Do Ambrosia apples have a lot of sugar?

December 8, 2025 •

2 min read

While Ambrosia apples are perceived as exceptionally sweet due to their low acidity, their actual sugar content is only moderately high, often falling in the range of 15-19 grams per average-sized fruit. This means that the juicy, honeyed flavor is as much about the apple's flavor profile as its raw sugar level.

Quick Summary

Despite their sweet taste, Ambrosia apples have a moderate sugar content, with their low acidity amplifying the perception of sweetness. This variety compares well nutritionally with other common apples, offering fiber and vitamins.

Key Points

Perceived vs. Actual Sweetness: Ambrosia's intense sweetness is largely due to its low acidity, which makes the natural sugars more prominent, not a significantly higher sugar content.
Moderate Sugar Content: An average Ambrosia apple contains 15-19 grams of natural sugar, which is comparable to or slightly higher than other sweet varieties.
High Brix Level: Ambrosia can have a high Brix level (a measure of sugar content), which contributes to its rich, honey-like flavor.
High in Fiber: The apple's dietary fiber helps slow down the absorption of sugar, which contributes to a more moderate impact on blood sugar levels.
Good for Diabetics in Moderation: The combination of fiber and low glycemic index means that whole Ambrosia apples can be part of a balanced diet for individuals managing blood sugar, especially when eaten in moderation.

Understanding Ambrosia's Sweetness

Ambrosia apples are a modern variety renowned for their distinctive sweet, honey-like flavor and pleasant aroma. This exceptional sweetness can lead many to wonder if Ambrosia apples have a lot of sugar. The answer is more nuanced than a simple yes or no, involving both the actual sugar content and the role of acidity in flavor perception.

Sugar Content vs. Perception

An average-sized Ambrosia apple contains around 15 to 19 grams of natural sugars, a moderate amount similar to other sweet apples. Their intense sweetness perception is primarily due to remarkably low acidity, which allows natural sugars to be more prominent. This low acidity also makes them gentler on the stomach for some. A high Brix level, measuring sugar content, up to 17, also contributes to their rich sweetness.

Factors influencing Ambrosia's perceived sweetness:

Low Acidity: Mild acidity enhances the inherent sweetness.
High Brix Level: Contributes to rich sweetness.
Aromatic Qualities: Refreshing aroma adds to the sweet impression.

Ambrosia Apples vs. Other Varieties

Comparing Ambrosia to other popular apples helps put its sugar content into perspective.


Apple Variety	Perceived Sweetness	Approx. Sugar (150g serving)	Acidity	Best Use	Notes
Ambrosia	Very Sweet	15-19g	Low	Fresh eating, salads, baking	Honeyed flavor, slow to brown
Fuji	Very Sweet	22-25g	Low-Medium	Fresh eating, sauces	Exceptionally sweet and juicy
Honeycrisp	Sweet/Sweet-Tart	15-18g	Medium-High	Fresh eating, sauces	Distinctive crisp texture, balanced flavor
Granny Smith	Tart	10-12g	High	Baking, cooking	Low sugar, high acidity
Gala	Sweet	15-17g	Low	Fresh eating, desserts	Milder flavor than Ambrosia, sweet

The Nutritional Profile of an Ambrosia Apple

Beyond sugar, Ambrosia apples offer nutritional benefits.

Dietary Fiber: Good source of fiber aiding digestion and helping regulate blood sugar by slowing glucose absorption.
Vitamins and Minerals: Provides Vitamin C, potassium, and antioxidants.
Hydration: High water content contributes to hydration.

Ambrosia and Diabetes

For those monitoring sugar, whole Ambrosia apples, with natural sugars, fiber, and polyphenols, have a lower impact on blood sugar than processed options. Fiber helps prevent spikes, and a medium apple has a low glycemic index. Moderation is key; eating the whole apple is better than juice. Combining with protein or healthy fat can further minimize blood sugar fluctuations. For more details, consult guidance from health experts Healthline: Do Apples Affect Diabetes and Blood Sugar Levels?.

Conclusion

While Ambrosia apples taste very sweet due to their low acidity, their natural sugar content is moderate and comparable to other sweet varieties. With beneficial fiber and vitamins, they are a healthy choice for most, including those managing blood sugar, especially when eaten whole and in moderation.

Frequently Asked Questions

An average-sized Ambrosia apple typically contains around 15 to 19 grams of natural sugar, though this can vary based on the apple's size and ripeness.

Ambrosia apples have low acidity, which means there is no tartness to balance the natural sugars. This makes the inherent sweetness more pronounced on the palate, creating the impression of a higher sugar content.

No, when eaten in moderation and in their whole form, Ambrosia apples are generally fine for people with diabetes. The dietary fiber helps regulate blood sugar absorption, preventing rapid spikes.

Ambrosia has a comparable sugar content to other sweet varieties like Fuji and Honeycrisp. Some Fuji apples may even have slightly higher sugar levels, though Ambrosia's lower acidity makes it taste sweeter.

The sugar in Ambrosia apples is entirely natural, occurring as fructose within the fruit. No sugar is added to fresh, whole apples.

The Brix level, a measure of sugar content, can be as high as 17° for Ambrosia apples, which is considered an above-average sweetness for an apple.

While Ambrosia is sweet, it's a nutritionally sound choice due to its fiber and vitamin content. The healthiest choice depends on your overall dietary needs, but Ambrosia offers benefits like other apples, provided it's consumed as part of a balanced diet.