
Fruit
Wax Apple
A highly hydrating, low-calorie tropical fruit with a crisp texture and waxy skin.
A bell-shaped tropical fruit with a glossy, waxy skin, crisp texture, and mildly sweet, refreshing flavor. Often eaten fresh as a hydrating snack.
high-volume low-calorie fruit
Typical serving · 150g
Common varieties · red wax apple, green wax apple, pink wax apple, black diamond wax apple
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
Wax apple is a high-water, low-calorie fruit with rapid digestion due to its low fiber and fat content. It provides minimal macronutrient energy, resulting in low satiety compared to denser fruits, but its high volume and low glycemic index make it suitable for blood sugar management. As a minimally processed whole food, it retains its natural cellular structure and micronutrients.
Varieties: red wax apple · green wax apple · pink wax apple · black diamond wax apple
Per 100g
Nutrition breakdown
Macro balance and key metrics at a glance.
Energy
Density 0.25 kcal/g
Protein
Carbs
Fat
Fiber
Sugar
3.5 g
Sodium
2 mg
Potassium
120 mg
Glycemic index
32
Glycemic load
2
Water content
93%
Standout compounds
Nutrient highlights
Water
highSupports hydration and adds volume without calories
Vitamin C
moderateSupports immune function and acts as an antioxidant
Fiber
lowAids digestion and slows sugar absorption
Potassium
lowHelps regulate blood pressure and fluid balance
Wellness map
Health scores & processing
NOVA processing scale
unprocessed · Whole food
Whole, raw fruit consumed in its natural state with no added ingredients or alterations.
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.
- Satietymoderate
- Blood sugarexcellent
- Nutrient densitymoderate
- Fitness fuelpoor
- Processing qualityexcellent
Eat with confidence
Food safety profile
Wax apples are generally safe, but conventional farming may use pesticides on the edible skin. Washing thoroughly is recommended.
Evidence confidence 85%
- Pesticidesmoderate
- Antibioticslow
- Heavy metalslow
- Contaminationlow
Watch for
- pesticide residues
- surface bacteria
Safer choices
Organic wax apples to avoid surface pesticide residues.
Prep tips
Rinse thoroughly under running water and gently rub the skin to remove potential pesticide residues and dirt before eating whole.
Standard agricultural residue monitoring applies; imported tropical fruits may have varying pesticide compliance.
Deep dive
Health analysis
How this food may fit different goals and preparation choices.
Weight loss
Extremely low energy density allows large portions for minimal calories, aiding volume-based diet strategies.
Blood sugar
Low glycemic index and load prevent rapid blood sugar spikes, making it safe for glucose management.
Fitness & energy
Provides quick hydration but lacks the carbohydrates or protein needed for sustained workout fuel or recovery.
Gut health
Moderate fiber content supports digestion, but its primary gut benefit is hydration to support bowel regularity.
Processing quality
A whole, unprocessed food with intact cellular structure and natural nutrient profiles.
Food safety
Primary concern is pesticide residue on the edible waxy skin; thorough washing mitigates this risk.
Common mistakes
Assuming it provides substantial vitamins or minerals due to its size; it is primarily a hydration fruit.
Best preparation
Eaten raw and whole, or sliced into salads. Cooking destroys its signature crisp texture.
Practical guide
Best use cases
When and how this food fits real eating patterns.
High-volume low-calorie eating
Eat a large portion for very few calories to manage hunger during a calorie deficit.
Hot weather hydration
Consume as a refreshing, water-rich snack to help meet fluid needs in tropical climates.
Blood sugar friendly snack
A sweet-tasting fruit option that will not spike glucose levels for those monitoring diabetes.
Balance sheet
Pros & cons
Upsides
- Very low in calories and sugar
- High water content promotes hydration
- Low glycemic index supports blood sugar control
- Crisp texture satisfies the desire for a crunchy snack
- Unprocessed whole food
Trade-offs
- Low in protein and dietary fiber, leading to quick digestion
- Not a significant source of vitamins or minerals
- Pesticide residues can linger on the waxy skin
- Perishable and easily bruises, making transport difficult
- Mild flavor may not satisfy sweet cravings
Fit check
Who is it for?
Great match
- weight loss diets
- diabetic meal plans
- hot climate hydration
- low-carb snacking
Consider alternatives
- muscle building
- high-energy endurance fuel
- resolving constipation
- strict zero-sugar diets
Side by side
How it compares
Open the full head-to-head analysis for nutrition, safety, and practical tradeoffs.

