Vegetable
Cherry Tomato
A miniature, nutrient-dense tomato variety prized for its sweet flavor and low-calorie profile.
A small, bite-sized tomato known for its sweet flavor, high water content, and vibrant color, commonly eaten raw in salads or as a snack.
high-volume low-calorie fruit
Typical serving · 148g
Common varieties · red cherry, yellow cherry, grape, sun gold, black cherry +1 more
Overall context score across nutrition, safety, and diet fit
At a glance
Quick facts
Simple indicators based on nutrition, processing, and diet fit.
The story
What makes it unique
Cherry tomatoes are fast-digesting, high-water-content fruits with a low macronutrient density. They provide moderate satiety through water and fiber, and are exceptionally rich in the antioxidant lycopene, which becomes more bioavailable when the tomatoes are consumed with dietary fat or cooked.
Varieties: red cherry · yellow cherry · grape · sun gold · black cherry · pear
Per 100g
Nutrition breakdown
Macro balance and key metrics at a glance.
Energy
Density 0.18 kcal/g
Protein
Carbs
Fat
Fiber
Sugar
2.6 g
Sodium
5 mg
Potassium
237 mg
Glycemic index
15
Glycemic load
1
Water content
94.5%
Standout compounds
Nutrient highlights
Lycopene
highPowerful antioxidant that supports heart health and cellular protection
Vitamin C
moderateSupports immune function and collagen synthesis
Potassium
moderateHelps regulate blood pressure and fluid balance
Vitamin A
moderateImportant for vision and immune health
Wellness map
Health scores & processing
NOVA processing scale
minimally processed · Whole food
Raw cherry tomatoes are whole, unprocessed plant foods that require no alteration from their natural state.
Diet compatibility
- Weight loss
- Muscle gain
- Diabetes
- Gut health
- Low carb
- High protein
- Heart health
Relative standing
Food rankings
Qualitative ranks compared to similar whole foods.
- Satietygood
- Blood sugarexcellent
- Nutrient densitygood
- Fitness fuelmoderate
- Processing qualityexcellent
Eat with confidence
Food safety profile
Cherry tomatoes can carry pesticide residues and are susceptible to surface bacterial contamination from soil and handling. Thorough washing mitigates most risks.
Evidence confidence 90%
- Pesticidesmoderate
- Antibioticslow
- Heavy metalslow
- Contaminationmoderate
Watch for
- salmonella
- pesticide residues
Safer choices
Organically grown cherry tomatoes
Prep tips
Rinse thoroughly under cool running water and gently rub the skin to remove residues and bacteria before eating.
Cherry tomatoes frequently appear on the EWG's Dirty Dozen list due to detected pesticide residues.
Deep dive
Health analysis
How this food may fit different goals and preparation choices.
Weight loss
Extremely low energy density allows for high-volume eating with minimal caloric intake, promoting fullness.
Blood sugar
Very low glycemic index and load make them ideal for stabilizing blood sugar levels without causing spikes.
Fitness & energy
Not a primary fuel source due to low carbohydrate content, but useful for hydration and micronutrient replenishment.
Gut health
Provides dietary fiber and high water content to support healthy digestion and regular bowel movements.
Processing quality
A whole, unprocessed food that retains all natural water, fiber, and micronutrients.
Food safety
Pesticide residue risk is notable; choosing organic or washing thoroughly is recommended to reduce exposure.
Common mistakes
Eating them exclusively without a fat source reduces the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins and antioxidants like lycopene.
Best preparation
Raw with olive oil, halved in salads, or lightly roasted to concentrate flavors and increase lycopene bioavailability.
Practical guide
Best use cases
When and how this food fits real eating patterns.
Low calorie snacking
Perfect for grabbing by the handful when you crave something crunchy and hydrating without excess calories.
Salad enhancement
Adds vibrant color, juicy texture, and a sweet-tart flavor burst to green and grain salads.
Keto diet side dish
Fits easily into low-carb meal plans as a fresh side or mixed with mozzarella and olive oil.
Balance sheet
Pros & cons
Upsides
- Very low in calories
- High in hydrating water
- Rich in lycopene
- Very low glycemic impact
- Convenient and portable snack
Trade-offs
- Often carry pesticide residues
- Low in protein and dietary fat
- Can trigger acid reflux in sensitive individuals
- Perishable and spoil quickly at room temperature
Fit check
Who is it for?
Great match
- high-volume eating
- weight loss diets
- low carb snacking
- blood sugar management
Consider alternatives
- high-protein diets
- primary energy source for endurance athletes
- people with severe nightshade sensitivities
Side by side
How it compares
Open the full head-to-head analysis for nutrition, safety, and practical tradeoffs.
