What kind of apple has the lowest carbs?

October 24, 2025 •

4 min read

While the average medium apple can contain roughly 25 grams of total carbohydrates, not all varieties are created equal, prompting the common question: what kind of apple has the lowest carbs? The answer lies in the specific variety, with certain tart and cooking apples offering a slightly lower carb count than their sweeter counterparts.

Quick Summary

The Bramley apple typically contains the lowest carbohydrates per 100 grams, with the tart Granny Smith variety following closely behind. Both are better options than sweeter apples for those watching their carb intake, although all apples contain a moderate amount of carbohydrates.

Key Points

Bramley is Lowest: The Bramley apple, a tart cooking variety, generally has the lowest carbohydrate and sugar content per 100 grams.
Granny Smith is a Great Option: The Granny Smith apple is a common, slightly lower-carb alternative to sweeter red varieties, with a higher fiber content.
Fiber is Key: The fiber in apples, especially the skin, helps slow sugar absorption, making the carbs in whole apples a healthier choice than those in juices.
Portion Control is Crucial: Even with lower-carb apples, portion size is the most important factor for managing carbohydrate intake on restrictive diets.
Tart Equals Less Sugar: In general, apples with a tart flavor profile tend to have less natural sugar and fewer carbohydrates than very sweet varieties.
Beware of Sweet Varieties: Popular, very sweet apples like Fuji and Gala contain higher levels of sugar and carbohydrates, making them less ideal for low-carb diets.

Understanding Carbohydrates in Apples

Apples are a natural and healthy source of carbohydrates, primarily in the form of natural sugars and dietary fiber. The fiber content helps to slow the absorption of sugar, which prevents the rapid blood sugar spikes often associated with processed sugary foods. However, for individuals on very low-carbohydrate diets, such as the ketogenic diet, even natural sugars must be carefully tracked. For this reason, selecting the right apple variety is crucial for managing daily carb goals.

The Lowest Carb Contenders: Bramley and Granny Smith

When searching for the lowest carbohydrate apple, two varieties consistently rise to the top: the Bramley and the Granny Smith.

Bramley Apple: Known mainly as a cooking apple, the tart Bramley variety has one of the lowest sugar and carbohydrate contents per 100g, with some sources listing it as low as 12g of total carbohydrates. Its tartness is a direct indicator of its lower sugar level compared to sweeter eating apples.
Granny Smith: This crisp, green, and tangy apple is another excellent low-carb option. With approximately 14-15 grams of total carbs per 100g, it is a popular choice for those looking for a healthier snack. Its higher fiber concentration also aids in digestive health and prolongs a feeling of fullness.

Comparing Popular Apple Varieties

The nutritional content of apples can vary based on factors like size and ripeness. However, examining the average carbohydrate content per 100 grams provides a useful comparison for choosing the right apple for your needs.


Apple Variety	Total Carbs (per 100g)	Total Sugar (per 100g)	Notes
Bramley	~12.0 g	~3.0 g	A cooking apple known for its tart flavor and very low sugar.
Granny Smith	14.1 g	10.6 g	Crisp, tart, and a popular lower-carb choice.
Red Delicious	14.8 g	12.2 g	Mildly sweet with a moderate carb count.
Honeycrisp	14.7 g	12.4 g	Sweeter variety with slightly more carbs.
Gala	~15.0 g	~10.0 g	Sweet and crisp, with moderate carbs.
Fuji	15.6 g	13.3 g	Very sweet with a higher carb and sugar content.

What About Fiber and Net Carbs?

For those following a diet that counts 'net carbs' (total carbs minus fiber), the high fiber content of apples is a significant benefit. A medium apple provides about 4.4 grams of fiber, which helps offset some of the total carbohydrate count. A Granny Smith, for example, might have 15 grams of total carbs but around 3 grams of fiber, bringing its net carb count down to approximately 12 grams. Choosing to eat the apple with the skin on is important, as the majority of the fiber and other beneficial nutrients are in the skin.

The Importance of Portion Control

While choosing a lower-carb apple variety is helpful, portion control is still the most important factor for managing carbohydrate intake. Even a low-carb apple can take up a significant portion of a daily carb allowance on a strict diet, such as keto, where daily limits are often below 50 grams. Pairing a smaller portion of apple with a source of healthy fat or protein, like nuts or cheese, can further slow sugar absorption and increase satiety. Cooking apples can change their nutrient profile, so consuming raw, whole apples is generally the best way to preserve the maximum nutritional benefits and fiber content.

Low-Carb Apple Recommendations

For Snacking: A half or whole Granny Smith apple provides a crunchy, satisfying snack with less sugar than many other fruits.
For Baking: The Bramley apple is the ideal choice for baked goods, as its tart flavor and lower carb count make it a perfect fit for pies and crumbles. Paired with low-carb sweeteners, you can enjoy a healthier dessert.
For Salads: Granny Smith apples hold their shape and add a tart kick to salads without overpowering them. They pair well with ingredients like walnuts, celery, and a light vinaigrette.
For Blood Sugar Management: Due to its lower sugar content and low glycemic index, the Granny Smith apple is often recommended as a healthier fruit option for people monitoring their blood sugar. For more on the glycemic index, consider reading resources from the Linus Pauling Institute, as referenced by Medical News Today.

Conclusion

For those asking what kind of apple has the lowest carbs, the clear winners are the tart cooking varieties, with the Bramley apple leading the pack in terms of low sugar and carbohydrate content per 100g. The Granny Smith is another excellent and widely available option. While no apple is truly 'low-carb' in the same way berries are for strict keto diets, these varieties, combined with sensible portion control, can certainly be a healthier choice for those managing their carbohydrate intake. Regardless of the variety, enjoying a whole apple with its skin is the best way to maximize fiber intake and health benefits.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, green apple varieties like Granny Smith are typically slightly lower in carbs and sugar compared to many red, sweeter varieties, though the difference is minimal.

Apples are not considered keto-friendly due to their high natural sugar content. A single medium apple can use up a large portion of a person's daily carb allowance on a strict keto diet.

Eating a whole, raw apple with the skin on is the best way to get the most fiber and nutrients, which helps regulate blood sugar and aid digestion.

Apples have a low glycemic index and a good amount of fiber, so they cause a slower and more gradual increase in blood sugar compared to high-sugar, low-fiber foods.

Yes, cooking varieties like the Bramley apple are typically much more tart and contain significantly less sugar and carbohydrates than eating apples, making them the lowest-carb option.

No, apple juice should be avoided on low-carb diets. Processing fruits into juice removes most of the fiber, leading to higher sugar concentration and a rapid blood sugar spike.

Berries like strawberries, raspberries, and blackberries are generally much lower in net carbs and are a better fruit choice for those on strict low-carb diets.