Apples vs pears

Key differences

• Neither is a meaningful source of protein: 0.5 and 0.6 g per 100 kcal.
• Apples have fewer calories: 52 kcal per 100 g, versus 57 for pears, so the same calories come with more grams of food.
• Pears have more fiber: 3.1 g per 100 g, versus 2.4 g for apples.

Comparison per 100 g

Per typical serving

With typical servings, 180 g (6.5 oz) of apples have about 94 kcal and 0.5 g of protein, and 170 g (6 oz) of pears about 97 kcal and 0.6 g.

The typical serving is a common amount used for the math, not a recommendation. Ounces are rounded US equivalents; the values come from the database entries cited in the sources.

Which is more filling?

Apples and pears have the same estimated satiety score: 5 out of 5.

Only apples were measured in people, in the Holt satiety index (1995): 197 versus 100 for white bread.

• 5/5Apples: Very low energy density; a lot of fiber per calorie; high water content.
• 5/5Pears: Very low energy density; a lot of fiber per calorie; high water content.

The 1 to 5 score is our own estimate: it starts at 1 point, adds points for low energy density, for protein and fiber per 100 kcal, and for the water in solid foods, and subtracts points for drinks with calories. It is useful for comparing foods with each other; it is not a measurement in people. Holt satiety index: Holt SH, Miller JC, Petocz P, Farmakalidis E. A satiety index of common foods. Eur J Clin Nutr. 1995;49(9):675-90.

When to choose each one

Apples

• If you want to eat more grams for the same calories: 52 kcal per 100 g.

Pears

• If you want to add fiber: 3.1 g per 100 g.

On a GLP-1 medication

Apples. “Low energy density”: plenty of volume for few calories; make sure it does not push protein foods off your plate. “Hydrating”: a lot of water, which contributes to hydration when you eat and drink less.

Pears. “High in fiber”: a good amount of fiber, which helps keep you regular; it is easier to tolerate when you increase it gradually and drink enough water. “Low energy density”: plenty of volume for few calories; make sure it does not push protein foods off your plate.

These are general guidelines, not medical advice: everyone tolerates foods differently.

Full food pages

• Apples: every nutrient, frequently asked questions, and similar foods.
• Pears: every nutrient, frequently asked questions, and similar foods.

Other comparisons

• Bananas vs apples

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