How much sugar is in a Braeburn apple? A comprehensive nutritional guide

November 15, 2025 •

3 min read

According to nutritional data from various grocery and food databases, a 100-gram serving of a Braeburn apple contains roughly 11 to 12 grams of sugar. This guide breaks down exactly how much sugar is in a Braeburn apple, exploring the full nutritional profile and contextualizing its natural sweetness.

Quick Summary

Braeburn apples contain about 11-12 grams of sugar per 100g, with a medium fruit having between 9-19 grams. This natural sugar is accompanied by fiber, which helps manage blood sugar levels. The balance of sugars, including fructose, and malic acid creates its signature sweet-tart flavor.

Key Points

Moderate Sugar Level: A 100-gram serving of a Braeburn apple contains roughly 11-12 grams of natural sugar.
Balance of Sweet and Tart: The flavor is defined by a balance of natural sugars like fructose and malic acid.
Size Impacts Total Sugar: A medium apple has more total sugar than a small one, even if the sugar concentration per 100g is similar.
Fiber is Key: Dietary fiber in the apple slows sugar absorption, making it a healthier alternative to processed sweets.
Ripeness Increases Sweetness: As a Braeburn apple ripens, its starch converts to sugar, increasing its sweetness level.

Understanding the Braeburn Apple's Sugar Content

The Braeburn is a popular apple known for its excellent balance of sweetness and tartness, making it a versatile choice for both snacking and cooking. When it comes to its sugar content, multiple nutritional databases report a consistent range. On average, a 100-gram portion of a Braeburn apple contains approximately 11 to 12 grams of natural sugar. This figure is important for those monitoring their sugar intake, but it's essential to understand this sugar is not processed or added. A medium-sized Braeburn, which weighs around 154 grams, could contain closer to 17 grams of sugar, while a larger one (approx. 200g) could have 19 grams or more.

The Role of Natural Sugars in Braeburns

The sweetness in apples is a complex mix of several natural sugars. The predominant sugars are fructose, glucose, and sucrose, with fructose often being the most abundant. The perception of sweetness is also heavily influenced by the fruit's acidity, primarily malic acid, which is prominent in Braeburns. The specific proportions of these sugars and acids are what give the Braeburn its distinctively complex, sweet-tart taste.

Factors That Influence a Braeburn Apple's Sweetness

The total sugar in a Braeburn isn't fixed and can vary based on several factors:

Ripeness: As an apple ripens, the starches within it convert into sugars, increasing its overall sweetness. A fully ripe Braeburn will therefore have a higher sugar content than a less mature one.
Growing Conditions: Environmental factors such as sunlight exposure, temperature, and soil conditions can impact the balance of sugars and acids within the fruit. Warmer climates, for example, can produce sweeter apples.
Size: Larger apples naturally contain more sugar in total, though the sugar concentration per 100 grams remains relatively consistent. A bigger apple means a larger serving size and more total sugar consumed.

Braeburn vs. Other Popular Apple Varieties: A Sugar Comparison

To put the Braeburn's sugar content into perspective, here is a comparison with other common apple types based on typical nutritional data. It's important to remember that all figures are approximate and can vary.


Apple Variety	Average Sugar (per 100g)	Taste Profile	Notes on Sugar/Acid Balance
Braeburn	11-12g	Sweet-tart	Good balance of sugar and malic acid
Fuji	16-18% sugar content	Very Sweet	One of the sweetest varieties, with lower acidity
Granny Smith	12-18% sugar content, high acidity	Tart	High in malic acid, giving a sour taste despite significant sugar
Gala	14-16% sugar content	Sweet	Generally sweeter than Braeburn, but less acidic
Honeycrisp	High sugar, low acid	Very Sweet	Known for its extremely sweet and juicy flavor

More Than Just Sugar: The Complete Nutritional Profile

While the sugar content is a key component, it's not the whole story. Braeburn apples, like all apples, are a healthy food because the natural sugars are bundled with dietary fiber, vitamins, and other beneficial compounds. A medium apple provides approximately 4 to 5 grams of dietary fiber. This fiber is crucial because it slows the absorption of sugar into the bloodstream, preventing the sharp spikes in blood sugar associated with consuming processed sugars. This is why eating a whole apple is a healthier choice than drinking apple juice, which lacks this essential fiber.

The Health Implications of Apple Sugar

For most people, the natural sugar in a Braeburn apple is not a concern as part of a balanced diet. The combination of fiber and antioxidants makes it a nutritious and satisfying snack. For individuals with diabetes or those monitoring sugar intake, understanding the sugar content is important for meal planning. The fiber content means that apples have a lower glycemic impact than many other sugary foods. The key is moderation and focusing on whole fruits rather than processed alternatives.

Conclusion

The Braeburn apple contains a moderate amount of natural sugar, typically ranging from 11 to 12 grams per 100-gram serving. This sugar is balanced by a refreshing tartness and is accompanied by significant dietary fiber, which mitigates the impact on blood sugar. Factors like ripeness and size can influence the overall sugar content. When compared to other varieties, the Braeburn offers a balanced flavor profile that is neither excessively sweet nor overly tart. Ultimately, including whole Braeburn apples in your diet can be a healthy and flavorful choice, providing essential nutrients along with its natural sweetness.

For more information on the health benefits of whole foods, you can visit a reliable source like the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, the sugar in a Braeburn apple is natural sugar found within a whole food, packaged with fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants. The fiber helps slow sugar absorption, making it a healthy part of a balanced diet for most people.

Braeburns generally have a lower sugar content than Fuji apples. Fuji apples are known for being very sweet, with a sugar percentage often higher than the Braeburn's.

Yes, they can be. The fiber in Braeburns helps moderate the effect of sugar on blood glucose levels. As with any fruit, moderation is key, and it's best to consult a healthcare provider for personalized advice.

Cooking does not change the total amount of sugar present, but it can affect the texture and concentration. The sugars become more concentrated as water evaporates, and the fiber becomes softer.

Tart apple varieties, like the Granny Smith, are often perceived as having less sugar because of their high acidity, but their sugar content can be comparable to other varieties. Apples vary, but Granny Smiths are known for their acidic balance.

Yes. The skin of the apple contains a significant portion of its fiber and many of its antioxidants. Peeling the apple removes these beneficial components, so it is best to eat the whole apple.

Generally, a more brightly colored, fully ripe Braeburn apple will be sweeter, as its starches have converted to sugar. A firmer, less ripe apple will have more of that characteristic tartness.