Understanding the Nutrition: How many calories are in 80 g of tomatoes?

November 19, 2025 •

3 min read

An 80g serving of fresh, ripe, red tomatoes contains approximately 14 calories, making it an exceptionally low-calorie addition to any meal. This small portion offers significant nutritional value, a key fact for anyone monitoring their intake or seeking healthy snack options. By understanding how many calories are in 80 g of tomatoes, you can easily incorporate them into a balanced diet.

Quick Summary

An 80g portion of ripe, raw tomato has around 14 calories, though this can vary slightly by type and preparation. This amount is very low in fat and packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants like lycopene. The high water and fiber content also make it a filling and nutritious food choice.

Key Points

Low Calorie Count: An 80g portion of raw, ripe, red tomatoes contains only about 14 calories, making it an excellent food for weight management.
Rich in Antioxidants: Tomatoes are a major source of the powerful antioxidant lycopene, which offers protective health benefits.
High in Essential Vitamins: They provide a significant amount of Vitamin C, K, and potassium, crucial for immune and heart health.
Supports Weight Loss: With high water and fiber content, tomatoes help you feel full, acting as a natural appetite suppressant.
Versatile Ingredient: Whether raw, cooked, or canned, tomatoes can be easily added to meals to boost nutrition and flavor.
Preparation Matters: The calorie count changes with preparation; sun-dried or processed tomatoes will have higher caloric density than fresh ones.
Cardiovascular Health: The nutrients in tomatoes may help reduce the risk of heart disease and lower blood pressure.

The Core Calorie Count: 80g of Raw Tomato

An 80-gram serving of a standard raw, ripe, red tomato is exceptionally low in calories. Based on nutritional data, this portion contains around 14 calories. This is due to the tomato's high water content (over 90%) and low-density energy profile. This means you can enjoy a generous serving of fresh tomatoes without significantly impacting your daily caloric budget.

Nutritional Breakdown for 80g of Tomato

Beyond just calories, an 80g serving provides a range of essential nutrients that contribute to overall health. Here is a typical nutritional profile for this portion size:

Carbohydrates: Approximately 3 grams, which includes natural sugars and fiber.
Fiber: Around 1 gram, promoting healthy digestion and satiety.
Protein: About 1 gram, a small but notable amount.
Fat: Extremely low, at roughly 0.2 grams.
Vitamin C: Provides a good percentage of the daily recommended intake, supporting immune function.
Vitamin K: Important for blood clotting and bone health.
Potassium: An essential mineral for blood pressure regulation.
Lycopene: A powerful antioxidant, most abundant in ripened red tomatoes, known for its health benefits.

Calorie Comparison: Different Tomato Types and Preparations

The calorie count for 80g can change depending on the tomato's variety and how it's prepared. Processed tomato products often have higher calorie counts due to added ingredients or the concentration of sugars.


Tomato Type/Preparation	Approximate Calories (per 80g)	Key Differences
Fresh, Raw Tomato	14 kcal	High water content, rich in Vitamin C and lycopene.
Cherry Tomatoes	18 kcal	Slightly more concentrated flavor and higher sugar content relative to weight.
Crushed, Canned Tomato	26 kcal	More concentrated due to processing; often has higher sodium.
Sun-Dried Tomatoes	~200 kcal	Dried process removes water, concentrating sugars and calories; often packed in oil.
Tomato Sauce (plain)	~25 kcal	Cooked and concentrated, but still low if no oil or sugar is added.

How to Incorporate Low-Calorie Tomatoes into Your Diet

Tomatoes' low-calorie and high-nutrient profile makes them a versatile ingredient for healthy eating. Here are some simple ways to add them to your meals:

Fresh and Raw

Slice into salads for added moisture, flavor, and nutrients.
Chop and add to sandwiches or wraps instead of higher-calorie condiments.
Create a simple bruschetta by topping toasted whole-grain bread with chopped tomato, basil, and a drizzle of olive oil.
Enjoy whole cherry tomatoes as a simple, satisfying snack.

Cooked Preparations

Make a low-calorie tomato soup by simmering tomatoes with vegetable broth and a few herbs.
Stir-fry with other vegetables for a quick and healthy side dish.
Add to pasta sauces to boost flavor and nutritional content.

The Health Benefits of Tomatoes

Tomatoes are more than just a low-calorie food; they are a nutritional powerhouse. Their high lycopene content has been linked to numerous health benefits, including a reduced risk of heart disease and some cancers. The vitamins and minerals, such as Vitamin C and potassium, also support overall bodily functions. Because they are a 'high-volume' food, meaning they have a high water and fiber content for their size, they help you feel full, which is beneficial for weight management. For more information on the health benefits of including fruits and vegetables in your diet, you can visit the FDA's nutritional information page.

Conclusion: A Healthy, Low-Calorie Choice

In conclusion, 80 grams of raw tomato contains a negligible number of calories, typically around 14 kcal. This makes it an ideal addition to any healthy diet, whether your goal is weight management, general wellness, or simply increasing your daily intake of vitamins and antioxidants. By understanding the specific calorie and nutrient information for this portion, you can make informed and beneficial food choices.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, cooking tomatoes without added oil or fat does not change the core calorie count significantly. However, processed products like sauces or pastes are more concentrated, resulting in a higher calorie density per gram.

Yes, 80g is a standard portion size used in many nutritional guidelines and is roughly equivalent to a small or half of a medium-sized tomato. For comparison, a medium tomato (approx. 123g) contains around 22 calories.

Most raw, fresh tomatoes are low in calories. For example, 80g of cherry tomatoes contain slightly more calories (around 18 kcal) than 80g of standard red tomatoes (around 14 kcal) due to their higher sugar concentration relative to weight.

Tomatoes are a 'high-volume' food because they contain a lot of water and fiber, which helps you feel full and reduces overall calorie intake. This makes them excellent for controlling appetite and supporting weight loss efforts.

Both fresh and processed tomatoes offer health benefits. Processed tomato products, like paste and sauce, often have higher levels of the antioxidant lycopene, which is more easily absorbed by the body after cooking. However, they may also have higher sodium or added sugars.

No, raw tomatoes contain very little sugar. The carbohydrates in a tomato consist mainly of simple sugars like glucose and fructose, but they are very low in content. An 80g serving contains only about 2 grams of sugar.

While tomatoes are highly nutritious, excessive consumption can lead to issues for some people, such as heartburn, as they are acidic. For most people, however, including them as part of a balanced diet poses no problems.

Canned tomatoes can be a healthy and convenient option, but it's important to check the label for added sodium or sugar. Plain, crushed canned tomatoes can be a good source of lycopene, with 80g containing about 26 calories.