Are cherry tomatoes keto friendly? – Calories, Nutrition and Keto Recipes

Are Cherry Tomatoes Keto-Friendly?

Yes, Cherry Tomatoes are keto-friendly due to their low carb content. The ketogenic diet primarily focuses on high fat, moderate proteins, and very low carb intake. Since cherry tomatoes contain only a small amount of carbs, they can certainly be part of a balanced ketogenic diet.

Nutritional Facts

Cherry tomatoes contain a range of nutrients that are beneficial for health. They are rich in vitamin C, potassium, and lycopene, an antioxidant that may aid in heart health and cancer prevention.

Calories, Carbs, Proteins, and Fats

Nutrition	Per 100 Grams	Per 1 Oz
Calories	18	5
Carbs	3.9g	1.1g
Sugar	2.6g	0.7g
Protein	0.9g	0.3g
Fat	0.2g	0.1g
Impact on Ketosis	Low	Low

What Is the Average Weight?

The average weight of a cherry tomato is about 17 grams or 0.6 ounces.

Additional Information About Cherry Tomatoes

Cherry tomatoes also contain traces of other vitamins and minerals like Vitamin A, Vitamin K, and Calcium. The antioxidant, lycopene, is particularly beneficial and its absorption is enhanced if the tomatoes are cooked or paired with a healthy fat.

Other Foods To Match With

Cherry tomatoes are incredibly versatile and can be paired with a wide range of foods. They add flavour to a ketogenic salad when paired with green leafy vegetables and avocado (a healthy source of fats). They also complement various meats and cheeses, which are significant components of the ketogenic diet. Lastly, they can also be used in cooking or sauteeing with olive oil and various herbs to enhance their flavour.

8 Famous Keto-Friendly Dishes To Try

1. Keto-friendly Greek Salad with Cherry Tomatoes

Greek salad is ideal for a ketogenic diet, using fresh cherry tomatoes as a key ingredient. Combined with keto-friendly components like cucumber, olives, and feta cheese dressed in olive oil, it’s a delicious way to enjoy the vibrant taste of cherry tomatoes while maintaining a low-carb diet.

2. Keto Chicken Caprese with Cherry Tomatoes

Chicken Caprese is a classic Italian dish that can be modified to be keto-friendly. The recipe uses cherry tomatoes, fresh basil, and mozzarella cheese. The juicy cherry tomatoes pair beautifully with the rich cheese and savory chicken, making it a satisfying meal within your keto boundaries.

3. Keto Tomato-Basil Soup with Cherry Tomatoes

A warm bowl of tomato-basil soup, made from fresh cherry tomatoes, can be a comforting, keto-friendly meal. Paired with heavy cream and plenty of herbs, this flavorful soup is low in carbs but high in taste, making it an excellent option for those on a ketogenic diet.

4. Keto Shrimp Stir-fry with Cherry Tomatoes

This keto-friendly shrimp stir-fry is packed with nutritious vegetables, including cherry tomatoes. With added proteins like shrimp, the dish remains low in carbs while offering a variety of textures and flavors, enriched by the sweet burst of fresh cherry tomatoes.

5. Keto Mozzarella, Basil and Cherry Tomato Skewers

The combination of mozzarella, basil, and cherry tomatoes is classic and can easily be made keto-friendly. These skewers highlight the cherry tomatoes’ sweetness amidst the creamy mozzarella and fragrant basil, all while maintaining a low carbohydrate count.

6. Keto Zoodled Caprese Salad with Cherry Tomatoes

This spin on traditional Caprese salad introduces spiralized zucchini (zoodles) for added nutritional value and heartiness. The cherry tomatoes bring a familiar Caprese pop of flavor, contributing to a low-carb, satisfying keto meal.

7. Keto Baked Salmon with Cherry Tomato Salsa

This recipe pairs keto-friendly salmon with a vibrant cherry tomato salsa. The natural sweetness of the tomatoes enhances the flavors of the salmon, creating a dish that is healthy, rich in omega-3 and low in carbs.

8. Keto Egg & Avocado Breakfast Salad with Cherry Tomatoes

Starting your day with an Egg & Avocado salad can cater to your keto diet perfectly. The addition of cherry tomatoes adds some acidity and sweetness that pairs nicely with the creamy avocado and eggs. This is a protein-packed, low-carb breakfast that is both filling and nutritious.

Frequently Asked Questions about cherry tomatoes and Keto

Are cherry tomatoes keto-friendly?

Yes, cherry tomatoes are considered keto-friendly. Although they do contain some carbs, they have a relatively low glycemic index which means they have less of an impact on your blood sugar levels. This makes them a good choice for people following a ketogenic diet. However, like all foods, they should be eaten in moderation.

How many carbs are in cherry tomatoes?

A cup of cherry tomatoes contains approximately 6 grams of carbs. Considering that a ketogenic diet typically limits daily carbohydrate intake to about 20 to 50 grams, cherry tomatoes can comfortably fit into a keto diet plan.

What is the glycemic index of cherry tomatoes?

The glycemic index of cherry tomatoes is estimated to be 15. Foods that have a glycemic index under 55 are considered low-glycemic, which means they have a minimal impact on blood sugar levels.

Can I include cherry tomatoes in my daily keto diet plan?

Yes, cherry tomatoes can be included in a daily keto diet plan. The key is moderation and portion control. Although they are low in carbs, eating too many could potentially kick you out of ketosis. Incorporating them into a diet with other low-carb vegetables can ensure a balanced and varied meal.

Do cherry tomatoes provide any other nutritional benefits?

Apart from being low in carbs, cherry tomatoes are also rich in other nutrients. They are an excellent source of vitamin C and K, potassium, and the antioxidant lycopene. These nutrients contribute to overall health and well-being, providing benefits such as strengthening the immune system, promoting heart health and fighting against harmful free radicals.

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