How many calories are in roasted peppers? Your Nutrition Guide

November 7, 2025 •

3 min read

A single homemade roasted red bell pepper contains as few as 30-40 calories, making it a delicious and low-calorie addition to your diet. Understanding precisely how many calories are in roasted peppers depends heavily on the cooking method and any added ingredients, such as oil.

Quick Summary

This article explores the calorie content of roasted peppers, explaining how preparation methods and added ingredients impact their nutritional value. It compares homemade versus jarred varieties and outlines the significant health benefits of including these flavorful vegetables in your diet.

Key Points

Calories vary: Homemade, oil-free roasted peppers are very low in calories (30-40 per medium pepper), while added oil significantly increases the total count.
Jarred vs. homemade: Jarred roasted peppers can be higher in calories and fat if packed in oil, and high in sodium if packed in brine, whereas homemade offers full control over ingredients.
Nutrient powerhouse: Despite some vitamin C loss during cooking, roasted peppers remain excellent sources of vitamins A and C, and roasting increases the bioavailability of beneficial antioxidants like carotenoids.
Supports health: The antioxidants, vitamins, and fiber in roasted peppers contribute to better eye health, a stronger immune system, reduced inflammation, and improved digestion.
Versatile ingredient: Roasted peppers can be used in a wide variety of low-calorie meals, including dips, salads, sauces, and as a topping, making them an easy way to boost nutrition and flavor.

The Calorie Count Breakdown for Roasted Peppers

The number of calories in roasted peppers can vary depending on a few key factors. While the pepper itself is naturally low in calories, the final count is heavily influenced by how it's prepared and whether it's stored in oil or brine.

Homemade Roasted Peppers

When roasting bell peppers at home without any added oil, they remain a very low-calorie food. The roasting process simply concentrates the flavor by removing water, while the calorie count changes minimally.

Without oil: A medium-sized red bell pepper typically contains around 30-40 calories. When roasted without oil, this figure stays relatively constant.
With oil: Adding oil, such as olive oil, significantly increases the calorie count. Just a quarter tablespoon of olive oil can add approximately 30 calories. A recipe that calls for a tablespoon or two of oil will drive the total calorie count of your roasted peppers up considerably.

Jarred Roasted Peppers

Convenient, pre-roasted jarred peppers often come packed in a liquid, which can affect their nutritional profile. It is crucial to read the label to know what is in your jarred peppers.

In brine: If packed in brine, the calorie count will be closer to a homemade, oil-free version, often around 30-40 calories per serving. However, the sodium content will be much higher due to the brine.
In oil: Roasted red peppers preserved in oil will have a higher fat and calorie content. For example, a serving of roasted red peppers in oil can contain around 30-50 calories or more, with fat contributing a significant portion.

A Nutrient-Dense Addition to Your Diet

Roasted peppers are not only low in calories but also packed with essential nutrients and antioxidants. Here's a look at what they offer:

Rich in Vitamins A and C: Red bell peppers are particularly high in vitamin C, with a single medium pepper providing more than double the recommended daily amount. They are also a great source of vitamin A.
Full of Antioxidants: The vibrant red color in bell peppers comes from powerful antioxidants, including carotenoids like beta-carotene, zeaxanthin, and capsanthin. These help combat cellular damage from free radicals.
Contains Dietary Fiber: Peppers offer a good amount of dietary fiber, which is important for digestive health and can help promote feelings of fullness, supporting weight management.
Source of Potassium: Bell peppers are a good source of potassium, a mineral that helps regulate blood pressure.
Health Benefits: Including roasted peppers in your diet has several health benefits:
- Supports Eye Health: The carotenoids lutein and zeaxanthin are particularly beneficial for eye health, potentially reducing the risk of age-related macular degeneration.
- Boosts Immunity: The high vitamin C content strengthens the immune system.
- Reduces Inflammation: The antioxidants in peppers have anti-inflammatory properties.

Comparing Homemade vs. Jarred Roasted Peppers


Feature	Homemade Roasted Peppers	Jarred Roasted Peppers
Calories	Very low, can be adjusted by adding oil.	Varies; low in brine, higher in oil.
Fat	Trace amounts unless oil is added during roasting.	Can be high if packed in oil.
Sodium	Low, only contains naturally occurring sodium or a pinch of salt.	Often very high due to brine or preservatives.
Preservatives	None, made fresh.	May contain added preservatives.
Nutrient Quality	Optimal, though some water-soluble vitamins may slightly decrease. Carotenoids become more bioavailable.	High, but some vitamin loss occurs during processing.
Flavor	A pure, fresh, and smoky flavor.	Often sweeter or tangier due to processing; sometimes has a different flavor profile.

Conclusion

Understanding how many calories are in roasted peppers is straightforward once you know that the bulk of the calories typically come from added oils, not the vegetable itself. Roasted bell peppers are a highly nutritious, low-calorie food, whether homemade or purchased from a jar. For those managing calorie or sodium intake, homemade, oil-free roasted peppers are the best option, offering maximum flavor and nutrient control. For everyone else, jarred peppers offer a convenient, nutrient-dense ingredient, provided you're mindful of any added fat and sodium. Incorporating this versatile vegetable into your diet is an excellent way to boost your intake of vitamins, antioxidants, and fiber, contributing to a healthier and more flavorful eating plan. For more detailed nutrition facts on bell peppers, visit the USDA FoodData Central database.

Frequently Asked Questions

A medium-sized roasted bell pepper that has been prepared without any added oil contains approximately 30 to 40 calories.

Adding oil drastically increases the calorie content. A single tablespoon of olive oil can add over 100 calories, so the amount used during roasting directly impacts the total.

Jarred roasted peppers can have similar calories to homemade if packed in brine, but they are often higher in calories, fat, and sodium if they are packed in oil.

The roasting process can slightly reduce water-soluble vitamins like C, but bell peppers are still an excellent source. Importantly, roasting also makes other nutrients, like the antioxidant carotenoids, more bioavailable for your body to absorb.

While all bell peppers are nutritious, red peppers are riper and contain significantly higher levels of certain nutrients, including vitamin C, vitamin A, and some antioxidants, compared to their greener counterparts.

Yes, roasted peppers are an excellent choice for a weight-loss diet because they are low in calories and fat (if prepared without oil) while being high in fiber, which promotes satiety.

To reduce calories, prepare them at home using minimal to no oil. If a recipe calls for oil, use a low-fat cooking spray or a smaller amount of olive oil. If using jarred peppers, choose a variety packed in water or brine and rinse them to reduce sodium.