Are Red Delicious Apples High in Fructose?

December 16, 2025 •

4 min read

According to the USDA, a medium Red Delicious apple contains about 22 grams of total sugar, with the majority of it being fructose. The question, 'Are red delicious apples high in fructose?' is relevant for those monitoring sugar intake or managing fructose sensitivities, and the answer lies in understanding the natural sugar composition of this popular fruit.

Quick Summary

Red Delicious apples contain a high proportion of fructose relative to other sugars, and their overall sugar content is higher than some varieties. While fructose is a natural fruit sugar, its impact varies, and it is important to consider individual health needs and overall dietary balance.

Key Points

Fructose is the primary sugar in Red Delicious apples: These apples get their sweet flavor from a high concentration of naturally occurring fructose.
Total sugar content is moderate but varies: A medium Red Delicious apple has about 19 grams of sugar, with some varieties like Granny Smith containing slightly less overall sugar.
The fructose-to-glucose ratio is imbalanced: Studies show that for many apple varieties, including Red Delicious, the amount of fructose significantly exceeds the amount of glucose.
Fiber mitigates the sugar's impact: The dietary fiber found in whole apples helps slow the absorption of fruit sugars, preventing rapid blood sugar spikes.
Important for specific health conditions: Individuals with fructose malabsorption or diabetes should be mindful of their intake, as the fructose load can cause digestive issues for some and requires balanced dietary consideration.
Whole fruit is always better than juice: The fiber and nutrients in a whole Red Delicious apple make it a far healthier option than apple juice, which lacks fiber and concentrates sugar.
Comparing varieties helps manage sugar: Choosing a variety with less total sugar, such as a Granny Smith, can be a useful strategy for those strictly limiting their sugar intake.

Red Delicious Apples: Deciphering the Sugar Content

When we bite into a crisp, sweet apple, we are consuming a blend of natural sugars. For Red Delicious apples, the dominant sugar is fructose, often referred to as 'fruit sugar'. While this is a natural component, it's crucial to understand how it fits into your diet, especially if you have concerns about sugar intake or fructose intolerance. Red Delicious apples contain a higher total sugar content compared to some varieties like Granny Smiths, with a significant fructose load. For some, this imbalance, where fructose exceeds glucose, can pose digestive issues.

The Sugar Profile of Red Delicious

Apples contain three primary types of sugar: fructose, glucose, and sucrose. In Red Delicious apples, fructose is the most abundant, contributing significantly to their sweet taste. A medium-sized Red Delicious apple, weighing around 182 grams, contains approximately 18.9 grams of total sugar. A specific breakdown shows that the fructose content is often nearly double that of glucose.

Fructose: The primary sugar, making Red Delicious taste so sweet.
Glucose: Also present, but in a lower concentration than fructose.
Sucrose: Found in minor amounts.

The presence of fiber in the whole fruit helps to moderate the body's absorption of these sugars, preventing the sharp blood sugar spikes associated with processed sweets. The mild flavor of the Red Delicious compared to its sweetness is also a notable characteristic.

Are Some Apple Varieties Better for You?

Comparing different apple varieties reveals a range in sugar content. For example, Granny Smith apples are known for being tarter and having less sugar than their red counterparts, which may be a better choice for those monitoring sugar levels closely. The sweetness of an apple is directly influenced by its sugar composition and the balance between different sugar types.

Understanding Fructose Absorption

For individuals with fructose malabsorption or sensitive stomachs, the high fructose content and unfavorable fructose-to-glucose ratio in apples can lead to discomfort. This is because the body's ability to absorb fructose can be overwhelmed when it is present in high concentrations, especially when not balanced with an equal amount of glucose. Some studies suggest that for those with fructose intolerance, choosing apple varieties with a more balanced fructose/glucose ratio is a more tolerable option. It is important to note that this is different from hereditary fructose intolerance, a much more severe condition requiring complete avoidance of fructose.

What About the Glycemic Index?

Despite their sugar content, apples have a low to moderate glycemic index (GI), typically ranging from 29 to 44. The GI measures how quickly a food causes blood sugar levels to rise. This low score is a result of the fruit's high fiber and polyphenol content, which slows down the absorption of sugar into the bloodstream. This makes whole apples a healthier choice than processed snacks with added sugars.

Choosing Your Apples: A Comparison Table

To help you make an informed choice, here is a comparison of Red Delicious apples with other common varieties:


Apple Variety	Total Sugar (g/100g)	Total Carbs (g/100g)	Taste Profile	Key Feature
Red Delicious	~12.2	~14.8	Sweet, mild flavor	High fructose, high total sugar
Granny Smith	~10.6	~14.1	Tart and acidic	Less sugar, more fiber/antioxidants
Honeycrisp	~12.4	~14.7	Very sweet and juicy	Similar sugar to Red Delicious
Fuji	~13.3	~15.6	Very sweet and crisp	One of the highest in total sugar
Golden Delicious	~8.1 (per 100g)	High total sugar	Mildly sweet	Varying sugar content based on source

Incorporating Apples into a Healthy Diet

For most people without specific fructose sensitivities, the sugars in a Red Delicious apple are not a major concern when consumed as part of a balanced diet. As the Cleveland Clinic notes, the fiber in whole fruits is key to managing blood sugar response. Moderation is always wise, and pairing fruit with a source of healthy fat or protein can further help regulate blood sugar levels.

Conclusion: A Sweet but Balanced Choice

Are Red Delicious apples high in fructose? Yes, they contain a high proportion of fructose compared to other sugars, and a higher total sugar load than some other varieties. However, the fiber content helps mitigate the impact of this natural sugar. For the average person, eating a Red Delicious apple is a healthy choice due to its vitamins, fiber, and moderate GI score. Those with specific health conditions like diabetes or fructose malabsorption should pay attention to variety and portion size, and may benefit from consulting a healthcare professional for personalized dietary advice. Ultimately, a balanced diet that includes a variety of fruits is the best approach for optimal health.

For more detailed nutritional information, consult reliable resources such as the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

Frequently Asked Questions

Red Delicious apples have a higher total sugar content compared to some other varieties, like the tart Granny Smith. However, the variation is not extreme, and varieties like Fuji or Honeycrisp can have similar or slightly higher sugar levels.

For most healthy individuals, the fructose in whole Red Delicious apples is not considered bad. It is a natural sugar that is digested slowly due to the apple's high fiber content, which helps prevent blood sugar spikes. The issue arises for those with pre-existing conditions like fructose malabsorption.

The dietary fiber in Red Delicious apples plays a crucial role in regulating blood sugar. It slows down the digestion and absorption of the fruit's sugars, including fructose, into the bloodstream, resulting in a more gradual and controlled release of energy.

Yes, people with diabetes can typically eat Red Delicious apples as part of a balanced diet. Thanks to their fiber content and moderate glycemic index, apples are a good snack choice. Portion control and monitoring overall carbohydrate intake are key.

In Red Delicious apples and most apple varieties, the fructose content is higher than the glucose content. This unbalanced ratio can be a concern for individuals with fructose malabsorption, who may tolerate a more balanced ratio better.

Some people experience digestive issues from eating apples, and other fruits, due to fructose malabsorption. This occurs when the digestive system has difficulty absorbing the high load of fructose, particularly when it is not balanced by enough glucose.

To reduce the fructose impact, eat the whole apple with its skin to maximize fiber intake. Pairing it with a protein source, such as nuts or cheese, can also help slow down sugar absorption. For those with severe sensitivity, opting for a lower-fructose fruit or variety may be necessary.