Does Stewed Tomatoes contain dairy or gluten?

Based on the ingredients list provided, Stewed Tomatoes do not contain dairy or gluten ingredients. However, always check the label for specific brand variations.

Is Stewed Tomatoes good for weight loss?

Due to the added sugar and high fructose corn syrup, this product adds empty calories to your diet. It is not ideal for weight loss compared to plain vegetables.

Where can I buy Stewed Tomatoes?

Stewed Tomatoes are widely available at major grocery retailers like Walmart, Kroger, and Safeway, as well as online through Amazon.

Is Stewed Tomatoes safe for kids?

Yes, Stewed Tomatoes are generally safe for children. However, the added sugar content means it should be consumed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.

Is Stewed Tomatoes Keto?

No, standard Stewed Tomatoes are not keto-friendly. While tomatoes themselves are low-carb in moderation, the addition of High Fructose Corn Syrup and extra sugar makes this product a poor choice for maintaining ketosis. If you are strictly following a ketogenic diet, you should avoid this specific canned variety.

The Ingredient Breakdown

As a food scientist, I look at the ingredient label to determine the metabolic impact of a food. While the base ingredient, TOMATOES, is generally acceptable on a keto diet in small quantities, the formulation of this product introduces significant metabolic hurdles. The first red flag appears early in the list: HIGH FRUCTOSE CORN SYRUP. This is a highly processed sweetener derived from corn starch. Unlike complex carbohydrates, HFCS is rapidly absorbed and metabolized primarily by the liver, where it can be converted directly into fat (lipogenesis) and spike blood glucose levels, effectively kicking you out of ketosis.

The formulation also lists SUGAR as a distinct ingredient. This is added in addition to the natural sugars found in the tomatoes and tomato juice. In the context of a ketogenic diet, which typically limits total carbohydrates to 20-50 grams per day, the combination of these two added sweeteners creates a sugar bomb. The VEGETABLES (onions, celery, green bell peppers) contribute trace carbohydrates, but it is the added sweeteners that are the primary deal-breakers here. Furthermore, the presence of CITRIC ACID and CALCIUM CHLORIDE are standard for flavor preservation and texture (preventing the tomatoes from turning to mush), but they do not contribute to the carbohydrate load. The core issue remains the intentional addition of sugar sources.

🚫 Culprit Ingredients:

sugarcorn syrupcorn

Nutritional Value

From a nutritional standpoint, the issue with Stewed Tomatoes is the sugar-to-nutrient ratio. A standard serving of this product contains a significant amount of added sugar—often around 4 to 5 grams per half-cup serving. While 5 grams of sugar might not sound like a lot, remember that on keto, you are counting net carbs (Total Carbs minus Fiber). Those 5 grams of sugar represent almost pure net carbs. If you consume a full cup, you could be looking at 10+ grams of net carbs from a single side dish, which uses up nearly half of your daily allowance on a strict 20-gram limit.

There is also the caloric density to consider. While the product is low in fat (which is the primary energy source on keto), it is relatively high in calories for a vegetable product due to the added sugars. For those tracking calories for weight loss alongside keto, these empty calories from added sugar offer little satiety compared to the same caloric load from healthy fats like avocado or olive oil. The product is not 'high fat' or 'moderate protein'; it is a high-sugar vegetable dish, which is the opposite of what a keto macro profile requires.