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Apples vs pears

Apples and pears have the same estimated satiety score: 5 out of 5. Pears have more fiber: 3.1 g per 100 g, versus 2.4 g for apples.

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Last updated
Sources
3 primary
Data
USDA FDC 171688 and 169118

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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 and per serving

Values per 100 g (3.5 oz) and per typical serving. USDA descriptions: Apple, with skin; Pear.
NutrientApplesserving: 180 g (6.5 oz)Pearsserving: 170 g (6 oz)Difference
Calories52 kcal per 100 g (3.5 oz)94 kcal per serving57 kcal per 100 g (3.5 oz)97 kcal per serving+5 kcal per 100 g (3.5 oz)+3 kcal per serving
Protein0.3 g per 100 g (3.5 oz)0.5 g per serving0.4 g per 100 g (3.5 oz)0.6 g per serving+0.1 g per 100 g (3.5 oz)+0.1 g per serving
Carbohydrates13.8 g per 100 g (3.5 oz)24.8 g per serving15.2 g per 100 g (3.5 oz)25.8 g per serving+1.4 g per 100 g (3.5 oz)+1 g per serving
of which sugars10.4 g per 100 g (3.5 oz)18.7 g per serving9.8 g per 100 g (3.5 oz)16.6 g per serving−0.7 g per 100 g (3.5 oz)−2.1 g per serving
Fiber2.4 g per 100 g (3.5 oz)4.3 g per serving3.1 g per 100 g (3.5 oz)5.3 g per serving+0.7 g per 100 g (3.5 oz)+0.9 g per serving
Fat0.2 g per 100 g (3.5 oz)0.3 g per serving0.1 g per 100 g (3.5 oz)0.2 g per serving0 g per 100 g (3.5 oz)−0.1 g per serving
of which saturated0 g per 100 g (3.5 oz)0.1 g per serving0 g per 100 g (3.5 oz)0 g per serving0 g per 100 g (3.5 oz)0 g per serving
Water85.6 g per 100 g (3.5 oz)154.1 g per serving84 g per 100 g (3.5 oz)142.8 g per serving−1.6 g per 100 g (3.5 oz)−11.3 g per serving
Protein per 100 kcal0.5 g0.6 g+0.1 g
Estimated satiety (1 to 5)5 / 55 / 50
Holt satiety index (white bread = 100)197not measured—

In bold, the value more favorable to satiety when the gap is clear. Difference: Pears minus Apples. Source: USDA FDC 171688 and 169118.

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.

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

See all comparisons

Sources

Sources for the data on this page, with the access date.

  1. U.S. Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service.USDA FoodData Central: Apples, raw, with skin (Includes foods for USDA's Food Distribution Program) (FDC ID 171688).accessed .
  2. European Journal of Clinical Nutrition (PubMed).Holt SH, Miller JC, Petocz P, Farmakalidis E. A satiety index of common foods. Eur J Clin Nutr. 1995;49(9):675-90.accessed .
  3. U.S. Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service.USDA FoodData Central: Pears, raw (FDC ID 169118).accessed .