How much sugar is in a durian? A complete nutritional guide

December 10, 2025 •

3 min read

Research indicates that the sugar content in 100 grams of fresh durian varies significantly by variety, with documented ranges from as low as 7.52 grams to nearly 20 grams. This wide variation makes understanding the fruit's nutritional profile important for consumers.

Quick Summary

Durian's sugar content fluctuates based on its variety, with sucrose being the predominant sugar type. This article details the specific sugar amounts in different durian types, provides a comparative table with other common fruits, and discusses the implications for health, including diabetes management.

Key Points

Variable Content: The amount of sugar in durian varies significantly by variety, from around 7.5 to 20 grams per 100g.
Predominant Sugar: Sucrose is the main sugar in durian, contributing most to its sweet taste.
High Energy Density: Durian is high in calories and carbohydrates, so portion control is essential, particularly for weight management.
Diabetic Caution: Individuals with diabetes should limit their intake to one or two seeds and monitor blood sugar levels.
Low Glycemic Index: Despite its sweetness, durian has a relatively low glycemic index compared to some other tropical fruits.
Nutrient-Rich: In moderation, durian provides healthy fats, dietary fiber, and essential vitamins and minerals like potassium.

Durian's Variable Sugar Content by Variety

The sugar content of durian is not a single fixed number; it varies widely depending on the specific cultivar. For example, a study examining Malaysian varieties found total sugar content ranging from 7.52 to 16.90 grams per 100 grams of fresh weight. A Thai variety, Kradum, recorded an even higher total sugar content at 19.97 grams per 100 grams. The primary sugars found in durian are sucrose, followed by smaller amounts of glucose and fructose. Sucrose is often the most abundant, making up a large portion of the total sugar count. This high sugar density, combined with its creamy texture, is what gives durian its rich, sweet flavor.

Durian Sugar Breakdown (per 100g Fresh Weight)

Malaysian D24: Contains approximately 7.52 grams of total sugar, with relatively low glucose and fructose levels.
Malaysian Durian Kampung: Features a higher total sugar content of 16.90 grams.
Thai Monthong: A popular variety with a total sugar content of 14.83 grams.
Thai Kradum: One of the sweeter varieties, with a total sugar content nearing 20 grams per 100g.
Thai Chanee: This variety has a sugar content around 16.55 grams per 100g.

Durian vs. Other Fruits: A Sugar Comparison

To put durian's sugar content into perspective, it's helpful to compare it to other common fruits. While not a low-sugar fruit, its overall nutritional profile includes significant fiber, vitamins, and healthy fats. The glycemic index of durian is relatively low for a tropical fruit (around 49), suggesting it may not cause as rapid a blood sugar spike as fruits like pineapple or watermelon, which have higher GIs. However, the high total carbohydrate load from a large portion is what requires caution, especially for individuals managing blood sugar levels.

Fruit Sugar Content per 100g


Fruit	Approximate Total Sugar (g)	Key Information
Durian (Average)	15 - 20	High energy, creamy texture, rich in vitamins and minerals
Banana	12	Good source of potassium, but moderate sugar
Mango	14	Rich in vitamin C, moderate sugar content
Grapes	16	One of the highest sugar fruits, high in antioxidants
Strawberries	4.9	Low sugar, packed with antioxidants and fiber
Apple	10	Moderate sugar content, high in fiber
Avocado	<1	Very low sugar, high in healthy monounsaturated fats

Health Implications of Durian's Sugar and Nutrient Profile

For Healthy Individuals

For healthy individuals, durian is a nutrient-dense fruit that can be enjoyed in moderation. In addition to sugar and carbohydrates, it is rich in potassium, vitamin C, and B vitamins. A high intake, however, can lead to excessive calorie consumption and potential weight gain due to its energy density. Eating two to three seeds is often considered a sufficient serving. The high fiber content also aids in digestion.

For Individuals with Diabetes

People with diabetes must exercise caution when consuming durian because of its high sugar content. The simple sugars—sucrose, fructose, and glucose—can cause blood sugar levels to rise. Health experts advise limiting intake to a small amount, typically no more than one to two seeds per day, and monitoring blood sugar levels after consumption. Combining durian with other high-sugar or high-carb foods like sweet drinks or glutinous rice is strongly discouraged.

Weight Management and Durian

Due to its high calorie and carbohydrate count, large quantities of durian can hinder weight management goals. A single average-sized fruit can contain over 1,300 calories, representing a significant portion of an adult's recommended daily intake. For those watching their weight, it is crucial to control portion sizes and perhaps view a serving of durian as a meal replacement rather than a dessert. Pairing consumption with exercise can help burn off the extra energy.

Conclusion

Durian is a deliciously creamy and nutrient-rich tropical fruit, but its sugar content is significantly higher than most other fruits. With sucrose being the predominant sugar, the total sugar per 100 grams can range from approximately 7.5g to nearly 20g, depending on the variety. While healthy individuals can enjoy durian in moderation, those managing their blood sugar or weight should be mindful of their portion sizes due to the fruit's energy density. Consulting a healthcare provider for personalized dietary advice is always recommended, especially for those with health conditions. For more detailed information on durian's nutritional composition, authoritative sources like the National Institutes of Health provide extensive data.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, durian is considered high in sugar and calories compared to many other fruits. The sugar content can range from 7.5g to nearly 20g per 100g, depending on the specific variety.

People with diabetes can eat durian, but they must do so in very strict moderation. Due to its high sugar content, it can cause a rise in blood sugar. Limiting consumption to one or two seeds is often recommended.

The predominant sugar found in durian is sucrose. It also contains smaller amounts of other simple sugars like fructose and glucose.

On average, durian has a higher sugar content per 100g than a banana. While a banana has about 12g of sugar per 100g, many durian varieties contain 15-20g in the same amount.

Durian's glycemic index (GI) is reported to be around 49, which is relatively low compared to other high-carbohydrate tropical fruits like watermelon. However, its high total carbohydrate load means portions should still be monitored.

Eating durian can be counterproductive for weight loss if not managed properly. A single fruit contains a high number of calories, sometimes over 1,300, which can easily lead to excessive daily calorie intake.

For healthy individuals, limiting intake to two to three medium-sized seeds per sitting is a reasonable portion size to avoid excessive sugar and calorie intake.