How Many Calories Are in Oven Roasted Tomatoes?

November 29, 2025 •

3 min read

A single raw tomato is remarkably low in calories, containing just around 18 per 100 grams. However, the number of calories in oven roasted tomatoes can vary significantly depending on the ingredients used, with the addition of oil being the most impactful factor on the final count.

Quick Summary

The calorie content of roasted tomatoes is highly variable, largely dependent on added ingredients like oil and cheese. Simple preparations can be very low-calorie, while more decadent recipes can increase the count considerably. Calculating calories accurately requires considering all components of the dish.

Key Points

Oil is the main caloric factor: The quantity and type of cooking oil used most significantly determines the calorie count of oven roasted tomatoes.
Concentrated flavor, concentrated calories: Roasting dehydrates tomatoes, concentrating their natural sugars and flavors, which increases the calorie density per piece.
Add-ins impact total count: Ingredients like cheese, garlic, and herbs can add significant calories and fat, so they should be accounted for.
Lycopene increases with cooking: Roasting makes the antioxidant lycopene more available for your body to absorb, offering health benefits beyond just calorie and nutrient content.
Measure for accuracy: For accurate calorie tracking, measure the oil and other additions rather than estimating, as small amounts can have a large impact.
Control oil for a low-cal option: To keep roasted tomatoes low-calorie, use cooking spray or minimal oil and focus on herbs and spices for flavor.
Plain vs. prepared calories differ: A serving of plain roasted tomatoes is much lower in calories than one prepared with oil, cheese, and other fatty ingredients.

The Calorie Calculation: Factors That Count

Understanding how many calories are in oven roasted tomatoes goes beyond the tomatoes themselves. While the natural calories from tomatoes are consistent, the cooking process often involves additions that dramatically alter the total nutritional profile. The primary caloric driver in most roasted tomato recipes is the cooking oil. A single tablespoon of olive oil, for instance, adds approximately 120 calories, which can more than double the energy content of a typical side dish serving of tomatoes.

Comparing Raw vs. Roasted Tomatoes

Before roasting, tomatoes are a hydration-rich, low-calorie food. Per 100 grams, raw red, ripe tomatoes contain only about 18 calories, alongside vitamins like C and K, and beneficial antioxidants such as lycopene. Roasting dehydrates the tomatoes, concentrating their sugars and flavors. While this doesn't add calories on its own, it does mean the calories per unit of weight increase. More importantly, roasting often necessitates fat for flavor and even cooking, which is where the calorie count truly rises.

The Impact of Olive Oil and Add-ins

Most standard recipes for oven-roasted tomatoes call for a generous drizzle of olive oil. For example, a basic recipe might use 2 tablespoons of oil for a pound of tomatoes. In a finished dish, this can make a small serving size of just a few pieces surprisingly high in fat and calories. The addition of other ingredients also plays a crucial role:

Garlic and Herbs: These add minimal to no calories.
Cheese (e.g., Feta, Parmesan): A common addition, cheese significantly boosts both fat and calorie content.
Other Vegetables: Adding onions, bell peppers, or zucchini can add flavor and fiber without a huge jump in calories.
Salt: While it doesn't add calories, it can affect sodium levels, which is a consideration for overall health.

Calorie Comparison Table: Different Preparations

This table illustrates how simple recipe variations can influence the total calorie count. All figures are estimates based on a standard serving size of one cup of roasted tomatoes.


Preparation Method	Calories (per cup)	Key Caloric Drivers	Macronutrient Breakdown
Plain, No Oil	~40-50 calories	Natural tomato sugars	Low fat, moderate carbs
With 1 Tbsp Olive Oil	~170-180 calories	Olive oil	High fat, moderate carbs
With Oil and Cheese	~200-250+ calories	Olive oil, cheese	High fat, moderate carbs and protein
With Oil, Garlic, Herbs	~180-190 calories	Olive oil	High fat, moderate carbs

How to Control Calories in Your Recipe

Controlling the calorie count of your oven-roasted tomatoes is easy with a few simple adjustments:

Use Less Oil: Opt for a light spritz of cooking spray or a single teaspoon of olive oil instead of a heavy drizzle. The concentrated flavor of roasted tomatoes often doesn't require much oil to shine.
Measure Your Oil: Don't eyeball it. Measuring your oil precisely ensures you know exactly how much you are adding to the dish. Using a high-quality extra virgin olive oil means a little goes a long way in terms of flavor.
Choose Lower-Calorie Add-ins: Flavor roasted tomatoes with herbs like thyme, rosemary, and basil, and spices like black pepper or red pepper flakes. Garlic is another excellent, low-calorie option.
Increase the Vegetable Volume: For a larger, more satisfying serving with fewer calories, bulk up the dish with other low-calorie roasted vegetables such as zucchini, onions, or mushrooms.

The Benefits of Roasting Tomatoes

Despite the potential calorie increase from added oil, roasting tomatoes still offers significant nutritional benefits. Cooking tomatoes actually increases the bioavailability of lycopene, a powerful antioxidant linked to reduced risk of heart disease and certain cancers. The heat breaks down the tomato's cell walls, making the lycopene easier for your body to absorb. Plus, roasted tomatoes are packed with vitamins A, C, and K, as well as potassium, all of which are essential for good health.

Conclusion

Ultimately, the number of calories in oven roasted tomatoes is determined by what you add to them. While the tomatoes themselves are very low in calories, the preparation style—specifically the use of oil—can transform them from a light side dish to a richer, more calorie-dense accompaniment. By measuring your oil, opting for low-calorie seasonings, and balancing your ingredients, you can easily control the final calorie count. The key is awareness and moderation, allowing you to enjoy the intense, sweet flavor of roasted tomatoes while keeping your health goals on track.

For more information on the health benefits of tomatoes and other vegetables, you can consult resources like the USDA FoodData Central database. USDA FoodData Central

Frequently Asked Questions

Plain oven roasted tomatoes without added oil have a relatively low calorie count, but higher than raw due to moisture loss. An estimate is around 40-50 calories per 100 grams, concentrating the tomato's natural sugars and nutrients.

Yes, adding olive oil is the most significant way to increase the calorie count. A tablespoon of olive oil contains about 120 calories, and many recipes call for multiple tablespoons for a batch of tomatoes.

Oven roasted cherry tomatoes typically have a similar calorie density to other roasted tomato varieties when prepared the same way. Any perceived difference is usually due to serving size or recipe variations, such as different amounts of oil.

To add flavor without boosting calories, use fresh or dried herbs like basil, oregano, and thyme. Spices like black pepper, a pinch of red pepper flakes, and fresh garlic cloves are also excellent low-calorie options.

Yes, store-bought roasted tomatoes, especially those packed in oil, often have a much higher calorie count than a simple homemade recipe. Always check the nutrition label for the most accurate information.

Roasting tomatoes enhances their flavor and also increases the bioavailability of lycopene, a potent antioxidant. Cooked tomatoes are a good source of vitamins C and K, as well as potassium.

Yes, oven roasted tomatoes can be part of a low-calorie diet. Simply control the amount of added fat by using cooking spray or very little oil. Focus on herbs and spices for seasoning to keep the calories down.