
Fruit
Apricot
A low-calorie, nutrient-dense stone fruit rich in vitamin A and antioxidants.
A small, yellowish-orange stone fruit with a soft, slightly velvety skin and sweet, tangy flesh surrounding a hard pit.
low-calorie high-vitamin-a fruit
Typical serving · 35g
Common varieties · Blenheim, Moorpark, Tilton, Goldcot, Patterson +1 more
Overall context score across nutrition, safety, and diet fit
At a glance
Quick facts
Simple indicators based on nutrition, processing, and diet fit.
The story
What makes it unique
Apricots are low-calorie, water-rich fruits with a low glycemic index. They provide moderate fiber that slows digestion and promotes satiety. Their macronutrient profile is carbohydrate-dominant with minimal fat and protein. As a minimally processed whole food, they retain their natural cellular structure and phytonutrient density.
Varieties: Blenheim · Moorpark · Tilton · Goldcot · Patterson · Royal
Per 100g
Nutrition breakdown
Macro balance and key metrics at a glance.
Energy
Density 0.48 kcal/g
Protein
Carbs
Fat
Fiber
Sugar
9.2 g
Sodium
1 mg
Potassium
259 mg
Glycemic index
34
Glycemic load
4
Water content
86%
Standout compounds
Nutrient highlights
Vitamin A
highSupports eye health and immune function
Potassium
moderateHelps regulate blood pressure and fluid balance
Fiber
moderatePromotes digestive regularity and satiety
Vitamin C
moderateActs as an antioxidant and supports collagen synthesis
Wellness map
Health scores & processing
NOVA processing scale
minimally processed · Whole food
Fresh apricots are whole, unprocessed plant foods consumed in their natural state.
Diet compatibility
- Weight loss
- Muscle gain
- Diabetes
- Gut health
- Low carb
- High protein
- Heart health
Relative standing
Food rankings
Qualitative ranks compared to similar whole foods.
- Satietygood
- Blood sugarexcellent
- Nutrient densitygood
- Fitness fuelmoderate
- Processing qualityexcellent
Eat with confidence
Food safety profile
Fresh apricots are generally safe but often carry pesticide residues on their skin. Washing thoroughly reduces surface chemicals. The pit contains amygdalin, which converts to cyanide if crushed and consumed in large amounts.
Evidence confidence 90%
- Pesticidesmoderate
- Antibioticslow
- Heavy metalslow
- Contaminationlow
Watch for
- pesticide residues
- amygdalin in pits
Safer choices
Organic apricots to avoid pesticide exposure
Prep tips
Rinse thoroughly under running water and gently rub the skin to remove pesticide residues. Avoid eating the pits.
Conventional apricots frequently test positive for multiple pesticide residues, though usually within regulatory limits.
Deep dive
Health analysis
How this food may fit different goals and preparation choices.
Weight loss
Low energy density and high water content promote fullness without excess calories.
Blood sugar
Low glycemic index and load prevent rapid blood sugar spikes, making them suitable for glucose management.
Fitness & energy
Provides a quick-digesting carbohydrate source for light pre-workout energy but lacks sufficient protein for recovery.
Gut health
Moderate fiber content supports healthy digestion and feeds beneficial gut bacteria.
Processing quality
A whole, unrefined food with intact cellular structure and maximal nutrient retention.
Food safety
Pesticide residues on the skin are the primary concern; washing or choosing organic mitigates this risk.
Common mistakes
Confusing dried apricots with fresh ones in calorie counting, or eating the pits which contain toxic compounds.
Best preparation
Consumed raw with the skin on to maximize fiber and antioxidant intake.
Practical guide
Best use cases
When and how this food fits real eating patterns.
Pre-workout snack
Provides easily digestible carbohydrates for quick energy without causing heaviness.
Low-calorie sweet treat
Satisfies sweet cravings with minimal calories and beneficial nutrients.
Vitamin A boost
Excellent source of beta-carotene to support vision and skin health.
Balance sheet
Pros & cons
Upsides
- Low calorie and low energy density
- Excellent source of vitamin A and antioxidants
- Low glycemic index supports stable blood sugar
- Good source of potassium for heart health
- Convenient portable whole food snack
Trade-offs
- Low in protein and dietary fat
- Pesticide residues are common on conventional skins
- Dried versions are high in sugar and calories
- Pits contain toxic amygdalin
Fit check
Who is it for?
Great match
- low-calorie snacking
- blood sugar management
- vitamin A intake
- pre-workout energy
Consider alternatives
- strict ketogenic diets
- high-protein diets
- bulk calorie surplus needs
Side by side
How it compares
Open the full head-to-head analysis for nutrition, safety, and practical tradeoffs.

