Nutrition Facts at a Glance
A medium raw apple with skin (about 182 grams) provides roughly 25 grams of carbohydrate, 4 grams of dietary fiber, and about 19 grams of sugars, according to widely used USDA data. Small differences in size, variety, and peeling change the numbers somewhat, so treating 20–30 grams as a typical range is often more practical than a single fixed value.
Standard Serving Sizes and Carbohydrate Values
Because carbohydrate content is tied to weight and edible portion, values vary by how you measure and serve apples. The sections below summarize commonly cited figures for popular serving styles, supported by USDA references where available.
Whole Medium Apple (with skin)
One medium apple (≈182 g) supplies about 25 g total carbohydrate, including roughly 19 g of naturally occurring sugars and 4 g of fiber. Much of the fiber and many phytonutrients are in the skin, so peeling noticeably alters the composition.
Sliced Apple (100 g)
100 g of raw apple slices (≈1 cup) typically provide about 14 g total carbohydrate, with 10 g sugars and 2–3 g fiber, depending on whether the skin is included.
Apple Puree or Applesauce (unsweetened)
Unsweetened applesauce, either homemade or commercial, usually contains around 15–16 g carbohydrate per 100 g; sweetened versions are higher depending on added sugars.
Apple Juice
An 8 fl oz (240 ml) glass of apple juice provides roughly 30–35 g carbohydrate, nearly all from sugars, and very little fiber compared to whole fruit.
| Form | Serving Size | Total Carbohydrate | Sugars | Fiber | Source Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Raw apple, medium, with skin | ≈182 g | ≈25 g | ≈19 g | ≈4 g | USDA FoodData Central |
| Raw apple slices, with skin | 100 g | ≈14 g | ≈10 g | ≈2–3 g | USDA FoodData Central |
| Applesauce, unsweetened | 100 g | ≈15–16 g | ≈13–14 g | ≈1–2 g | USDA and product labels |
| Apple juice | 240 ml (8 fl oz) | ≈30–35 g | ≈26–30 g | USDA and product labels |
What Type of Carbohydrate Is in Apples?
Most of the carbohydrate in apples is in the form of simple sugars, primarily fructose, glucose, and small amounts of sucrose. These occur naturally and are accompanied by water, fiber, vitamins, and various phytochemicals. The fiber—much of it soluble pectin—contributes to digestive health and moderates how quickly sugars enter the bloodstream.
How Ripeness and Variety Influence Carbohydrate Content
As apples ripen, starch is gradually converted to sugars, so sweeter, riper fruit may test slightly higher in total sugars than a firmer, less mature apple. Different cultivars also vary; some dessert apples taste notably sweeter, while cooking apples often retain more starch and fiber. Storage conditions, such as time and temperature after harvest, can further shift the carbohydrate profile over time.
Practical Tips for Measuring Apple Carbohydrates
To estimate carbohydrate content accurately, weigh apples when possible and read labels for processed apple products. Small changes in size, skin thickness, and added ingredients can meaningfully affect totals, especially for carefully planned diets. When tracking intake, consistent weighing and standardized database entries help reduce guesswork.
Context Within Overall Nutrition
In addition to carbohydrate, apples provide modest amounts of vitamin C, potassium, and small quantities of other vitamins and minerals. Their fiber and polyphenols are notable components linked to satiety and gut health, making them a worthwhile choice for many eating patterns. For people managing blood sugar, pairing apple with protein or healthy fat can blunt rapid glucose spikes compared with juice or peeled apple alone.
Bottom Line
A typical medium apple with skin contains approximately 25 grams of total carbohydrate, though the exact amount varies by size, variety, and whether the skin is eaten. Apple products such as juice, applesauce, and slices have different profiles, with juice notably higher in sugar and lower in fiber. Using consistent portion weights and considering ripeness and preparation method will help you estimate carbohydrate content accurately in everyday situations.