The sweetest apples include Fuji, Kiku, Ambrosia, Gala, and Golden Delicious. These apples taste sweet because they contain more sugars relative to acids, especially when grown in sunny temperate climates and harvested at full maturity. Apple sweetness varies by growing conditions, storage time, and harvest date, so flavor can differ even within the same variety.
For a very sweet apple, look for Fuji or Ambrosia. For crisp sweet-tart, look for Honeycrisp or SweeTango. For a classic sweet apple that is easy to find, look for Gala or Golden Delicious.
Apple sweetness comes from the balance of sugars and acids. Growers sometimes measure sugar with a Brix reading, but Brix can vary by year and crop load (Michigan State University Extension). Light crops will tend to have higher Brix levels.
Flavor also depends on aroma, ripeness, climate, and storage. Two apples can have similar sugars but taste different. Apples also tend to taste sweeter as they mature because starch converts to sugar and acidity drops (University of Maryland Extension).
Very sweet apples
Fuji
Fuji apples are very sweet, crisp, and juicy, and they are often the sweetest apple that is easy to find in grocery stores. Fuji apples have an aromatic floral sweetness that can taste like honey, plus a clean crunch.
Fuji was developed in Japan and is widely described as a cross between Red Delicious and Ralls Janet (University of Maryland Extension). If you like Fuji, look for closely related “Fuji-type” strains and sports, including Kiku (often sold as a red Fuji type). Fuji stores well, which helps explain its year-round availability.
Kiku
Kiku apples are very sweet and juicy, with firm, crunchy flesh. They taste a lot like Fuji, with a clean sweetness and a crisp bite.
Kiku is commonly described as a natural mutation (“bud sport”) of Fuji, selected for its attractive red striping. Apple nerd note: bud sports stay genetically very close to the parent variety, so flavor and texture stay similar. If you love Kiku, you will usually like Fuji, and other Fuji-type strains.
Ambrosia
Ambrosia apples taste rich and honey-sweet, with lots of juice and a low-acid profile. The sweetness reads as “round,” with a light floral aroma.
Ambrosia is a modern apple discovered by chance rather than bred on purpose, which makes it extra fun for variety collectors. Its exact parentage gets discussed a lot, but growers and retailers often connect it to the Golden Delicious family line. If you like Ambrosia, try other low-acid sweet apples like Fuji, and well-ripened Golden Delicious.
Gala
Gala apples are sweet with a gentle tart edge, plus a crisp, easy bite. Many people describe the flavor as honey-like or pear-like.
Gala is a key “parent apple” in modern breeding, which is why so many newer apples taste like a sweeter, brighter Gala. If you like Gala, you may also like Gala-related crosses such as Envy, Jazz, Kanzi, Sweetie, and Pacific Rose, plus other sweet everyday apples like Golden Delicious.
Sweetie
Sweetie apples are sweet, crisp, and very snackable. They taste like a polished, sweeter take on the Gala style.
Sweetie is commonly described as a Royal Gala and Braeburn cross. That family link matters because Braeburn often brings firmness and spice, while Gala brings sweetness and approachability. If you like Sweetie, look for its relatives, including Dazzle, plus sibling-style Gala and Braeburn crosses like Jazz and Kanzi.
Dazzle
Dazzle apples are very sweet, firm, and glossy red, with a fruity flavor. They crunch cleanly and taste bright without leaning sour.
Dazzle was bred in New Zealand and is often described as a cross between Sweetie and Pacific Queen, with Royal Gala, Braeburn, and Splendour in the background. If you like Dazzle, you will likely enjoy other New Zealand breeding-program apples, plus Gala-line varieties with a crisp bite.
Golden Delicious
Golden Delicious apples can taste intensely sweet when picked fully mature and allowed to ripen well. A great one tastes sugary, mellow, and fragrant.
Golden Delicious started as a chance seedling and went on to become one of the most important parent apples in modern breeding. That family line shows up in many sweet apples, including Jonagold, Opal, Ginger Gold (often described as a Golden-type), and many more. For best flavor, buy it in season from a local grower when possible.
SugarBee
SugarBee apples taste sweet and delicate, with a crisp bite. They often read as “Honeycrisp-adjacent,” but softer and gentler.
SugarBee is linked to Honeycrisp parentage, and the original tree came from a planted seed found by a grower in Minnesota. If you like SugarBee, try other Honeycrisp-family apples, including SweeTango, Cosmic Crisp, Evercrisp, Rosalee, and newer Honeycrisp crosses that lean sweet.
