A typical medium-sized Pink Lady apple, weighing about 150 to 180 grams, contains approximately 70 to 90 calories. The calorie count depends largely on the size of the apple and how much of it you eat including whether you consume the peel, which is fibre rich. On average, most Pink Lady apples sold in supermarkets weigh closer to 170g, which puts them at around 85 calories.

This makes them slightly higher in calories than some other apples, but still a light, nutritious choice compared to most snacks.

Why Pink Lady Apples Have More Calories

Pink Lady apples are known for their distinct sweetness, which comes from their higher natural sugar content compared to varieties like Granny Smith or Braeburn. That sweetness boosts their energy value slightly. Each apple contains around 16–20 grams of sugar, all naturally occurring. Despite this, they have a low glycaemic index (GI), meaning they don’t cause rapid spikes in blood sugar when eaten on their own.

This combination of sweetness and slow energy release makes them ideal for stable energy without a crash.

Nutritional Breakdown of a Pink Lady Apple

A medium Pink Lady apple contains around:

  • 85 calories
  • 20–22 grams of carbohydrates (mostly natural sugars)
  • 3–4 grams of fibre
  • 0.3 grams of protein
  • 0.2 grams of fat

Pink Lady apples are also a good source of vitamin C, potassium, and antioxidants like flavonoids, which support immune health, blood pressure regulation, and cellular repair. Most of the nutrients are found just beneath the skin, so it's best to eat the apple whole rather than peeling it.

Are Pink Lady Apples Good for Weight Loss?

Yes, despite being slightly higher in natural sugars, Pink Lady apples are still low in calories, high in fibre, and help curb sweet cravings naturally. The crunch and chew time they offer also makes you eat more slowly, which can aid in appetite control. When eaten as part of a whole-food diet, they can support fat loss by keeping you full and reducing the need for processed snacks.

They’re also portable and don’t require prep, making them a smart go-to snack for busy people trying to stay within a calorie budget.

Pink Lady vs Other Apples

Compared to other apples, Pink Lady sits on the higher end of the calorie scale, but not by much:

  • Granny Smith: ~60–70 calories (more tart, less sugar)
  • Braeburn: ~70–80 calories
  • Pink Lady: ~85–90 calories
  • Gala or Fuji: ~80–100 calories (also sweet, slightly denser)

So, if you're counting calories closely, the difference is minimal and shouldn’t be a deciding factor unless you're being extremely strict with macros.

Size Matters — and Supermarket Apples Keep Getting Bigger

Many calorie estimates for apples are based on a medium-sized fruit, around 150g. However, most Pink Lady apples sold in UK supermarkets now range from 170g to over 200g, especially when sold loose or in "jumbo" packs. A 200g Pink Lady apple can contain close to 100 calories — which is still low for a snack, but worth accounting for if you're closely tracking intake.

So, if precision matters, it’s always better to weigh your apple first (unpeeled) and adjust based on the calories per 100g, which is roughly 52–55 kcal.

High in Natural Sugars — But Low in Glycaemic Load

Pink Lady apples are sweet for a reason: they have about 19–20g of sugar per medium apple. That’s higher than a green apple (like Granny Smith), which might have 11–14g. Still, these are naturally occurring sugars, not added ones, and the high fibre content and water volume keep their glycaemic load low.

This means that although they're sweet, they don’t spike your blood sugar rapidly, especially when eaten on their own or paired with protein or fat (like peanut butter or Greek yoghurt).

A Great Pre-Workout Snack

Because they contain easily digestible carbs and vitamin C, Pink Lady apples are excellent as a light pre-workout snack especially if you’re doing cardio or endurance training. They provide a gentle energy boost without feeling heavy or weighing you down. You can also pair one with a small handful of almonds or a slice of cheese to add protein and fat, helping sustain energy longer for weight training sessions.

Peeling Them Reduces Nutrition — And Slightly Lowers Calories

If you remove the peel, you’ll drop the calorie count by around 5–10 calories, but you also lose the majority of the fibre and antioxidants, which are concentrated just under the skin. The peel is what makes the apple more filling, and it’s where much of its anti-inflammatory power lies, so unless you absolutely need to reduce calories, keep the skin on.

Comparing a Pink Lady to a Snack Bar

For perspective, a Pink Lady apple (85 calorie) has less than half the calories of most chocolate bars, zero saturated fat or added sugar, more fibre than most snack bars or crisps, no preservatives, processing, or artificial flavourings

If you're debating between a vending machine snack or a Pink Lady, it's clear which one is better for both short-term energy and long-term health.

Summary

A medium Pink Lady apple contains around 85 calories, slightly more than some other apples due to its higher natural sugar content. However, it's still a low-calorie, high-fibre, nutrient-rich snack that fits well into any balanced diet. With a satisfying crunch, natural sweetness, and immune-supporting antioxidants, it’s one of the most enjoyable and health-friendly fruits available. Whether you're managing your weight or just want a better snack, Pink Lady apples are a top choice.

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