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What are the Best Low Sugar Fruits?

B. Miller
B. Miller

Fruit can be a great, healthy snack, and is an integral part of a healthy, balanced diet. Unfortunately, fruit can also be very high in carbohydrates and in sugar, which can be detrimental to people who are trying to maintain a healthy weight, or to manage blood sugar conditions such as diabetes. Fortunately, there are a few low sugar fruits that can make a great snack without causing a spike in blood sugar.

Some very healthy fruits include apples, apricots, pears, grapefruit, papaya, watermelon, and peaches. Low sugar choices from the berry family are also a good choice for a healthy snack; these may include strawberries, blueberries, blackberries, cranberries, boysenberries, and cherries. Some low to medium sugar fruits include tangerines, lemons, and limes.

Blueberries are low in sugar.
Blueberries are low in sugar.

Of course, there are more fruits that are low in sugar that may be eaten as part of a healthy diet that is low in sugar and carbohydrates. For those with medical conditions or who are concerned about weight management, a doctor or registered dietitian may be able to provide a more comprehensive list. It is also important to keep in mind the fruits that are very high in sugar so that they can be avoided.

Peaches are relatively low in sugar.
Peaches are relatively low in sugar.

High sugar fruits include oranges, kiwis, pineapples, pomegranates, grapes, and bananas. Of course, portion size has an impact as well; it is entirely possible to eat a smaller portion size of a fruit that is considered to be high in sugar to avoid some of the negative effects. Keep in mind that, when given a choice, always opt for fresh fruit. Dried fruit will always be higher in sugar than fresh fruit. When eaten as part of an overall healthy diet that contains plenty of vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins, as well as an adequate amount of water and low amounts of processed, sugary foods, fruit can be a great snack and a very beneficial part of the diet.

Cherries are generally considered to be a low sugar fruit.
Cherries are generally considered to be a low sugar fruit.

In addition, keep in mind that the carbohydrates found in fruit are known as complex carbohydrates, and fruit contains high levels of fiber. This means that the sugars found even in high sugar fruits metabolize in the body more slowly that simple sugars found in processed foods, helping to prevent blood sugar spikes and crashes. Also keep in mind that not all low sugar fruits are correspondingly low in carbohydrates; searching online can bring up detailed nutritional information for different types of fruit.

Discussion Comments

anon933271

Good info. I though apples were low sugar until the doctor told me I was picking the wrong fruits. Thanks. Now, on to learn about cheese!

anon84696

I'm glad I read your site. I love all kinds of grapes and didn't realize grapes were considered high in sugar. I'm not on any medications but a visit to the doctor would put me at ease. thanks. --

S.P

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    • Blueberries are low in sugar.
      By: Mariusz Blach
      Blueberries are low in sugar.
    • Peaches are relatively low in sugar.
      By: Anna Kucherova
      Peaches are relatively low in sugar.
    • Cherries are generally considered to be a low sugar fruit.
      By: Harris Shiffman
      Cherries are generally considered to be a low sugar fruit.
    • Pears are a low-sugar fruit.
      By: Lana Langlois
      Pears are a low-sugar fruit.
    • Apricots are low sugar foods that offer vitamins A and C.
      By: Malyshchyts Viktar
      Apricots are low sugar foods that offer vitamins A and C.
    • Grapefruit is low in sugar and high in vitamins A and C.
      By: Africa Studio
      Grapefruit is low in sugar and high in vitamins A and C.
    • Tangerines are considered low sugar fruits.
      By: denira
      Tangerines are considered low sugar fruits.
    • Papaya is a very healthy, low sugar fruit.
      By: tashka2000
      Papaya is a very healthy, low sugar fruit.
    • Fruit should be eaten as part of a healthy diet that also consists of vegetables, grains, and lean proteins.
      By: PhotoSG
      Fruit should be eaten as part of a healthy diet that also consists of vegetables, grains, and lean proteins.
    • Watermelon is a good example of a fruit with low sugar, among many other health benefits.
      By: volgariver
      Watermelon is a good example of a fruit with low sugar, among many other health benefits.