Nutrition Diet: What type of apple has the lowest sugar?

October 31, 2025 •

3 min read

According to nutritional data, tart, green apples typically have less sugar than their sweeter red counterparts. Finding out what type of apple has the lowest sugar? is a common question for those monitoring their intake, and the definitive answer often points to one specific, famously sour variety.

Quick Summary

Tart, green apple varieties like Granny Smith are lowest in sugar, while sweet apples like Fuji are higher. All apples are a nutritious source of fiber and vitamins, and the natural sugar is processed slowly by the body. For those on a low-sugar diet, knowing the difference between varieties is helpful.

Key Points

Granny Smith is the lowest: The tart, green Granny Smith apple contains the lowest sugar content of commonly available varieties.
Taste indicates sugar level: The more tart an apple tastes, the lower its sugar content generally is.
High fiber for balance: Apples' natural fiber helps regulate blood sugar by slowing the absorption of sugar, regardless of the variety.
Consider Bramley for cooking: Bramley apples are a very low-sugar, tart cooking apple, with some sources reporting as little as 3 grams of sugar per 100 grams.
Paired eating is key: Pairing any apple with a protein source helps mitigate sugar spikes and provides more sustained energy.
Every apple is healthy: All apples are nutritious, offering beneficial vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, with the health benefits largely outweighing the small difference in sugar content.

Understanding Sugar in Apples

While all apples contain natural sugars, the quantity and type of sugar can vary significantly between different varieties. These differences contribute to the apple's unique flavor profile, from intensely sweet to distinctly tart. The tartness in many green apples, for instance, is directly related to a lower sugar content compared to sweeter, red-skinned varieties. However, even apples with higher sugar levels are considered a healthy choice due to their high fiber content, which helps to slow the absorption of sugar into the bloodstream.

The Lowest Sugar Champion: Granny Smith

When it comes to identifying the apple with the lowest sugar content, the tart, green Granny Smith is the clear winner. Known for its tangy flavor and firm, crisp flesh, the Granny Smith apple contains approximately 10.6 grams of sugar per 100 grams. It is a popular choice for baking and snacking, particularly among those managing their sugar intake or following a low-carbohydrate diet.

Notable Mentions for Lower Sugar

While the Granny Smith is often at the top of the list, other varieties offer lower-than-average sugar levels. These include:

Braeburn: This apple offers a pleasant balance of sweet and tart, and its sugar content is lower than many popular red varieties.
Bramley: Often used for cooking and baking, the Bramley apple is notably tart and contains a very low amount of sugar, with some sources reporting as little as 3 grams per 100 grams.
Pink Lady: This variety provides a sweet-tart flavor with a relatively lower sugar profile compared to much sweeter alternatives.

The Importance of Fiber and Other Nutrients

Beyond sugar content, it is crucial to consider the overall nutritional value of apples. All varieties are a great source of dietary fiber, which not only aids digestion but is also beneficial for regulating blood sugar levels. Apples also provide essential vitamins, such as Vitamin C, and valuable antioxidants that protect the body against inflammation and disease. For those concerned about blood sugar spikes, the high fiber content of an apple is a natural mitigating factor. To further reduce the impact, pairing an apple with a protein source, like nuts or peanut butter, is a smart strategy.

Comparison of Popular Apple Varieties


Apple Type	Approx. Sugar (per 100g)	Approx. Carbs (per 100g)	Approx. Fiber (per 100g)	Notes
Granny Smith	10.6 g	14.1 g	3.1 g	Very tart, firm, and crisp.
Red Delicious	12.2 g	14.8 g	4.4 g	Sweet, with a mild flavor.
Honeycrisp	12.4 g	14.7 g	4.4 g	Sweet and exceptionally crisp.
Fuji	13.3 g	15.6 g	4.0 g	Extremely sweet and crisp.
Gala	10-15 g	15 g	4.3 g	Sweet with a mild tartness.
Braeburn	11.8-19 g	11.8-25 g	1.8-4.4 g	Sweet-tart flavor, great for baking.
Bramley	3 g	12 g	Varies	Very tart and low-sugar, ideal for cooking.

Tips for Choosing Apples Based on Your Diet

For those focused on limiting sugar, the choice of apple variety can make a difference. Here are some tips for incorporating apples into a health-conscious diet:

Prioritize tartness: If you are trying to minimize your sugar intake, make Granny Smith or another tart, green apple your go-to choice. Their lower sugar content makes them an excellent option.
Practice portion control: For sweeter apples like Fuji or Honeycrisp, a smaller portion can still satisfy your craving without a significant spike in sugar intake.
Pair with protein or fat: To slow the digestion of fruit sugars and increase satiety, always pair your apple with a protein source, such as a handful of almonds, a tablespoon of peanut butter, or some Greek yogurt.
Eat the peel: The apple's skin contains most of its fiber, so eating the apple unpeeled will help mitigate the sugar's impact on your blood sugar levels.
Use cooking apples: If you are baking, the Bramley apple is an ideal, very low-sugar option. Its tartness also works well in savory dishes.

Conclusion: Making Informed Choices

While a definitive answer to what type of apple has the lowest sugar? is straightforward—the Granny Smith—the bigger picture reveals that all apples are a nutritious addition to any diet. The sugar in fruit is not the same as processed, added sugars. By understanding the differences between varieties and incorporating smart eating habits like portion control and pairing with protein, you can enjoy the many health benefits of apples regardless of your specific dietary goals. Ultimately, a balanced approach is best, recognizing that the most nutrient-dense apple for you is the one you enjoy most. For more detailed information on a healthy diet, consider exploring the resources from reputable institutions like the Harvard School of Public Health's The Nutrition Source.

Frequently Asked Questions

The Granny Smith apple is the green apple variety with the lowest sugar content. Its tart flavor is an indicator of its low sugar profile.

As a general rule, yes. Red apples are typically bred for sweetness, meaning they contain more sugar than their tart, green-skinned counterparts.

The sugar in apples is natural fructose, which is processed differently by the body than added sugars found in candy and processed foods. Because of the apple's high fiber content, the sugar is absorbed slowly and does not cause a sharp blood sugar spike.

To lower the glycemic impact, try pairing an apple with a protein source, such as a handful of nuts, nut butter, or Greek yogurt. Eating the peel, where most of the fiber is found, also helps.

Fuji apples are one of the highest in sugar content among popular varieties, with approximately 13.3 grams of sugar per 100 grams.

For cooking and baking, the Bramley apple is an excellent choice. It is notably tart and very low in sugar, with some sources listing only 3 grams per 100 grams.

Most low-sugar apples tend to be on the tart side, as the sourness is a key indicator of lower sugar. However, some varieties like Pink Lady offer a more balanced sweet-tart flavor with a lower sugar profile compared to very sweet apples.