Which Type of Apple Has the Lowest Carbs? A Nutritional Breakdown

November 6, 2025 •

3 min read

While a medium apple can contain approximately 25 grams of carbohydrates, not all varieties are created equal when it comes to their carb and sugar content. For those monitoring their intake, understanding which type of apple has the lowest carbs is key to fitting this nutritious fruit into a balanced eating plan.

Quick Summary

This guide compares the carbohydrate and sugar content of popular apple varieties, identifying the lowest-carb options and explaining how to incorporate them into a healthy diet.

Key Points

Bramley is Tart and Lowest: Bramley apples, often used for cooking, have one of the lowest carbohydrate counts among common varieties, with approximately 12g per 100g.
Granny Smith is a Good Choice: The crisp, tart Granny Smith apple is a readily available option with lower sugar than sweeter alternatives, offering a moderate choice for carb management.
Portion Control is Key: For any diet, including low-carb, monitoring the serving size of apples is essential due to their natural sugar content.
Don't Peel the Skin: The apple's skin is where a significant amount of fiber is found, which helps regulate blood sugar and contributes to lower net carbs.
Know Your Carbs: Always consider both total and net carbs, recognizing that fiber subtracts from the total carbohydrate count to provide a more accurate picture of a food's impact.
Health Benefits are Abundant: Despite their carbs, apples are rich in fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants, making them a valuable part of a balanced diet.

The quest for low-carb fruit

Apples are a staple in many diets, celebrated for their fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants. However, for individuals following a low-carb, keto, or diabetic-friendly diet, the natural sugars and carbohydrates in apples require careful consideration. The key is to understand that the nutritional profile can vary depending on the variety, with some tart apples offering a more carb-conscious choice than their sweeter counterparts.

The leading contenders for lowest carb

When searching for apples with the lowest carb content, tart varieties are generally the best bet. Their flavor profile, often sour and acidic, is a good indicator of a lower sugar concentration. Two specific types consistently rise to the top of the low-carb list: Bramley and Granny Smith.

The culinary specialist: Bramley apples

For those who cook their apples, the Bramley is an ideal choice. These cooking apples are notably tart and possess one of the lowest carbohydrate and sugar levels among commonly available varieties. With approximately 12 grams of carbohydrates per 100 grams, Bramley apples are a standout option. Their high acidity and low sweetness make them perfect for baked dishes, sauces, and other recipes where you can control the added sugar.

The popular choice: Granny Smith

If you prefer a crisp apple for fresh eating, the Granny Smith is your best and most accessible option. Known for its distinctively tart flavor and bright green skin, this apple has a lower sugar content than many other popular varieties. Research indicates Granny Smith apples contain around 14.1 grams of carbohydrates per 100 grams, making them a solid choice for those managing their carb intake. Furthermore, Granny Smiths are packed with beneficial compounds and antioxidants.

Understanding the difference: total vs. net carbs

When assessing carbohydrates in fruit, it is crucial to consider both total and net carbs. Total carbohydrates refer to all the carbohydrate content, while net carbs are calculated by subtracting fiber from the total. The fiber in apples, especially in the skin, is a non-digestible carbohydrate that helps regulate blood sugar and provides a feeling of fullness. Eating the whole apple with the skin on is the best way to maximize the fiber benefits and reduce the net carb impact.

A comparative look at apple varieties

To better understand the differences, here is a comparison of the approximate carbohydrate and sugar content for several common apple varieties, based on 100g portions:


Apple Variety	Total Carbs (per 100g)	Total Sugar (per 100g)
Bramley	~12g	~3g
Granny Smith	~14.1g	~10.6g
Red Delicious	~14.8g	~12.2g
Honeycrisp	~14.7g	~12.4g
Fuji	~15.6g	~13.3g

This table illustrates that while the difference in total carbs may seem small, the sugar content can vary more significantly, which affects the overall impact on blood sugar levels.

Tips for enjoying apples on a low-carb diet

Practice portion control: Stick to smaller apples or eat half of a larger one. A medium apple can contain over 20 grams of net carbs, which can quickly add up on a strict diet.
Pair with fat and protein: Pairing apple slices with a source of healthy fat and protein, like almond butter or cheese, can slow the absorption of sugar and help you feel full longer.
Eat the skin: Do not peel your apple. The skin contains valuable fiber that helps offset the natural sugars and provides added nutrients.
Consider low-carb alternatives: For stricter low-carb diets, smaller portions of berries (raspberries, blackberries) or avocado might be more suitable alternatives.

The overall nutritional picture

Ultimately, the choice of apple depends on your specific dietary goals. All apples are packed with nutrients like vitamin C, antioxidants, and dietary fiber that support overall health. However, by selecting a lower-carb, tart variety like Granny Smith or Bramley, you can enjoy the benefits of this fruit while being mindful of your carbohydrate and sugar intake.

Conclusion: making the smartest choice

To determine which type of apple has the lowest carbs, consider tart options like Bramley for cooking and Granny Smith for fresh snacking. While the variation among common apples may be slight, these choices offer a modest advantage in managing carb and sugar intake. Combining portion control with mindful pairings can allow you to enjoy apples without derailing your nutritional goals. For comprehensive health information on incorporating fruit into a healthy diet, consult reliable sources such as the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health's nutrition resource.

Frequently Asked Questions

While Granny Smiths are lower in carbs and sugar than many sweeter varieties, some sources indicate Bramley apples, primarily used for cooking, can be even lower in carbohydrates.

Fuji apples, known for their sweetness, tend to have a higher carbohydrate and sugar content compared to tart varieties like Granny Smith and Bramley.

Apples are generally not considered keto-friendly due to their high sugar content. However, small, mindful portions of lower-carb varieties might be incorporated by some individuals on less strict low-carb plans.

Eating the skin adds dietary fiber, which is not digested and therefore lowers the net carbohydrate count. It also adds beneficial nutrients and antioxidants.

Yes, other lower-carb fruits include berries (like raspberries and blackberries), avocados, and certain melons, which can be easier to fit into a strict low-carb diet.

Portion sizes are very important. A smaller apple will naturally have fewer carbs than a larger one, regardless of the variety. A medium apple can have around 25g of total carbs.

Tart apples typically have less sugar. Granny Smith apples, for instance, have lower sugar content than sweet varieties like Fuji or Honeycrisp, which contributes to their overall lower carb count.