This food
Wax Apple
VS80% alike
Compare with
Apple
Apple is sweeter and higher in fiber, while wax apple is much lower in calories and sugar.
Apples provide more fiber and workout fuel, while wax apples are lower in calories and better for strict blood sugar control.

This food
Wax Apple
VS85% alike
Compare with
Watermelon
Both are over 90% water, but watermelon is sweeter and has a higher glycemic load.
Watermelon offers more post-workout carbs and sweetness, while wax apple is lower in sugar and calories for weight loss.

This food
Wax Apple
VS75% alike
Compare with
Guava
Guava is significantly higher in fiber and vitamin C, whereas wax apple is lower in calories and sugar.
Guava is a fiber and vitamin C powerhouse for satiety, while wax apple is a lighter, lower-calorie hydration snack.

This food
Wax Apple
VS70% alike
Compare with
Pear
Pear provides more fiber and sweetness, while wax apple offers fewer calories and a crisper, watery texture.
Pears deliver more fiber for fullness, whereas wax apples provide a lower-calorie, lower-sugar crunch.

This food
Wax Apple
VS90% alike
Compare with
Starfruit
Both are low-calorie, but starfruit has a tart flavor and poses kidney risks for some, unlike wax apple.
Starfruit and wax apple are similar in calories and carbs, but wax apple is safer for those with kidney issues.

This food
Wax Apple
VS65% alike
Compare with
Cucumber
Cucumber is even lower in calories and sugar, but wax apple provides a slightly sweeter, fruit-like experience.
Cucumbers are lower in calories, but wax apples offer a mildly sweet flavor for those wanting a fruit snack.

This food
Wax Apple
VS60% alike
Compare with
Bell Pepper
Bell pepper is much higher in vitamin C and used as a vegetable, while wax apple is slightly sweeter.
Bell peppers provide far more vitamin C and fiber, while wax apples serve as a sweeter, hydrating fruit alternative.

This food
Wax Apple
VS50% alike
Compare with
Grape
Grapes are much higher in sugar and calories, while wax apple provides a larger, lower-calorie bite.
Grapes offer quick energy from sugar, but wax apples are far better for low-calorie snacking and blood sugar control.

This food
Wax Apple
VS65% alike
Compare with
Peach
Peaches offer more vitamins and a juicier sweetness, while wax apples are crisper and lower in carbs.
Peaches provide more nutrients and natural sweetness, while wax apples are lower in calories and carbohydrates.

This food
Wax Apple
VS70% alike
Compare with
Jicama
Jicama is higher in fiber and strictly savory, whereas wax apple is sweeter and lower in overall carbohydrates.
Jicama provides much more fiber for fullness and gut health, while wax apple offers a sweeter, lighter bite.
Common questions
FAQ
Answers aligned with how people search for this food.
Is wax apple good for weight loss?
Yes, it is very low in calories and high in water, helping you feel full without consuming excess energy.
Can diabetics eat wax apple?
Yes, it has a low glycemic index and low sugar content, meaning it will not cause significant blood sugar spikes.
How many calories are in a wax apple?
There are roughly 25 calories per 100 grams, making a medium-sized fruit about 35-40 calories.
Do you eat the skin of a wax apple?
Yes, the skin is edible and provides most of the fiber, but it should be washed thoroughly to remove potential pesticide residues.
What does wax apple taste like?
It has a mild, slightly sweet flavor with a floral note and a very crisp, watery texture similar to a bell pepper or watermelon.
Is wax apple high in sugar?
No, wax apple contains only about 3.5 grams of sugar per 100 grams, which is quite low compared to most fruits.
What are the black diamond wax apple benefits?
The black diamond variety offers the same hydrating and low-calorie benefits as other wax apples, but is often prized for its higher antioxidant content in the dark skin.
Is wax apple good for dehydration?
Yes, with over 90% water content, it is an excellent fruit for staying hydrated in hot climates.
Transparency
Data confidence
Estimated confidence for nutrition data, interpretation, safety notes, and comparisons.
Nutrition data
Health analysis
Food safety
Comparisons