Question:

My doctor said that I was a borderline diabetic, and that I need to cut down on some of the fruit I was eating at breakfast. The fruits I am eating are: strawberries, red grapes, cantaloupe, watermelon, pineapple, apple, banana, cherries (in season). I need to know the sugar content of each fruit or which fruit has the most sugar.

-Charlie C.

Answer:

Consider that if the serving is larger, you could get more sugar from any one of the fruits you’ve listed. Even with two amounts of fruit with the same weight, the sugar content varies due to density differences, or the amount of water and fiber contained in each fruit. A typical portion* of each fruit differs, as we’re accustomed to eating a certain amount. While you’re focusing on the sugar, you also need to consider the total carbohydrate as it all contributes to blood sugar.

For an equal volume of 1 cup of sliced fresh fruit, from highest to lowest sugar content:

Red grapes – 104 calories, 27 gm Carb, 23 gm sugar
Cherries (sweet) – 97 calories, 25 gm Carb, 20 gm sugar
Banana – 134 calories, 34 gm Carb, 18 gm sugar
Pineapple – 74 calories, 20 gm Carb, 14 gm sugar
Cantaloupe – 52 calories, 13 gm Carb, 12 gm sugar
Apple (w/skin) – 57 calories, 15 gm Carb, 11 gm sugar
Watermelon – 46 calories, 11 gm Carb, 9 gm sugar
Strawberries – 53 calories, 13 gm Carb, 8 gm sugar

* By serving size, based on usual consumption patterns:

3” apple – 95 Cals, 25 gm Carb, 19 gm sugar
1/16 watermelon — 86 Cals, 22 gm Carb, 18 gm sugar
15 cherries – 77 Cals, 20 gm Carb, 16 gm sugar
3/4” pineapple ring – 79 Cals, 21 gm Carb, 5 gm sugar
1 medium banana — 105 Cals, 27 gm Carb, 14 gm sugar
15 grapes – 51 Cals, 13 gm Carb, 11 gm sugar
10 large strawberries – 58 Cals, 14 gm Carb, 9 gm sugar
1/8 large cantaloupe – 35 Cals, 8 gm Carb, 8 gm sugar

CHERRIES have the most sugar in them comparatively, as they appear in the top 3 of each list. And the only fruit in the bottom 2 of each comparison with the lowest sugar — STRAWBERRY!

-Debbie J., MS, RD

All nutritional values taken from the USDA National Nutrient Database for Standard Reference Release 28

This article should not replace any exercise program or restrictions, any dietary supplements or restrictions, or any other medical recommendations from your primary care physician. Before starting any exercise program or diet, make sure it is approved by your doctor.