A medium pear (about 166–178 grams) provides roughly 100–101 calories, mainly from natural carbohydrates, plus 6 grams of fiber and 27 grams of total carbs.
You’ve probably heard that fruit is healthy, but pears sometimes get a bad rap for their sugar content. Maybe you’re watching calories and wonder whether a pear is worth the carbs, or you’re comparing it to an apple and hoping for the better choice.
The honest answer is that a medium pear lands right around 100 calories — nearly identical to an apple. But the real story isn’t the calorie number itself; it’s what those calories come with. A pear packs fiber, vitamin C, and potassium in a package that research suggests may support heart and gut health.
Exactly How Many Calories Are in a Pear?
The FDA lists a medium pear (166 grams) at 100 calories. USDA SNAP-Ed data puts a medium pear (178 grams) at 101 calories. The difference is minimal — you can count on roughly 100 calories for a typical pear.
Size matters. A large pear (about two per pound) runs closer to 121 calories according to University Hospitals. A small pear has about 22.9 grams of carbs and fewer calories, though exact counts vary by variety.
Poaching changes the picture. Mayo Clinic’s poached pear recipe comes in at 85 calories per serving, thanks to the water-based cooking method that adds no fat or extra sugar.
Why the Calorie Count Matters Less Than You Think
Calories alone don’t determine whether a food fits your goals. Pears bring something most snacks don’t: 6 grams of fiber per medium fruit. That’s about 20% of your daily target based on the general guideline of 14 grams per 1,000 calories.
- Fiber keeps you full: The 6 grams of fiber in a medium pear slow digestion and help you feel satisfied longer than many lower-fiber fruits.
- Blood sugar response: Pears are a low glycemic fruit. Their fiber and natural sugar balance means they won’t spike blood sugar like ultra-sweet alternatives.
- Gut health support: Pears contain both soluble and insoluble fiber, which feeds beneficial gut bacteria. They have slightly more fiber than apples, giving them a small edge for digestion.
- Nutrient density: One medium pear delivers 9% of your daily vitamin C and 7% of vitamin K, plus potassium. Those 100 calories come with real nutritional return.
- Hydration bonus: Pears are over 80% water, so you get fluid along with the fiber — helpful for staying hydrated without extra calories.
So when you ask about pear calories, remember that 100 calories of pear fills you up differently than 100 calories of crackers or juice. The fiber and water content make it a genuinely filling snack.
Pear Calories by Size and Preparation
Not all pears are the same size or prepared the same way. Here’s a quick breakdown based on common serving sizes, using data from the USDA SNAP-Ed pear nutrition and other reliable sources.
| Pear Type / Preparation | Weight | Calories |
|---|---|---|
| Small pear (raw) | ~140 g | ~85 |
| Medium pear (raw) | 166–178 g | 100–101 |
| Large pear (raw, ~2 per lb) | ~230 g | ~121 |
| Poached pear (Mayo Clinic recipe) | 1 pear serving | 85 |
| One cup sliced pear | ~200 g | ~116 |
Calories from raw pears come almost entirely from natural carbs — about 27 grams per medium fruit, with only 0.3 grams of fat and 0.6 grams of protein. The fiber content (6 grams) means net carbs are lower than the total suggests.
How to Fit Pears Into Your Daily Calories
Pears work well in most eating patterns if you keep a few simple strategies in mind. Here are practical ways to enjoy them without worrying about the calorie count.
- Pair with protein or fat. A pear with a handful of almonds or a slice of cheese makes a balanced snack that stays with you longer. The fiber plus protein slows digestion even more.
- Use as a dessert substitute. A ripe pear satisfies a sweet craving for about 100 calories — far less than most baked treats. Try it sliced with a dusting of cinnamon.
- Watch portion size with dried pears. Dried fruit concentrates sugar and calories. A small handful of dried pears can deliver three to four times the calories of a fresh one.
- Add to meals for volume. Sliced pear in a salad or oatmeal adds sweetness and bulk without many calories. You can reduce higher-calorie toppings while keeping your meal satisfying.
- Consider your carb budget. If you’re managing diabetes or following a low-carb plan, a small pear (about 22 grams carbs) is roughly 1.5 serving sizes. Factor that into your daily allowance.
The fiber in pears also supports weight management by promoting fullness. Many people find that including a pear as a midday snack helps them eat less at the next meal.
Pear vs. Apple: Which Fruit Offers More Bang for Your Calories?
The classic comparison matters because both fruits are widely available and similarly priced. According to the California Department of Education, a 7-ounce pear (about 1 cup) provides 116 calories, while an apple of similar weight delivers 95 to 102 calories. The difference is small, but the nutritional profile shifts slightly.
| Fruit (medium size) | Calories | Fiber |
|---|---|---|
| Medium pear | 100–102 | 6 g |
| Medium apple | 95 | 4.5 g |
Pears have about 1.5 grams more fiber per serving, which may give them a slight advantage for digestion and fullness. Both fruits contain similar amounts of vitamin C and potassium, and research suggests both may lower risk of chronic disease when eaten regularly. The California CDE’s CA Dept of Education pear resource notes that ripe pears should be consumed within two to three days for best quality — apples store longer, which can be practical for meal prep.
Ultimately, the choice comes down to preference. Swapping an apple for a pear adds a little fiber and changes the flavor — neither is the “wrong” pick.
The Bottom Line
A medium pear offers about 100 calories, 6 grams of fiber, and a solid dose of vitamin C and potassium. That makes it a nutrient-dense choice that fits easily into most daily calorie goals. The fiber sets pears apart from many other fruits and from most processed snacks at the same calorie level.
Your registered dietitian or primary care provider can help you fit pears into a specific eating plan, especially if you’re managing blood sugar or following a carb-controlled diet. They’ll look at your overall pattern, not just the pear’s calorie total.
References & Sources
- Usda. “Seasonal Produce Guide” The USDA SNAP-Ed program lists a serving size of 1 medium pear (178g) as providing 101 total calories.
- California CDE. “Pears.asp” A 7.04-ounce pear (around 1 cup) provides 116 calories, according to the California Department of Education.