This food
Apricot
VS90% alike
Compare with
Peach
Apricots are lower in calories and higher in vitamin A, while peaches are slightly larger and sweeter.
Apricots provide more vitamin A and fewer calories, while peaches offer slightly more fiber and volume per serving.

This food
Apricot
VS85% alike
Compare with
Plum
Apricots are significantly higher in beta-carotene, while plums offer slightly more vitamin C and antioxidants.
Apricots are a better source of vitamin A, whereas plums provide more unique antioxidants like anthocyanins.

This food
Apricot
VS80% alike
Compare with
Dried Apricot
Fresh apricots are vastly lower in sugar and calories, while dried apricots offer concentrated iron and potassium.
Fresh apricots are better for weight loss and blood sugar, while dried apricots act as a dense energy source with more iron.

This food
Apricot
VS75% alike
Compare with
Apple
Apples are higher in fiber and satiety, but apricots are much lower in calories and carbs with far more vitamin A.
Apples provide more fiber and fullness, while apricots are lower in calories and richer in vitamin A.

This food
Apricot
VS90% alike
Compare with
Nectarine
Apricots provide dramatically more vitamin A, while nectarines are larger and slightly higher in vitamin C.
Apricots are lower in calories and higher in vitamin A, while nectarines offer a larger portion size for satiety.

This food
Apricot
VS70% alike
Compare with
Cherry
Apricots are lower in sugar and higher in vitamin A, while cherries are richer in anti-inflammatory anthocyanins.
Apricots are lower in sugar and better for vitamin A, while cherries excel in anti-inflammatory antioxidants.

This food
Apricot
VS65% alike
Compare with
Mango
Apricots are much lower in sugar and calories, while mangoes provide more vitamin C and folate.
Apricots are the lower-calorie choice for blood sugar control, while mangoes offer more vitamin C and energy.

This food
Apricot
VS60% alike
Compare with
Pear
Pears are significantly higher in fiber, but apricots are lower in calories and carbs with much more vitamin A.
Pears provide superior fiber for satiety, while apricots are a lighter, lower-calorie source of vitamin A.

This food
Apricot
VS60% alike
Compare with
Fig
Apricots are lower in sugar and calories, while figs are higher in fiber and calcium.
Apricots are better for low-calorie diets and blood sugar, while figs offer more dietary fiber and calcium.

This food
Apricot
VS55% alike
Compare with
Kiwi
Kiwis are much higher in vitamin C and fiber, while apricots are higher in vitamin A and lower in carbs.
Kiwis provide a massive vitamin C boost and more fiber, while apricots are lower in calories and richer in vitamin A.
Common questions
FAQ
Answers aligned with how people search for this food.
Are apricots good for weight loss?
Yes, they are low in calories and high in water, helping you feel full on fewer calories.
Can diabetics eat apricots?
Yes, fresh apricots have a low glycemic index and load, meaning they have a minimal impact on blood sugar when eaten in moderation.
How many calories are in a fresh apricot?
One average-sized fresh apricot (about 35 grams) contains roughly 17 calories.
Are dried apricots as healthy as fresh?
Dried apricots are more concentrated in nutrients but also much higher in sugar and calories per serving, so portion control is important.
Do apricots have a lot of sugar?
Fresh apricots contain about 9 grams of sugar per 100 grams, which is relatively low compared to many other fruits.
Is it safe to eat apricot pits?
No, apricot pits contain amygdalin, which the body converts to cyanide, making them toxic if consumed in significant amounts.
What vitamins are apricots high in?
Apricots are exceptionally high in vitamin A (beta-carotene), which supports eye health and immune function.
Transparency
Data confidence
Estimated confidence for nutrition data, interpretation, safety notes, and comparisons.
Nutrition data
Health analysis
Food safety
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