How many calories are there in 50 grams of tomatoes?

November 19, 2025 •

3 min read

According to USDA data, a standard raw tomato contains only about 18 calories per 100 grams, making a 50-gram serving of tomatoes exceptionally low in calories. These versatile fruits are mostly water and provide a wealth of nutrients, including the powerful antioxidant lycopene, while contributing very little to your total daily caloric intake.

Quick Summary

A 50-gram serving of raw tomatoes contains a minimal amount of calories, typically around 9 kcal, along with other key nutrients. The low calorie count is due to its high water content. The exact nutritional breakdown can vary based on factors like the tomato variety and how it is prepared, but it remains a healthy, low-calorie food choice.

Key Points

Minimal Caloric Impact: 50 grams of raw tomatoes contain approximately 9 calories, making them a highly suitable low-calorie food choice for weight management.
Nutrient-Dense: Despite their low calorie count, this serving provides a good amount of Vitamin C, Vitamin K1, potassium, and folate.
Rich in Lycopene: The signature antioxidant lycopene is abundant in tomatoes and is associated with reduced risk of heart disease and cancer.
Preparation Affects Nutrients: While raw tomatoes are rich in Vitamin C, cooking them, especially with a little oil, increases the bioavailability and absorption of lycopene.
Versatile Ingredient: A 50-gram portion can be easily added to salads, sandwiches, and other dishes to boost nutritional value without adding many calories.
High in Water Content: The high water content (around 95%) contributes to the low calorie density and provides hydration.

The Caloric Breakdown of 50 Grams of Tomatoes

For those tracking their calorie intake, understanding the precise energy content of foods is key. A 50-gram serving of raw tomatoes is a very low-calorie food, with estimates consistently placing the value at approximately 9 calories. This is because tomatoes are made up of roughly 95% water, meaning their caloric density is very low. This small number of calories comes primarily from carbohydrates, specifically natural sugars, with a negligible amount of fat and protein.

To put 50 grams into perspective, it's roughly equivalent to half a small, standard tomato or a small handful of cherry tomatoes. The exact number of calories and the nutrient profile can vary slightly depending on the tomato's variety, ripeness, and how it is prepared. Cooking tomatoes, for instance, can slightly alter the calorie and nutrient content, especially if oils or other ingredients are added.

Nutritional Composition Beyond Calories

While the low calorie count is appealing, the real value of a 50-gram serving of tomatoes lies in its nutritional density. For just 9 calories, you receive a variety of important vitamins and minerals:

Vitamins: Tomatoes are a good source of Vitamin C, which supports the immune system, and Vitamin K1, important for blood clotting and bone health.
Minerals: They provide potassium, a mineral that helps regulate blood pressure, and a small amount of folate.
Antioxidants: The signature nutrient in tomatoes is lycopene, a powerful antioxidant that gives them their red color. Lycopene has been extensively studied for its potential to reduce the risk of heart disease and certain types of cancer.
Fiber: With around 0.6 to 1 gram of dietary fiber, 50 grams of tomatoes can contribute to digestive health.

This robust nutritional profile makes tomatoes an excellent addition to almost any diet, providing essential nutrients without adding a significant number of calories.

Raw vs. Cooked Tomatoes: A Comparison

Preparation methods can affect the nutritional value and caloric content of tomatoes. Cooking, for instance, can slightly change the availability of certain nutrients. Here is a simplified comparison of raw vs. cooked 50 grams of tomatoes.


Nutrient	50g Raw Tomatoes	50g Cooked Tomatoes	Key Takeaway
Calories	~9 kcal	~9-10 kcal (without added oil)	Calorie count is very similar.
Water	High (approx. 95%)	Slightly lower due to evaporation	Both remain very hydrating.
Lycopene	Present	More bioavailable after cooking	Cooking with a little healthy fat dramatically increases lycopene absorption.
Vitamin C	High	Slightly reduced due to heat	Raw tomatoes offer a bit more Vitamin C, which is heat-sensitive.
Other Nutrients	Primarily vitamins, minerals, and fiber	Nutrients remain largely intact	The overall nutritional punch is still very high.

It's important to note that adding ingredients like oil, sugar, or cheese during cooking will increase the total caloric and fat content. For instance, a store-bought tomato sauce may have a higher calorie count due to added fats and sugars. For the lowest calorie count, consuming tomatoes raw or simply cooked without extra fat is the best approach.

How to Incorporate 50 Grams of Tomatoes Into Your Diet

Including tomatoes in your daily diet is simple and beneficial. Here are some ideas for how to use a 50-gram serving:

Salads: Dice them and toss them into a green salad for added flavor, texture, and nutrients.
Snacks: Enjoy a handful of cherry or grape tomatoes on their own as a refreshing, low-calorie snack.
Sandwiches and Wraps: Add slices to your sandwiches or wraps for a juicy, fresh element.
Salsa: Use them to create a quick, fresh salsa with onion, cilantro, and lime juice.
Garnish: Halve or quarter them and use them as a garnish for soups, omelets, or pasta dishes.
Cooking: Add 50 grams to a hot pan with other vegetables to create a flavorful, low-calorie base for a quick meal.

Conclusion: A Small Serving, a Big Impact

A 50-gram serving of tomatoes provides a remarkably low number of calories, typically around 9, making it an excellent choice for anyone focusing on weight management. Beyond its minimal caloric impact, this small portion offers a significant dose of vitamins, minerals, and powerful antioxidants like lycopene. The versatility of tomatoes allows them to be easily incorporated into countless meals and snacks, providing a nutrient-rich boost for very few calories. Whether consumed raw or cooked, tomatoes are a healthy, flavorful, and hydrating addition to a balanced diet.

For more detailed nutritional information and health benefits, you can explore resources like the National Institutes of Health.

Frequently Asked Questions

The caloric content is very similar. A 50-gram serving of cherry tomatoes has about 9 calories, which is nearly identical to the calories found in 50 grams of standard raw tomatoes.

Cooking does not significantly change the inherent caloric content of tomatoes. However, adding oil, cheese, or sugar during cooking will increase the final dish's calorie count.

While not extremely high, a 50-gram serving does contain a modest amount of dietary fiber, about 0.6 to 1 gram, which can aid in digestion.

Lycopene is a powerful antioxidant linked to several health benefits, including a reduced risk of heart disease and certain types of cancer.

Plain, canned whole tomatoes have a similar calorie density to fresh tomatoes. For example, 50 grams of plain canned tomatoes contain approximately 13 calories. However, canned tomato sauces often contain added sugar and oil, increasing the calorie count.

A 50-gram serving of raw tomatoes typically provides a small amount of potassium, around 119 mg, contributing to heart health.

Both have benefits. Raw tomatoes offer more Vitamin C, which is sensitive to heat. Cooked tomatoes, especially with a little healthy fat, significantly increase your body's absorption of lycopene, a key antioxidant.