Calories in Bell Peppers: Full Nutrition Breakdown
How many calories are in a bell pepper? Size-by-size breakdown with full nutrition facts and FAQ.
Bell peppers are vibrant, crunchy vegetables that are remarkably low in calories and high in vitamin C. In fact, a single red bell pepper contains more than twice the vitamin C of an orange. Bell peppers come in several colors — green, red, yellow, and orange — each with a slightly different nutrient profile. Red bell peppers are the most nutrient-dense because they are fully ripened. Here is a complete breakdown of bell pepper nutrition by serving size.
Calories by serving size:
| Serving | Weight | Calories | Carbs | Fiber | Vitamin C | Vitamin A |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Medium green pepper | ~119 g | 24 kcal | 5.5 g | 2 g | 96 mg | 551 IU |
| Medium red pepper | ~119 g | 37 kcal | 7.2 g | 2.4 g | 152 mg | 3,726 IU |
| Medium yellow pepper | ~119 g | 33 kcal | 7.6 g | 1.3 g | 184 mg | 302 IU |
| 1 cup chopped (red) | ~149 g | 46 kcal | 9 g | 3.1 g | 190 mg | 4,665 IU |
| 1 ring (red, thick) | ~16 g | 5 kcal | 1 g | 0.3 g | 20 mg | 498 IU |
Bell peppers are also a good source of vitamin B6, folate, vitamin E, and potassium. Their high water content (about 92%) contributes to hydration and satiety.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How many calories are in a medium bell pepper?
A medium bell pepper contains between 24 and 37 calories depending on the color. Green bell peppers are the lowest at about 24 calories, while red bell peppers have about 37 calories because they contain more sugar from being fully ripened on the vine.
Which color bell pepper is the most nutritious?
Red bell peppers are the most nutritious. They contain nearly twice the vitamin C and up to eight times more vitamin A (as beta-carotene) than green bell peppers. This is because red peppers are the most mature stage of the pepper, having stayed on the vine longest and accumulated the most nutrients.
Are bell peppers a good source of vitamin C?
Bell peppers are one of the best sources of vitamin C of any food. A single medium red bell pepper provides about 152 mg of vitamin C — more than 150% of the daily recommended intake and over twice the amount in a medium orange. Yellow bell peppers are even higher, with about 184 mg per pepper.
Are bell peppers good for weight loss?
Bell peppers are an excellent food for weight loss. They are extremely low in calories, high in water content, and provide a satisfying crunch that can replace higher-calorie snack foods. A whole medium bell pepper has fewer calories than a single tablespoon of many salad dressings.
Can you eat bell pepper seeds?
Yes, bell pepper seeds are safe to eat. They are mildly bitter but not toxic and contain small amounts of fiber. Most people remove them for taste and texture reasons rather than any nutritional concern. The white pith (membrane) inside the pepper also contains capsaicin-related compounds and additional nutrients.
How many calories are in a medium bell pepper?
Which color bell pepper is the most nutritious?
Are bell peppers a good source of vitamin C?
Are bell peppers good for weight loss?
Can you eat bell pepper seeds?
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