Nutrition

21 Healthiest Fruits To Eat in 2025

Last Updated on December 31, 2024 | 0 Comments
The healthiest fruits include papaya, kiwi and strawberry

When trying to eat more healthily, knowing which fruits to add to your diet can be confusing. With some containing a lot of sugar, are they healthy at all? Luckily, "nature's candy" is a healthy treat that you can enjoy daily despite some fruits having slightly high levels of natural sugars.

Along with being delicious, fruit contains fiber, antioxidants and vitamins, such as vitamin C. While pretty much any fruit you pick up will be a healthy snack, knowing which are the healthiest fruits is always helpful when trying to eat the most optimal diet.

In this guide, we'll cover the 21 healthiest fruits, including those best for different dietary needs, such as increased intake of fiber or certain vitamins. From classic apples, pears and oranges to tropical delights like papaya, mango and açaí, get ready to delve into the delicious world of healthy fruits!

 

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21 Most Healthy Fruits to Eat 

1. Pomegranates

You may have heard pomegranates called a superfood before, and it’s true: they’re one of the healthiest fruits for their antioxidants. Thanks to their anti-inflammatory properties, antioxidant-rich foods have been linked to lower risks of cognitive decline, cholesterol buildup and certain cancers. Pomegranates may even give you an endurance boost if you eat them ahead of a workout.

Pomegrantes are one of the healthiest fruits
via Canva

2. Blueberries 

What’s low in calories and sugar but might just stave off dementia? Blueberries, of course! They’re often cited as one of the healthiest fruits for those reasons, but also for their ample fiber and antioxidant content. 

Blueberries have even been found to protect against age-related damage to your DNA, which is responsible for all kinds of health problems. While there’s no guarantee that blueberries will help you age gracefully, it’s unquestionable that they are one of the healthiest fruits to eat. 

3. Blackberries

Rich in vitamins C and K, manganese, fiber and heart-healthy compounds called anthocyanins, blackberries are one of the most nutritious fruits you can eat. Like all the healthiest fruits, they’re low in calories and sugar, but their high fiber content will keep you feeling full. In season, few healthy snacks can beat juicy and nutrient-rich blackberries. 

Blackberries in a white bowl on a wooden surface
via Canva

4. Apples 

Okay, so it may not keep the doctor away more than any other fruit, but there’s a good reason for the old adage. Fiber-rich apples promote healthy digestion, and it’s hard to find a more filling snack with fewer calories than a big, crisp apple. 

That fiber content can help stabilize your blood sugar and cholesterol, and since a large apple is so filling, they’re very helpful for cutting calorie intake without sacrificing energy or nutrients. 

5. Papaya  

This one’s not as easy to find, but no list of the most nutritious fruits would be complete without it. Super fiber-rich and equally rich in both potassium (which is great for controlling blood pressure) and a compound called lycopene (which is linked to a lower risk of stroke and heart disease), papaya is a phenomenal choice for anyone who struggles to keep blood pressure or cholesterol down. Few other fruits are as good at either. 

A papaya cut in half next to whole papayas
via Canva

6. Cherries 

Most people associate the health benefits of cherries unsentimentally with that gross-tasting medicine from their childhoods, but they really do deserve a better reputation. Their high antioxidant and potassium content make cherries one of the healthiest fruits. 

So if you stumble across a bag of cherries in-season, remind yourself that it won’t be like choking down that cough medicine — when eaten as nature intended, those health benefits come in a delicious package!

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7. Strawberries

Did you know that strawberries are as rich in vitamin C as oranges? And that, among other things, makes them one of the healthiest fruits you can eat. They’re also low in sugar and calories and are packed with antioxidants, vitamins and minerals.

On top of that, they’re probably the most delicious fruit on the planet if you eat them in peak season. And the good news? With all those health benefits, no one can tell you not to eat the entire carton at once!

