Apple Macros: Complete Nutrition Facts & Calories
Reviewed by Dr. Michael Torres, PhD
Apples are nature’s perfect portable snack—about 95 calories, naturally sweet, and satisfyingly crunchy. With 25 grams of carbs (mostly from natural sugars) and 4 grams of fiber, apples fit most diets when tracked properly.
This guide covers apple macros by size and variety so you can enjoy this classic fruit while staying on track.
Apple Macros: Quick Reference
Here’s the macro breakdown for apples by size:
| Apple Size | Weight | Calories | Protein | Carbs | Fiber | Sugar |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Small | 149g | 77 | 0.4g | 21g | 3.6g | 15g |
| Medium | 182g | 95 | 0.5g | 25g | 4.4g | 19g |
| Large | 223g | 116 | 0.6g | 31g | 5.4g | 23g |
| 1 cup sliced | 109g | 57 | 0.3g | 15g | 2.6g | 11g |
| 100g | 100g | 52 | 0.3g | 14g | 2.4g | 10g |
Key insight: Apple sizes vary significantly. A large apple has 50% more calories than a small one. Weigh if tracking precisely.
Apple Varieties: Do Macros Differ?
All apple varieties have similar macros—the differences are minor:
| Variety | Flavor Profile | Calories (medium) | Sugar |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fuji | Sweet, crisp | 100 | 20g |
| Honeycrisp | Sweet-tart | 95 | 19g |
| Gala | Sweet, mild | 95 | 19g |
| Granny Smith | Tart | 90 | 17g |
| Red Delicious | Sweet | 95 | 19g |
| Pink Lady | Tart-sweet | 95 | 19g |
| Braeburn | Sweet-tart | 95 | 18g |
Bottom line: For macro tracking, treat all apples the same. Size matters more than variety.
Understanding Macronutrients
Apples are primarily a carbohydrate source with beneficial fiber. To understand how carbs fit your nutrition plan, learn about what macronutrients are.
Apple vs. Other Fruits
How do apples stack up against other popular fruits?
| Fruit (medium/1 cup) | Calories | Carbs | Fiber | Sugar |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Apple (medium) | 95 | 25g | 4.4g | 19g |
| Banana (medium) | 105 | 27g | 3.1g | 14g |
| Orange (medium) | 62 | 15g | 3.1g | 12g |
| Strawberries (1 cup) | 49 | 12g | 3g | 7g |
| Blueberries (1 cup) | 84 | 21g | 3.6g | 15g |
| Grapes (1 cup) | 104 | 27g | 1.4g | 23g |
Apple advantage: Higher fiber than most fruits, moderate calories, very portable.
How Apples Fit Different Diets
Keto and Low-Carb
Apples are challenging for strict keto:
- Medium apple = 21g net carbs (often full daily limit)
- Small apple = 17g net carbs (still high)
Lower-carb options:
- A few thin slices (~5g carbs)
- Berries instead (lower carb per serving)
- Skip if strict keto
Calorie Deficit / Weight Loss
Apples are excellent for weight loss:
- 95 calories fills you up
- High water content (86% water)
- Fiber promotes satiety
- Satisfies sweet cravings naturally
- Portable, no prep required
High-Carb / Athletes
Apples work well for carb-loading:
- Natural sugars for energy
- Easy to digest pre-workout
- Portable for on-the-go fueling
Flexible Dieting
Apples fit flexible dieting easily. Track the carbs, enjoy the fruit, hit your daily targets.
