Which apple is lowest in calories for a healthier snack?

November 28, 2025 •

3 min read

While all apples are relatively low in calories, the Granny Smith variety consistently ranks among the lowest, often containing fewer calories than sweeter options like Fuji or Honeycrisp. The primary factor affecting an apple's calorie count is its sugar and water content, with tarter apples generally having less sugar and fewer calories.

Quick Summary

This article compares the calorie counts of popular apple varieties, identifying the lowest-calorie options. It details the nutritional factors influencing calorie content and offers tips for choosing the healthiest apples based on size and variety.

Key Points

Granny Smith is a top contender: Due to its lower sugar content and tart flavor, the Granny Smith apple is consistently noted as one of the lowest-calorie varieties.
Size matters most for calorie count: A small apple of any type will always contain fewer calories than a larger one, making size the most impactful factor for controlling calories.
All apples are healthy choices: The calorie difference between varieties is minimal, and all apples provide significant health benefits, including fiber and antioxidants, which aid in weight management.
Tart apples are generally lower in sugar: Varieties known for their tartness, like Granny Smith, have less sugar and, therefore, fewer calories than sweeter varieties like Fuji or Honeycrisp.
Eat the peel for maximum nutrition: The peel contains a significant amount of the apple's fiber and antioxidants, so eating it with the fruit provides the most health benefits.
Consider alternative fruit options: While apples are a great choice, other fruits like strawberries or oranges are even lower in calories per 100g, offering variety to a healthy diet.

Comparing the Calorie Counts of Popular Apple Varieties

When you're counting calories, it's easy to assume all apples are created equal. In reality, while all are nutritious and low in calories, there are subtle differences between varieties. These variations are mainly due to the concentration of natural sugars and water in the fruit. Knowing which variety offers the lowest calorie count can be helpful for precise dietary planning. A tart Granny Smith, for example, typically has less sugar and a lower calorie count than a sweeter Fuji or Honeycrisp apple.

The Lowest-Calorie Contenders

While calorie data can vary slightly based on the apple's size and ripeness, certain varieties are consistently cited as having a lower calorie density than others. These include:

Granny Smith: Often praised for its low sugar content, a medium Granny Smith apple typically contains around 72 calories. Its tart flavor comes from a higher concentration of malic acid and less sugar, making it an excellent choice for those watching their intake.
Gala: This popular variety sits in a sweet spot, balancing flavor and lower calories. A medium Gala apple usually has about 70-80 calories.
Bramley: This is another low-calorie option, primarily used for cooking. A medium Bramley apple can have as few as 54 calories, according to some sources.

Conversely, sweeter varieties like Honeycrisp and Pink Lady tend to have slightly higher calorie counts due to a greater sugar concentration. However, the difference between a high- and low-calorie apple is not dramatic enough to warrant skipping your favorite variety entirely, as they are all highly nutritious.

Size Matters More Than Variety

For a truly low-calorie apple, the most significant factor is size, not variety. A small apple of any type will have fewer calories than a large one. For example, a small (approx. 149g) apple contains about 77 calories, whereas a large (approx. 223g) apple can have up to 116 calories. If your goal is to minimize calories, simply choosing a smaller fruit is the most effective strategy, regardless of its name.

Comparison of Common Apple Varieties


Apple Variety	Typical Calories (Medium Size)	Flavor Profile	Water Content	Sugar Content
Granny Smith	~72 calories	Tart and crisp	High	Lower
Gala	~70-80 calories	Milder, sweet	Medium	Medium
Fuji	~80-90 calories	Very sweet, juicy	High	Higher
Red Delicious	~80-95 calories	Mild, sweet	Medium	Medium
Honeycrisp	~95 calories	Very crisp, sweet	Medium	Higher
Pink Lady	~78 calories	Sweet-tart	Medium	Medium

The Health Benefits of Eating Apples

All apple varieties offer a range of health benefits beyond their modest calorie count. Their high fiber content promotes a feeling of fullness, which can aid in weight management. Apples also contain antioxidants, such as quercetin, that help fight inflammation and may reduce the risk of certain chronic diseases. By eating the peel, you maximize your intake of both fiber and antioxidants.

How to Choose the Right Apple

To pick an apple for low-calorie snacking, consider these points:

Prioritize Size Over Variety: The calorie difference between a small and a large apple is more significant than the difference between varieties. A small Honeycrisp might have fewer calories than a large Granny Smith. For more information on calorie density and weight management, check out this guide on healthy eating from EatingWell.
Go Tart for Less Sugar: Tart apples like Granny Smith generally have lower sugar levels and, therefore, fewer calories than their sweeter counterparts. If you prefer a less sweet snack, this is the way to go.
Choose Firmness and Appearance: Regardless of variety, a healthy apple should be firm and free of bruises. Dullness can indicate a lack of freshness.
Embrace the Peel: The peel is packed with fiber and beneficial antioxidants. For the full nutritional benefit, always eat the whole fruit.

Conclusion

While the difference in calories between apple varieties is minimal, a Granny Smith is often cited as one of the lowest-calorie options due to its tart flavor and lower sugar content. Ultimately, the easiest way to minimize calories is to simply choose a smaller apple, regardless of its type. With all varieties offering excellent nutritional benefits, any apple can be a smart and healthy choice for weight management.

Frequently Asked Questions

The Granny Smith apple is consistently noted as one of the lowest-calorie varieties, containing around 72 calories for a medium-sized fruit due to its lower sugar content.

Green apples, such as Granny Smith, are generally slightly lower in calories and carbs than many red varieties because of their lower sugar content. However, the difference is minimal and depends more on the specific apple's size.

Yes, size is the most important factor. A small apple of any variety will have fewer calories than a large one. A small (149g) apple contains about 77 calories, while a large (223g) apple has around 116 calories.

Fuji apples are known for their sweetness and have a slightly higher calorie count than tart varieties. A medium Fuji apple typically contains 80-90 calories, which is still a very healthy and low-calorie snack.

Peeling an apple does not significantly reduce its calorie count but does remove a substantial amount of its fiber. The fiber promotes fullness and is a key nutritional benefit, so it's best to eat the apple with the peel.

The primary factors are sugar and water content. Tarter apples naturally have less sugar, which means fewer calories. The density of the apple can also play a small role.

No, the calorie differences between common apple varieties are quite minimal. They all fall within a similar low-calorie range. The overall health benefits are more or less the same across all types.