scored 93/100
Pimento is a small, sweet red pepper variety prized for its mild flavor and high vitamin C content, offering exceptional antioxidant and micronutrient density with minimal calories.
2.7 g net carbs after fiber.
Representative amounts for this food, not measured for this item. Real content varies widely by variety, ripeness and storage.
These are the scored components, not a sum: the published score also reflects normalisation across the catalog, so the parts above will not add to 93.
Pimentos are small, heart-shaped peppers native to Central and South America, traditionally used in Spanish and Mediterranean cuisines and commonly found as a stuffing in green olives. Despite their diminutive size, pimentos deliver concentrated nutritional value, particularly vitamin C at 85mg per 100g—comparable to larger bell peppers—along with significant potassium (158mg) and vitamin A. Their sweet, mild profile makes them more palatable than spicy peppers for those seeking capsicum's antioxidant benefits without heat. The predominant bioactive compounds include capsaicinoids (though in lower concentrations than hot peppers), carotenoids, and flavonoids, all of which support cardiovascular health and reduce oxidative stress. For longevity, pimentos offer a calorie-efficient way to boost micronutrient intake while providing fiber (1.9g per 100g) to support digestive health. Their low sodium and rich potassium content also support healthy blood pressure regulation. Fresh or roasted pimentos retain their nutrient profile well, making them versatile additions to varied dietary patterns.
High potassium (158mg/100g) and low sodium ratio promote vasodilation and counteract sodium-induced hypertension, while vitamin C strengthens blood vessel integrity
Vitamin C (85mg/100g) is essential for immune cell synthesis and function, while carotenoids and flavonoids provide antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects
Carotenoids including lutein and zeaxanthin accumulate in retinal tissue and protect against age-related macular degeneration and cataracts
Vitamin K (8.3mcg), calcium, magnesium, and phosphorus work synergistically to support bone mineralization and prevent osteoporotic decline
Flavonoids and carotenoids reduce neuroinflammation and oxidative stress implicated in age-related cognitive decline
Pimentos contain no compounds requiring specific circadian timing and are beneficial throughout the day. Include in meals with dietary fat to maximize carotenoid absorption; no special timing constraints apply.
Breaks a fast
While pimentos are anytime-appropriate, consuming with fat-containing meals (breakfast with eggs, lunch salads with olive oil) optimizes micronutrient bioavailability rather than consuming alone on an empty stomach.
Per 100 g of the default form. Bars show how much higher or lower pimento is than the average across 137 peer foods in this category. Green means a favorable direction; amber means the opposite.
Pimento is classified as a vegetable. Pimento is a small, sweet red pepper variety prized for its mild flavor and high vitamin C content, offering exceptional antioxidant and micronutrient density with minimal calories.
Pimento scores 93/100 in Formulate, making it an exceptional choice. Its strongest contributions come from Vitamin C, Iron, Vitamin K. The score blends nutrient density, fiber, healthy fats, protein quality, bioactive compounds, and glycemic impact.
Not particularly. A 85 g serving provides about 0.9 g of protein (~2% of the 50 g daily value).
Not really. A 85 g serving provides about 1.6 g of fiber (~6% of the 28 g daily value).
In a 85 g serving, pimento is highest in Vitamin C (~80% DV).
Yes — it fits comfortably in most keto plans. A 85 g serving has about 2.7 g of net carbs (4.3 g total minus 1.6 g fiber).
Best any time of day. Pimentos contain no compounds requiring specific circadian timing and are beneficial throughout the day. Include in meals with dietary fat to maximize carotenoid absorption; no special timing constraints apply.
A typical serving is around 85 g (~20 kcal), based on the FDA's Reference Amount Customarily Consumed for this food category. There's no fixed daily target — most adults benefit from rotating pimento alongside several other vegetable sources.
Pimento pairs nicely with: Pair with olive oil because fat-soluble carotenoids require dietary fat for optimal absorption in the intestinal tract; Combine with leafy greens because vitamin C enhances iron bioavailability from plant-based sources, improving overall iron status; Serve with legumes because pimentos' vitamin C boosts absorption of plant-based iron while complementing protein intake; Add to dishes with cruciferous vegetables because combined glucosinolates and flavonoids provide synergistic anti-inflammatory effects.
Encyclopedia entries that supply the same signature nutrients pimento contributes. Click through to see clinical dose ranges, evidence quality, and bioavailable forms.
These are the nutrients pimentocontributes meaningfully toward (≥10% DV per 100 g serving). Click one to see what it does in the body, which supplements concentrate it, and which other foods are top sources.