Tomato powder
FDC 170461
Source: USDA FoodData Central · Public domain
Original analysis by NutriVerdict
Density 93 · +0 vs Vegetables medianTomato powder concentrates the fruit into a shelf-stable form that scores 93 of 100, an Elite band ranking 29th of 60 vegetables. Drying boosts vitamin C to 130% DV per 100 g, vitamin A to 96% DV, vitamin E to 81% DV and fiber to 59% DV, well beyond what fresh tomatoes deliver by weight.
It is used as a flavor and color booster in sauces, soups, spice rubs and homemade ketchup, reconstituted with water or stirred straight into a simmering pot. The same drying process that concentrates nutrients also concentrates natural sugar, to 43.9 g per 100 g, so it tends to be used by the spoonful rather than as a bulk ingredient.
See how this score is calculated, build a plate around tomato powder, or compare it with another food.
Source: USDA FoodData Central · Public domain
Percent of calories derived by NutriVerdict from USDA grams
Nutrition facts
| Nutrient | Amount | % DV |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 302 kcal | 15% |
| Total fat | 0.44 g | 1% |
| Saturated fat | 0.06 g | 0% |
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% |
| Sodium | 134 mg | 6% |
| Carbohydrate | 75 g | 27% |
| Dietary fiber | 17 g | 59% |
| Sugars | 44 g | |
| Protein | 13 g | 26% |
| Potassium | 1930 mg | 41% |
| Calcium | 166 mg | 13% |
| Iron | 4.6 mg | 25% |
| Magnesium | 178 mg | 42% |
| Vitamin C | 117 mg | 130% |
| Vitamin A | 862 µg | 96% |
| Vitamin E | 12 mg | 81% |
Source: USDA FoodData Central · Public domain
FDC 170461Original analysis by NutriVerdict
What it is rich in
Nutrients supplying at least 10% of the Daily Value per 100 grams. 20% or more is an excellent source.
Original analysis by NutriVerdict
Versus the vegetables median
Original analysis by NutriVerdict
More nutrient-dense swaps
Foods in the same category that score higher on nutrient density.
Carrot, dehydratedDensity 94 vs 93Carrots, rawDensity 94 vs 93Cauliflower, rawDensity 95 vs 93Original analysis by NutriVerdict
In the kitchen and how to use it
Tomato powder is dehydrated tomato ground into a fine powder, used to add concentrated tomato flavor and color to a dish without introducing extra liquid. It gets stirred into soups, sauces, rubs, and dry seasoning blends, or whisked with water to make a quick tomato paste or sauce on short notice when fresh tomatoes or canned paste are not on hand; it is also useful in baking, such as savory bread, crackers, or homemade seasoning salts, where a liquid tomato paste would throw off the texture. Some cooks blend it into dry rubs for grilled meats to add a savory tomato note alongside garlic and paprika, or dust it over popcorn or roasted vegetables for a punch of flavor without any added moisture.
Store tomato powder in an airtight container in a cool, dry place, since exposure to moisture can cause it to clump and lose its fine texture. Because the water has been removed, its numbers per 100g look concentrated, 302 calories, 43.9 grams of sugar, and 130% DV vitamin C, but a tablespoon or two is typically all that goes into a recipe, similar to how tomato paste is used in small doses to season a dish rather than eaten as a standalone food.
Frequently asked questions about tomato powder
What is tomato powder used for?
It adds concentrated tomato flavor and color to soups, sauces, rubs, and dry spice blends, or can be reconstituted with water into a quick paste.
Is tomato powder a good source of vitamin C?
Per 100g it provides 130% DV vitamin C, though typical use is only a tablespoon or two per recipe.
How do you store tomato powder?
Keep it airtight in a cool, dry place, since exposure to moisture can cause it to clump.