Keto Carb Counting: Grape Tomatoes Edition

Tomatoes are a great addition to a keto diet, but how many carbs are in 5 grape tomatoes? Well, grape tomatoes are indeed keto-friendly, with only 3 grams of carbs per 5 tomatoes. This is considered a low amount, making them a good option for those on a keto diet. Grape tomatoes are also rich in vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and fiber, so they're a great way to add variety to your meals without increasing your carb intake.

Grape tomatoes are keto-friendly

Grape tomatoes are indeed a keto-friendly food. They are low in carbohydrates, containing only 3 grams of total carbs and 2 grams of net carbs per 5 tomatoes. This is well within the recommended daily intake for those on a keto diet, which is typically limited to about 20 to 50 grams of net carbs per day. Additionally, grape tomatoes are usually consumed in moderate amounts, making them an even better option for those watching their carb intake.

The keto diet, short for the ketogenic diet, is a high-fat, low-carb eating plan that aims to put your body into a state of ketosis. In ketosis, your body burns fat for energy instead of carbohydrates. To achieve this state, keto dieters aim to get 60 to 75 percent of their calories from fat, 15 to 30 percent from protein, and only 5 to 10 percent from carbohydrates. This usually means limiting carb intake to less than 50 grams per day, and sometimes even less than 20 grams for more strict keto regimens.

While fruit is generally limited on the keto diet due to its carbohydrate and sugar content, tomatoes, which are technically a fruit, are an exception. This is because they are much lower in carbs than most other fruits, with only 2 to 3 grams of net carbs per 3.5 ounces (100 grams). Grape tomatoes, in particular, contain 3.41 grams of carbs per 100 grams, which is considered a low amount. They also have a low glycemic index, which means they are digested and absorbed more slowly, resulting in a slower rise in blood sugar levels.

In addition to their low carb content, grape tomatoes offer a range of essential vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and fiber, making them a nutritious choice for keto dieters. They are rich in Vitamin C, Vitamin A, lycopene, potassium, and folate. They also contain a negligible amount of fat and a moderate amount of protein.

When incorporating grape tomatoes into your keto meal plan, you can enjoy them raw in salads or as a snack. They can also be used in various keto recipes, such as roasted side dishes, frittatas, or stir-fries. However, it is important to remember portion control and track your carb intake to ensure you stay within your daily carb limit.

While grape tomatoes themselves are keto-friendly, some tomato-based products, such as store-bought tomato sauces, pastes, and juices, may contain added sugars, increasing their carb content and making them less suitable for a keto diet. Therefore, it is always important to check the ingredient labels when purchasing tomato products to ensure they fit within your keto guidelines.

Carb content varies by tomato type

• One grape tomato contains 0.307 grams of carbohydrates.
• One cherry tomato contains 0.661 grams.
• One Italian or plum tomato contains 2.410 grams.
• One medium-sized tomato (approximately 123 grams) contains 4.780 grams.
• One cup of chopped or sliced tomatoes (about 180 grams) contains 7 grams.
• One cup of cherry tomatoes (about 149 grams) contains 5.8 grams.

A thin or small slice of a grape tomato (approximately 2-2/5 inches in diameter) contains 0.6 grams of total carbohydrates, 0.4 grams of net carbohydrates, no fat, 0.1 gram of protein, and 3 calories. Five grape tomatoes contain 7 grams of calories, with 9% fat, 75% carbs, and 17% protein. Another source states that five giant grape tomatoes contain 3 grams of total carbohydrates, 2 grams of net carbohydrates, no fat, 1 gram of protein, and 15 calories.

Tomatoes are a good source of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, and they are particularly high in lycopene, a plant compound linked to improved heart health, cancer prevention, and protection against sunburns. They are also a good source of fiber, providing about 1.5 grams per average-sized tomato.

Raw tomatoes are keto-friendly

The keto diet is a high-fat, low-carb eating plan that aims to put your body into a state of ketosis, where it burns fat for energy. Typically, this means limiting your carb intake to 50 grams per day, or even less for those on the stricter end of the spectrum. So, what does this mean for tomatoes?

