Our top 10 best low-carb fruits
Nutritious they may be, but if you're trying to watch your carb intake, some fruit can put you over the edge. Try our favourites which provide a boost of nutrients without the added carbs.
Fruit is bursting with vitamins, minerals and antioxidants, with experts agreeing they're an important part of a balanced diet. Despite that, some fruit can be very high in carbs. For example, a small banana contains 20.3g of carbs, while the equivalent avocado contains 1.8g.
When reducing anything in your diet, it's important to make sure you're not missing out on any vital nutrients. If you're conscious about carbs, consider trying some of our favourite low-carb fruit below.
Carb levels are based on net carbohydrate value of raw food per serving.
Next, check out the top 20 low-carb vegetables and the 10 best carb replacements to try in your meals.
1. Rhubarb – 0.8g
Rhubarb is a great source of vitamin C, K, potassium and manganese. Try this pork with black pudding and roasted rhubarb for a savoury twist using this delicious fruit.
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2. Avocado – 1.8g
Avocado not only provides a rich source of healthy fats, but also provides vitamins C, K, B5, B6 and E. Why not try it in this prawn, avocado and cucumber salad?
3. Lemon – 2.2g
Well known as a good source of vitamin C, lemons also provide folate and potassium. Make a simple lemon and fresh ginger tea or squeeze it into sauces and salad dressings.
4. Tomatoes – 3g
Tomatoes are rich in calcium, potassium and phosphorus; when cooked and canned, they also offer a brilliant source of the antioxidant lycopene which has a plethora of benefits from supporting heart health to protecting skin against sun damage. Try these roasted balsamic asparagus and cherry tomatoes.
5. Coconut – 3.7g
Unlike other fruits, coconut provides mostly fat. It is also especially high in manganese which is essential for bone health and metabolism of protein, carbohydrates and cholesterol. Enjoy these curried coconut fish parcels for a summery meal.
6. Raspberries – 5.1g
Not only do raspberries provide sweetness, they also offer a healthy amount of fibre, calcium and magnesium. Why not try this raspberry shrub as a refreshing way to use this tasty fruit?
7. Honeydew melon – 5.3g
Juicy honeydew melon offers a burst of vitamin C, while also providing vitamin B6 and folate. These melon spritzers are zesty, cooling and perfect for summer.
8. Blackberries – 5.6g
Blackberries boast a host of antioxidants thanks to their deep purple colour. They're also packed with vitamin C, K and manganese. This blackberry & apple oat bake is a brilliant breakfast or healthier dessert.
9. Strawberries – 6.1g
Strawberries are rich in vitamin C and potassium, also offering calcium, magnesium and iron. This strawberry, tomato & watercress salad makes a lovely light lunch or side in summer.
10. Watermelon – 7.1g
Watermelon contains 92 per cent water, while also providing plenty of vitamin A, B6, C, lycopene and antioxidants. Try these watermelon and beef tacos for a mix of sweet, salty, juicy and crispy.
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