Strawberries are one of the healthiest fruits with lots of vitamin C
via Canva

8. Peaches

Thanks to their richness in antioxidants, peaches are not only one of the healthiest fruits but also one of the best for protecting your skin from the oxidizing effects of UV radiation. They’re additionally filling and fiber-packed; in fact, in traditional Chinese medicine, peaches are used to treat digestive problems. Just make sure they’re unpeeled because much of the good stuff is in a peach’s skin. 

9. Oranges  

If you’ve ever passed out, you may have been handed a sliced-up orange to recover your strength. That’s because they quickly replenish blood sugar levels, making oranges a great recovery food for when you’re low on energy but know that the temporary rush of a candy bar isn’t really what you need. 

But it’s really vitamins that make oranges one of the healthiest fruits: almost no other fruit is as rich in vitamin C. They’re also high in bone-building calcium, a rare find in the nutritional profiles of fruits.

Whole and halved oranges on a table
via Canva

10. Apricots 

When it comes to apricots, the eyes have it. These small but mighty orange stone fruits make the list of healthiest fruits for several reasons, but one that is especially interesting is their eye-protecting properties: they’re rich in vitamin A, which is critical for healthy eye function. 

Plus, since they’re 85% water, apricots are great for hydration. They’re low in calories and sugar as well, making them a knockout on the fruit scene. 

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11. Raspberries 

Sick of turning to salmon for heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids? Try raspberries instead. These small but mighty berries are rich in omega-3s as well as potassium and manganese. On top of that, they have a high amount of fiber as well. 

As if they needed more reasons to be one of the healthiest fruits, they’re full of antioxidants and vitamin C, too. Snack away guilt-free, knowing that you’re protecting your heart, skin and waistline. 

A bowl of raspberries
via Canva

12. Açaí 

Açaí is one of the trendiest foods out there right now, with the much-loved superfood making constant appearances in smoothie bowls nationwide, but the hype it gets as one of the world’s healthiest fruits isn’t unwarranted. 

Sure, you might kill the low-calorie idea a little by throwing a huge bowl of the stuff together with all kinds of toppings, but the humble açaí berry is a powerhouse: it’s a little higher in healthy fats than most fruits, which will keep you satiated, but low in sugar and crazy high in antioxidants.

Since açaí berries don’t travel well, they’re sold in frozen pulp or juice forms in the U.S., but that won’t change any of the properties that make them one of the healthiest fruits. 

13. Grapes 

You may hear “grapes” and think “wine,” or even “raisins,” but there’s much more to their raw form than you might assume. Grapes are one of the healthiest fruits for their richness in copper, vitamin K and B vitamins, all of which can be hard to come by in other foods. What’s more, they’ll help you stay hydrated and full with their high water content. 

While grapes are high in sugar, their glycemic index is fairly low, which means they won’t cause your blood sugar to spike. Ever been tempted to grab a whole bundle of grapes and eat them one by one while luxuriating on the couch like some ancient Greek philosopher? Live your time-travel dreams, friend. A long breakfast of one of the healthiest fruits around might just make you that much healthier. 

Red grapes in a bowl
via Canva

14. Dates 

The sophisticated older cousin of prunes, dates have just as much fiber as their famously fiber-rich counterparts, but they also pack a hefty dose of inflammation-preventing flavonoids into a very small package. 

All of this makes dates one of the healthiest fruits for the brain, with their anti-inflammatory properties promoting cognitive health and memory. If you’re worried about staying sharp as you age, eating dates would be a great choice — they’re even portable for snacking. 

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15. Grapefruit  

Grapefruit has a sour reputation as…well, a health food. The kind your grandma would eat for breakfast before a brisk walk, probably with cottage cheese and a boiled egg. Dare to overlook the icky childhood connotations, though, and you’ll find that grandma was sort of right: grapefruit really is one of the healthiest fruits. 

Though it’s most notably rich in vitamin C, it’s also high in fiber, low in calories and water-rich for hydration. Whether you like how it tastes is anyone’s guess, but if you can learn to like it, you’ll have a healthy-eating ally for the ages. 

Grapefruits are one of the healthiest fruits to eat
via Canva

16. Pineapple 

Did you know that when you eat pineapple, it eats you back? It’s true! Pineapples have powerful enzymes that break down just about everything, which is why they sting a little when you eat them. But, perhaps paradoxically, they’re also one of the healthiest fruits out there. 