This food
Cherry Tomato
VS95% alike
Compare with
Grape Tomato
Grape tomatoes are oblong with thicker skin and a meatier, less watery texture than cherry tomatoes.
Grape tomatoes have thicker skin and a meatier bite, while cherry tomatoes are rounder, sweeter, and juicier, but both are equally low in calories.
This food
Cherry Tomato
VS90% alike
Compare with
Regular Tomato
Regular tomatoes are larger with a higher water-to-flesh ratio and lower lycopene concentration per gram.
Cherry tomatoes pack more lycopene and sweetness per bite, while regular tomatoes offer more volume and juice for cooking.
This food
Cherry Tomato
VS80% alike
Compare with
Cucumber
Cucumbers are lower in sugar and antioxidants but higher in water content and crunch.
Cucumbers are lower in sugar and slightly lower in calories, while cherry tomatoes provide more antioxidants and flavor.
This food
Cherry Tomato
VS75% alike
Compare with
Bell Pepper
Bell peppers are crunchier and significantly higher in vitamin C, while cherry tomatoes are juicier and richer in lycopene.
Bell peppers offer more vitamin C and crunch, whereas cherry tomatoes provide more lycopene and a juicier texture.
This food
Cherry Tomato
VS70% alike
Compare with
Carrot
Carrots are higher in sugar and beta-carotene, while cherry tomatoes are lower in carbs and higher in lycopene.
Carrots are sweeter and higher in beta-carotene, while cherry tomatoes are lower in carbs and better for strict blood sugar control.
This food
Cherry Tomato
VS60% alike
Compare with
Strawberry
Strawberries are sweeter with more vitamin C, while cherry tomatoes are savory and lower in sugar.
Strawberries are sweeter and higher in vitamin C, while cherry tomatoes are lower in sugar and calories, making them better for weight loss.
This food
Cherry Tomato
VS55% alike
Compare with
Red Onion
Red onions are pungent, higher in fiber, and contain quercetin, while cherry tomatoes are sweet, juicy, and lycopene-rich.
Red onions provide more fiber and a pungent crunch, while cherry tomatoes offer sweet juiciness and lycopene.
This food
Cherry Tomato
VS55% alike
Compare with
Celery
Celery is lower in calories and sugar but contains fewer antioxidants than cherry tomatoes.
Celery is lower in calories and carbs, but cherry tomatoes provide significantly more antioxidants and flavor.
This food
Cherry Tomato
VS50% alike
Compare with
Zucchini
Zucchini is milder and lower in sugar, while cherry tomatoes are sweeter and richer in antioxidants.
Zucchini is lower in calories and sugar, while cherry tomatoes provide more vibrant flavor and lycopene.
This food
Cherry Tomato
VS40% alike
Compare with
Avocado
Avocados are high in healthy fats and calories, while cherry tomatoes are low in calories and fat-free.
Avocados provide healthy fats and high satiety, while cherry tomatoes are low-calorie and fat-free, but they pair perfectly to boost lycopene absorption.
Common questions
FAQ
Answers aligned with how people search for this food.
Are cherry tomatoes good for weight loss?
Yes, they are very low in calories and high in water, making them ideal for high-volume, low-calorie snacking.
How many carbs are in cherry tomatoes?
There are approximately 3.9 grams of total carbs and 2.7 grams of net carbs per 100 grams, making them a low-carb food.
Do cherry tomatoes spike blood sugar?
No, they have a very low glycemic index and load, so they digest slowly and do not cause blood sugar spikes.
Are cherry tomatoes healthier than regular tomatoes?
Cherry tomatoes often contain higher concentrations of antioxidants like lycopene per gram compared to larger tomato varieties.
Can you eat cherry tomatoes on a keto diet?
Yes, their low net carb count makes them suitable for ketogenic diets in moderate portions.
Should cherry tomatoes be refrigerated?
It is best to store them at room temperature to preserve their flavor and texture; refrigeration can make them mealy.
Do cherry tomatoes have lycopene?
Yes, they are an excellent source of lycopene, especially when cooked or consumed with dietary fat for better absorption.
Are cherry tomatoes a fruit or a vegetable?
Botanically they are fruits, but culinarily they are treated as vegetables due to their savory flavor profile.
Transparency
Data confidence
Estimated confidence for nutrition data, interpretation, safety notes, and comparisons.
Nutrition data
Health analysis
Food safety
Comparisons