opt for less acidic varieties or cooked preparations if needed.

A 100-gram serving (about one cup) of cherry tomatoes contains approximately 2 grams of dietary fiber, contributing to digestive health.

Medical Disclaimer

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