Apple Macros with Toppings
Plain apples are great, but toppings change the macros:
Apple + Peanut Butter (210 cal, 6g protein, 28g carbs, 10g fat)
- 1 medium apple: 95 cal
- 1 tbsp peanut butter: 95 cal
Apple + Almond Butter (200 cal, 4g protein, 27g carbs, 10g fat)
- 1 medium apple: 95 cal
- 1 tbsp almond butter: 98 cal
Apple + Cheese (190 cal, 8g protein, 26g carbs, 9g fat)
- 1 medium apple: 95 cal
- 1 oz cheddar cheese: 113 cal (but portion varies)
Apple + Caramel Dip (170 cal, 0.5g protein, 40g carbs, 3g fat)
- 1 medium apple: 95 cal
- 2 tbsp caramel: 100 cal
Meal Ideas with Apples
Healthy Snack Plate (280 cal, 12g protein, 32g carbs, 12g fat)
- 1 medium apple, sliced
- 1 tbsp almond butter
- 1 oz almonds
Breakfast Addition (150 cal with oatmeal)
- 1 small apple, diced
- Add to oatmeal
- Cinnamon on top
Apple Salad (200 cal, 8g protein, 28g carbs, 8g fat)
- 1 cup mixed greens
- 1/2 apple, sliced
- 1 oz goat cheese
- 1 tbsp walnuts
- Balsamic vinaigrette
Post-Workout Snack (250 cal, 25g protein, 32g carbs, 3g fat)
- 1 medium apple
- 1 cup Greek yogurt
- Honey drizzle
Calculate Your Macros
Use our macro calculator to determine your daily carb targets, then see how apples fit your plan.
Apple Forms: Fresh vs. Processed
Fresh Apple (Best)
- 95 cal per medium
- Full fiber intact
- Most filling
Applesauce (Unsweetened)
| Serving | Calories | Carbs | Fiber |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1/2 cup | 50 | 14g | 1.5g |
Less fiber than whole apples, but still decent.
Applesauce (Sweetened)
| Serving | Calories | Carbs | Fiber |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1/2 cup | 97 | 25g | 1.5g |
Double the calories and sugar of unsweetened.
Apple Juice (Worst for Macros)
| Serving | Calories | Carbs | Fiber |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8 oz | 114 | 28g | 0.5g |
No fiber, concentrated sugar, not filling. Avoid if tracking macros.
Dried Apples
| Serving | Calories | Carbs | Fiber |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1/4 cup | 52 | 14g | 2g |
Calorie-dense, easy to overeat. Weigh carefully.
Tracking Apples Accurately
Size Matters
The difference between small (77 cal) and large (116 cal) is significant over time. When possible:
- Weigh your apple
- Use size-specific entries in your tracking app
- When in doubt, round up
With or Without Skin
Apple macros assume eating the whole apple including skin. The skin contains most of the fiber. Peeled apples have slightly fewer calories but less fiber.
Cooked Apples
Cooking doesn’t significantly change macros, but baked apples often include:
- Butter (+100 cal per tbsp)
- Sugar (+50 cal per tbsp)
- Oat topping (+200+ cal)
Track additions separately.
Apple Storage Tips
Room Temperature
- 1-2 weeks for most varieties
- Ripen faster at room temp
Refrigerator
- 4-6 weeks
- Best for long-term storage
- Crisper drawer ideal
Cut Apples
- Toss with lemon juice to prevent browning
- Refrigerate: 3-5 days
- Airtight container
Common Apple Questions
Do Apples Spike Blood Sugar?
Whole apples have a moderate glycemic index (around 36). The fiber slows sugar absorption, preventing major spikes. This is very different from apple juice (GI ~44) which lacks fiber.
Are Organic Apples More Nutritious?
Macros are identical. Organic refers to farming practices, not nutrition. Choose based on budget and preference.
Should I Eat Apple Skin?
Yes. The skin contains:
- Most of the fiber
- Many antioxidants
- Adds texture and satisfaction
Only skip skin if you have specific digestive issues.
When Is the Best Time to Eat an Apple?
For macros, timing doesn’t matter. For practical purposes:
- Pre-workout: 30-60 minutes before (quick carbs)
- Between meals: Satisfies hunger
- Dessert replacement: Satisfies sweet tooth
Can Apples Help Me Lose Weight?
Research suggests yes. Studies show eating an apple before meals reduces total calorie intake. The fiber and water fill you up, and the act of chewing slows eating.
Final Thoughts
Apples are a macro-tracker’s friend:
- Predictable nutrition (~95 cal per medium)
- Filling fiber (4.4g)
- Satisfies sweet cravings
- Zero prep, totally portable
- Works for most diets (except strict keto)
The main tracking consideration is size—large apples have 50% more calories than small ones. When in doubt, weigh it. Otherwise, grab an apple confidently knowing it’s one of the easiest, healthiest snacks to fit into any macro plan.
Note: Nutrition values are approximate and may vary based on preparation method and source.


