Calories in Tomatoes, crushed
Crushing and heating tomatoes unlocks a powerful antioxidant that raw slices simply cannot deliver.
What makes tomatoes so powerful?
Tomatoes are botanically fruits, but legally vegetables thanks to an 1893 U.S. Supreme Court ruling regarding import taxes. When it comes to crushed tomatoes, the mechanical process of breaking down the cell walls does more than just change the texture; it fundamentally alters the bioavailability of lycopene, the carotenoid responsible for the tomato's red pigment. In raw tomatoes, lycopene exists primarily in a crystalline form that is poorly absorbed by the human digestive tract. However, the crushing and subsequent heating process dissolves these crystals and converts trans-lycopene into the cis-isomer, a structural change that significantly increases how efficiently our intestines can absorb it. This is why crushed canned tomatoes, which are typically heat-treated during the canning process, offer a vastly superior source of dietary lycopene compared to fresh, raw slices. Additionally, because lycopene is fat-soluble, pairing these crushed tomatoes with a small amount of dietary fat during cooking further enhances absorption, ensuring the body can utilize this powerful antioxidant to combat oxidative stress.
Use crushed tomatoes as a base for soups, stews, and marinara sauces. To maximize the absorption of fat-soluble lycopene, sauté them briefly in a small amount of extra virgin olive oil before simmering. Store unopened cans in a cool, dry pantry. Once opened, transfer any unused portion to a non-metallic container and refrigerate for up to five days to prevent the acidic tomatoes from taking on a metallic taste.
Calories by Serving Size
Full Nutrition Facts
Per 100g — daily values based on a 2,000 calorie diet
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many calories are in Tomatoes, crushed?
Tomatoes, crushed contains 38 calories per 100g. A standard serving of 1 RACC (130g) provides 49 calories. It is considered a very low-calorie food (under 50 kcal/100g), making it excellent for weight management.
How much protein does Tomatoes, crushed have?
Tomatoes, crushed provides 1.44g of protein per 100g, which is 3% of the 50g daily recommended value. It is not a primary protein source.
How many carbs are in Tomatoes, crushed?
Tomatoes, crushed contains 7.14g of carbohydrates per 100g . It also provides 1.94g of dietary fiber.
Is Tomatoes, crushed good for weight loss?
Yes! Tomatoes, crushed is very low in calories (38 kcal/100g) and can be eaten in generous portions even on a calorie-restricted diet.
How do I track Tomatoes, crushed calories accurately?
The easiest way to track tomatoes is with CalRay. Simply snap a photo of your meal and the AI will automatically identify the food and calculate calories and macros based on the estimated portion size — no manual lookup required. You can also search by name and adjust gram weight manually.