They’re one of the best sources of manganese you’ll ever find, and those same enzymes we mentioned earlier are actually helpful for your digestion, as they help you break down food. Additionally, their vitamin content gives you an immunity boost, making pineapple one of the healthiest fruits to eat when something is going around at work. 

17. Watermelon 

It should be no surprise that watermelon is a hydration superstar as well as being one of the healthiest fruits around. Along with its high water content, this summer staple has a good amount of fiber to aid in healthy digestion. It's also full of hard-to-get nutrients like lycopene and B vitamins.

All of those things make watermelon not just a worthy barbecue favorite, but also one of the healthiest fruits you can eat. If you’re adding a new exercise routine to your health plans, watermelon has also been found to reduce muscle soreness and aid in exercise recovery. 

Whole watermelon and watermelon slices
via Canva

18. Banana

You’ve definitely heard that bananas are one of the healthiest fruits around, and that was likely because they’re so well-known for being high in potassium. And that’s true: there’s no better food to eat when you find yourself cramping up in the middle of a workout. 

But they’re also rich in both fiber and carbs, a balance that’ll give you energy without spiking your blood sugar. Those things conspire to make the humble banana an absolutely ideal pre- or post-workout food. 

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19. Mango 

If you’re looking for one of the healthiest fruits that’ll keep you feeling full, make it mango. This fruit will not only satisfy your hunger but also provide an impressive amount of vitamins A and C, as well as smaller doses of dozens of other necessary nutrients. They’re high in fiber, too, and rich in antioxidants, making mangoes a great choice for reducing inflammation and improving digestion.

A mango cut if half and cubed
via Canva

20. Pears 

Pears are a meatier fruit than most, so you might’ve found yourself reaching for one on an empty stomach. If you have, that was a good impulse: their antioxidant richness and fiber make pears one of the healthiest fruits you could choose when you want a filling and healthy snack.

Green-skinned pears even include hard-to-get compounds that promote eye health, and their antioxidant content helps alleviate the risk of countless diseases by reducing inflammation.

21. Kiwi

This fuzzy super-fruit is notable for its high concentration of vitamin K. That’s the one that’s responsible for the health of your bones, so if you’re worried about osteoporosis, do yourself a favor and reach for a kiwi next time you need a snack. 

They may look odd, but they’re one of the healthiest fruits around. Like many of the other healthiest fruits on this list, they’re also high in fiber, which promotes gut health and weight control, and they’re one of the only fruits that contains a significant amount of vitamin E.  

Kiwi is one of the healthiest fruits to add to your diet
via Canva

What is the Healthiest Fruit?

Okay, so there are tons of healthy fruits out there — got that. But what is the healthiest fruit? Ultimately, that depends on various factors, including what vitamins and nutrients you're looking to gain by eating fruit.

In general, fruits with the lowest calories, highest fiber content and lowest natural sugar content could be considered healthiest. While there’s no clear winner, superfoods like blueberries and açaí rank high among the best due to their low calories, high water and fiber content and abundant vitamins and minerals, making them a good choice to try.

If you're looking to boost your intake of certain vitamins and nutrients, this will play a role as well in determining which is the healthiest fruit for you. For example, if you want to increase your vitamin C intake, oranges or strawberries are a good choice. Alternatively, if you would like some extra omegas in your diet, turn to raspberries.

With so many great options offering a range of health benefits, if you’re looking to work the most nutritious fruits into your diet, the smartest strategy is to eat a variety of them. 

A fruit salad
via Canva

When it comes to eating healthy, adding more fruit to your diet is one of the best things you can do. While you should eat fruits in moderation to avoid consuming too much natural sugar, a serving or two a day is a delicious way to get added vitamins and nutrients.

This list of the healthiest fruits should have helped you find the best options for your dietary goals. However, whichever fruit you end up enjoying, you're guaranteed to gain a whole host of health benefits!

For more ways to explore your favorite foods, check out other experiences happening on Cozymeal.