Technically, tomatoes are a fruit, but they are generally treated like a vegetable. And unlike other fruits, they are considered keto-friendly. That's because they are lower in carbs than most fruits, containing only 2–3 grams of net carbs per 3.5 ounces (100 grams). This makes it easy to include them in your daily carb limit without significantly increasing your carb intake.

For example, a single grape tomato contains approximately 0.6 grams of carbs, and five grape tomatoes contain 3 grams of total carbs and 2 grams of net carbs. This is well within the carb limits of a keto diet.

Nutritional Benefits of Tomatoes

In addition to being low in carbs, raw tomatoes offer a range of nutritional benefits that make them a great choice for those on a keto diet. They are rich in essential vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and fiber, which contribute to overall health and wellbeing.

Tomatoes are packed with vitamins such as Vitamin C, Vitamin E, and several B-vitamins, as well as important minerals like potassium, magnesium, and iron. They also contain lycopene, a type of antioxidant found in red fruits and vegetables, which is believed to have heart health benefits and may even help protect against certain types of cancers.

Incorporating Tomatoes Into Your Keto Diet

Raw tomatoes can be a great addition to a keto diet. They can be enjoyed on their own as a snack or added to salads. They can also be used in various keto-friendly recipes, such as roasted side dishes, frittatas, or stir-fries.

However, it's important to remember portion control and track your carb intake when following a keto diet. While tomatoes are low in carbs, consuming large quantities can still add up. As a rule of thumb, aim to limit your daily net carb intake to between 20 to 50 grams, and always count the carbs in tomatoes as part of your total daily intake.

Keto-Friendly Alternatives to Tomatoes

If you're looking for some variety in your keto diet, there are several other low-carb vegetables that can be used in place of tomatoes. Bell peppers, zucchini, cucumbers, and radishes are all great options that are low in carbs and can be used in a variety of recipes.

Avoid tomato-based products

While raw tomatoes are keto-friendly, the same cannot be said for all tomato-based products.

Tomatoes contain around 2–3 grams of net carbs per 3.5 ounces (100 grams), which is significantly fewer than most fruits. This makes them a good fit for the keto diet, which restricts daily carb intake to 50 grams or fewer.

However, some tomato-based products are not as keto-friendly. Many store-bought tomato products, such as tomato paste, sauce, salsa, juice, and even canned tomatoes, often contain added sugars. This significantly raises their total carb content, making them harder to fit into a keto diet. Therefore, it is important to check ingredient labels and avoid products with added sugars.

Sun-dried tomatoes are another tomato-based food that may be less keto-friendly than raw tomatoes. Their low water content means that they contain around 23.5 grams of net carbs per cup (54 grams), which is much more than the same serving of raw tomatoes. So, while raw tomatoes are generally suitable for a keto diet, it is best to limit your consumption of sun-dried tomatoes and always check food labels to make an informed choice.

Grape tomatoes are nutritionally dense

Grape tomatoes are a nutrient-dense food, offering a range of health benefits. While they are small, they pack a punch when it comes to nutrition. For those watching their carbohydrate intake, grape tomatoes are an excellent choice. Five grape tomatoes contain only 3g of total carbs, with a single thin or small slice containing just 0.6g. This makes them a great option for those on a low-carb or keto diet.

Grape tomatoes are an excellent source of potassium and vitamin C, providing 8% and 23% of your Daily Value (DV) respectively. They are also a good source of other essential vitamins and minerals, including polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fats, alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). These nutrients are important for maintaining a healthy body and can be easily incorporated into your diet.

The nutritional profile of grape tomatoes also includes a small amount of protein, with 1g found in five tomatoes and 0.1g in a thin/small slice. While the calorie count is low, with just 7 calories in five tomatoes, they provide a good source of energy and can be a healthy snack or addition to a meal.

With their sweet taste and dense nutritional profile, grape tomatoes are a versatile and healthy option. They can be enjoyed in a variety of ways, including raw, cooked, or as part of a salad or recipe. Whether you're looking for a nutritious snack or trying to boost the nutrient content of your meals, grape tomatoes are an excellent choice.

Frequently asked questions