Dragon Fruit (Pitaya)
The enchanting tropical fruit with a striking skin and flesh dotted with tiny black seeds like sesame. Many ask: is dragon fruit suitable for people with diabetes or on a diet? It has a very mild sweetness, a high water content and soluble fibre, with a low-to-moderate glycemic index (≈48), making it a light tropical fruit that is easy on the body.
Glycemic index
Glycemic load
Calories
Protein
💡 Smart Nutritional Guidance
Consumption advice
Enjoy half to one medium chilled fruit as a refreshing snack on hot summer days, and eat it cut up with a spoon to enjoy the crunch of the tiny seeds, which contain healthy fats.
Best preparation methods
Eat it fresh and chilled as it is, or dice it into a fruit salad with berries and kiwi; avoid juicing or blending it with added sugar, to keep its fibre intact.
Important Nutritional Note
Rich in antioxidants, vitamin C and fibre that supports regular bowel movements; it is one of the safest tropical fruits for enjoying an exotic taste without worrying about sugar spikes.
Nutrition facts
| Nutrient | Per 100 g | Per typical portion (150 g) |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 60 kcal | 90 kcal |
| Protein | 1.2 g | 1.8 g |
| Carbohydrate | 13 g | 19.5 g |
| Available carbohydrate | 10 g | 15 g |
| Fat | 0.4 g | 0.6 g |
| Dietary fibre | 3 g | 4.5 g |
The typical portion is approximate, for comparison purposes.
Comparison & smarter alternatives
Among the foods in Fruit with a glycemic index (29), it ranks 14 (lowest first).
Smart alternatives from the same family:
Frequently asked questions
Is Dragon Fruit (Pitaya) good for weight loss?
Yes. Dragon Fruit (Pitaya) is very low in calories (60 kcal per 100 g), so you can eat a generous amount to add volume and fullness to a meal without many calories.
How does Dragon Fruit (Pitaya) affect blood sugar?
Its glycemic index is 48 (Low), a clinically reviewed estimate rather than a laboratory measurement. A typical 150 g portion has a glycemic load of 7.2 (Low), so the effect of this portion on blood sugar is limited.
What is the nutritional value of a typical portion of Dragon Fruit (Pitaya)?
A typical 150 g portion of Dragon Fruit (Pitaya) provides about 90 kcal, 1.8 g protein, 19.5 g carbohydrate, 0.6 g fat and 4.5 g fibre.
Reviewed by the WiBo Health medical team · Last reviewed 13 October 2026
Disclaimer: This guidance is for nutritional lifestyle orientation and does not constitute a diagnostic medical device under EU Regulation MDR 2017/745.