Which Apple Has the Lowest Sugar Content?

November 19, 2025 •

4 min read

According to Medical News Today, green apples contain less sugar, more fiber, and more antioxidants than red apples. For those watching their sugar intake, this makes the variety an optimal choice. The question, then, becomes which apple has the lowest sugar content of all, and the answer is consistently the crisp, tart Granny Smith.

Quick Summary

This article explores and compares the sugar content of various apple types, identifying the Granny Smith as the lowest in sugar. It also discusses the nutritional benefits of different apple varieties, highlighting why the fiber content in apples makes them a healthy choice despite their natural sugar.

Key Points

Granny Smith has the lowest sugar: The tart, green Granny Smith apple consistently ranks as the variety with the lowest total sugar content per 100 grams.
Fiber mitigates natural sugar: The high fiber content in all whole apples, especially pectin, slows the absorption of its natural sugar, preventing unhealthy blood sugar spikes.
Red apples are generally sweeter: Sweeter apple varieties like Fuji, Honeycrisp, and Red Delicious typically contain slightly higher sugar levels than their tart, green counterparts.
Overall, apples are a healthy choice: Despite natural sugar, the vitamin, mineral, antioxidant, and fiber content makes all apple varieties a healthy and nutritious snack.
Eat the skin for maximum benefit: The skin of the apple contains much of its antioxidant content. Eating the whole apple is recommended for the most nutritional value.
Sugar difference is not significant for most: For most people, the difference in sugar between apple varieties is too small to significantly impact their diet. The choice can be based on flavor preference.

Comparing Sugar Content Across Apple Varieties

When evaluating which apple has the lowest sugar content, the consensus among nutritional experts and comparative studies points directly to the tart, green-skinned Granny Smith apple. Its distinctive sour flavor is a direct result of its lower sugar profile compared to other popular varieties. While all apples are a healthy addition to a balanced diet, the differences in sugar content are worth noting for those managing their blood sugar or restricting sugar intake.

Granny Smith: The Champion of Low Sugar

Per 100 grams, a Granny Smith apple contains approximately 10.6 grams of total sugar. This makes it a preferred option for individuals with diabetes or those following a low-sugar eating plan. The high acidity gives it a sharp flavor, which can help reset taste buds to crave fewer sweet foods. Additionally, Granny Smith apples boast a good amount of fiber, which helps slow the digestion and absorption of its natural sugars, preventing blood sugar spikes.

Other Apple Varieties and Their Sugar Levels

Other popular apple varieties, while still healthy, tend to have a higher sugar content. This difference is often reflected in their sweeter taste. For context, a Red Delicious apple has about 12.2 grams of sugar per 100 grams, while a Honeycrisp contains around 12.4 grams. The Fuji apple, known for its intense sweetness, typically has the highest sugar content among these common varieties, with about 13.3 grams per 100 grams.

Beyond Just Sugar: The Bigger Nutritional Picture

While low sugar content is a key consideration for some, it's important to remember that all apples offer valuable nutrients. The fiber in apples, particularly the soluble fiber known as pectin, plays a crucial role in gut health and satiety. Most of an apple's antioxidants are concentrated in the skin, so eating the apple whole is recommended for maximum health benefits. The small difference in sugar content between varieties does not negate the overall nutritional value that all apples provide.

Comparison of Popular Apple Varieties (Per 100g)


Apple Variety	Total Sugar (g)	Taste Profile	Best Use	Notes
Granny Smith	10.6	Tart, sharp	Baking, salads, eating raw	The lowest sugar content of popular varieties. High acidity.
Red Delicious	12.2	Mildly sweet	Eating raw, snacks	Sweeter than Granny Smith, with high antioxidant levels in the skin.
Honeycrisp	12.4	Sweet, slightly tart	Eating raw, snacks	Known for its crisp texture. Slightly higher sugar than Red Delicious.
Gala	~11-12	Mildly sweet	Eating raw, cooking	A versatile option, with slightly lower sugar than Honeycrisp or Fuji.
Fuji	13.3	Sweetest, honey-like	Eating raw, juicing	Highest sugar content among these popular options, but still moderate on the glycemic scale.

The Role of Fiber in Fruit Sugar Absorption

One of the main reasons whole fruits, including apples, are superior to processed sugary snacks is their fiber content. Fiber slows the digestive process, which in turn slows the absorption of sugar into the bloodstream. This prevents the rapid spikes in blood sugar that are associated with high-sugar items and are particularly problematic for those with diabetes. Pectin, a soluble fiber in apples, has a prebiotic effect that supports healthy gut bacteria. This balance is a critical part of why apples are a health-conscious choice.

Choosing the Right Apple for Your Needs

If your primary goal is to minimize sugar intake, the Granny Smith is the clear choice. Its tartness is a sign of its lower sugar and higher acidity levels. However, if a sweeter apple is preferred, varieties like Gala offer a balanced flavor with a slightly higher sugar content that is still mitigated by their fiber. Ultimately, incorporating any type of apple into your diet is beneficial, as the fruit's overall nutritional profile—including vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants—outweighs the modest variations in sugar levels across different types. For maximum nutritional gain, always eat the apple, including the skin.

Conclusion: The Final Verdict

For those seeking the lowest sugar apple, the Granny Smith stands out as the definitive choice. Its sharp, tart flavor is indicative of its lower sugar levels, making it ideal for managing blood sugar or simply reducing sugar intake. However, the difference in sugar content between popular apple varieties is relatively small. The significant fiber and antioxidant content in all apples ensure that any choice you make is a healthy one. The key to healthy eating is focusing on whole foods, and all apples, when eaten with the skin on, are a fantastic source of nutrition, fiber, and delicious flavor. Therefore, while Granny Smiths win on the low-sugar front, you can confidently enjoy any apple as part of a balanced and healthy diet.

Frequently Asked Questions

The Granny Smith apple has the lowest sugar content among popular varieties, with approximately 10.6 grams per 100 grams.

Generally, yes. Green apples tend to have a more tart flavor and lower sugar content compared to most red apples, which are bred for a sweeter taste.

A Fuji apple, one of the sweeter varieties, contains about 13.3 grams of sugar per 100 grams.

No, the natural sugar in apples is not considered bad. The fiber content in whole apples helps slow the absorption of this sugar, making it a healthy energy source unlike added sugars in processed foods.

Yes, people with diabetes can eat apples in moderation. The fiber in apples helps prevent blood sugar spikes. Tart varieties like Granny Smith are often recommended for better blood sugar management.

Cooking an apple does not increase its sugar content. However, processing apples into juices or sauces (especially with added sugars) can remove the fiber and increase the concentration of sugar, which can impact blood sugar more rapidly.

Most apples have similar fiber content, but varieties with a thicker skin, such as Honeycrisp and Granny Smith, can be slightly higher in fiber. For maximum fiber, always eat the skin.

Apples generally have a low to medium glycemic index (GI), with most scoring around 34, meaning they do not cause a rapid increase in blood sugar levels.