Autumn Glory
Autumn Glory apples are big, sweet, and crisp, with warm spice notes that some people describe as cinnamon-like. The flavor feels “dessert sweet” without tasting flat.
Autumn Glory is commonly described as a Fuji and Golden Delicious cross. That genetic combo makes sense on the tongue: Fuji brings sweetness and crunch, while Golden Delicious brings mellow sugar and aroma. If you like Autumn Glory, look for other Fuji and Golden Delicious family apples, plus Honeycrisp-style crisp varieties.
Winter Banana
Winter Banana apples have a mild sweetness with a soft, perfumed aroma that can read as banana-like in a good year. The flavor is gentle, not sharp.
Winter Banana is an older specialty variety discovered by chance rather than bred on purpose. Because it is an heirloom, you will most often find it through orchards that grow heritage apples. If you like its aromatic style, you may also enjoy other perfumed heirlooms, including Cox’s Orange Pippin.
Fameuse (Snow Apple)
Fameuse apples, also called Snow apples, are sweet and fragrant, with notably white flesh. The flavor is classic and candy-sweet when well grown.
Fameuse is a heritage apple strongly associated with French-speaking Canada, especially Quebec. Cold-hardy genetics also make it a favorite for northern growers. If you like Fameuse, try other heritage apples grown in colder regions, where cool nights often help build flavor.
Cameo
Cameo apples are sweet, crisp, and bright, with a clean finish. They work well for fresh eating and for salads.
Cameo was discovered in Washington, and its exact parentage is often listed as unknown, with frequent speculation about ties to Red Delicious and Golden Delicious. If you like Cameo, you may also like other sweet American classics and their descendants, including Fuji (Red Delicious family line) and Jonagold (Golden Delicious family line).
SnowSweet
SnowSweet apples are sweet, smooth, and slow to brown after slicing. The flavor is rich and friendly, with a soft tart balance.
SnowSweet was developed by the University of Minnesota, with parentage commonly described as Fireside (also called Connell Red) crossed with Sharon (a McIntosh descendant). If you like SnowSweet, try other University of Minnesota apples and other McIntosh-line apples if you enjoy that classic northern fruit profile.
Ruby Darling
Ruby Darling apples taste sweet and crisp, with a bright, juicy bite. They can feel like a sweeter take on the Honeycrisp style.
Ruby Darling is commonly described as a Honeycrisp and Gala cross. That pairing makes it a “two big family” apple, linking it to many modern favorites. If you like Ruby Darling, try other Honeycrisp relatives (SweeTango, Cosmic Crisp, Evercrisp) and other Gala-line apples (Envy, Jazz, Kanzi).
Rosalee
Rosalee apples taste gently sweet, with a crisp edge and lots of juice. The flavor leans Fuji-sweet, with extra snap.
Rosalee is commonly described as a Honeycrisp and Fuji cross. That parentage also makes it closely related to other Honeycrisp and Fuji family apples, including Evercrisp (Honeycrisp and Fuji). Rosalee is still new in many markets, so availability can vary by region and season.
Story (InoRed)
Story (InoRed) apples taste sweet and mild, with an attractive deep red skin. The flavor is friendly and snack-focused.
Story (InoRed) was bred in France with an emphasis on disease resistance as well as eating quality. That breeding goal matters if you care about lower-spray or organic-style orchards. If you like Story, you may also like other European disease-resistant apples that still taste sweet, such as Modi and Choupette (Dalinette).
Modi
Modi apples are sweet, firm, and crisp, with a clean, modern flavor. They make a strong all-purpose snack apple.
Modi was developed in Italy and is known for disease resistance, which supports organic and lower-input growing. Apple nerd note: many modern European programs focus on taste plus scab resistance, so you will see a “family” of similar goals across varieties. If you like Modi, you may also like other newer European apples bred for orchard resilience, including Choupette (Dalinette) and Story (InoRed).
Sweet apples with some tartness
Honeycrisp
Honeycrisp apples taste sweet and bright because they have high levels of both sugar and acidity. That sweet-tart balance is the “Honeycrisp signature,” plus the loud crunch.
Honeycrisp is a major modern parent apple, which is why so many newer apples get described as “Honeycrisp-like.” If you like Honeycrisp, try its close relatives and offspring, including SweeTango, Cosmic Crisp, SugarBee, Evercrisp, and many other Honeycrisp crosses that lean sweet.
SweeTango
SweeTango apples taste sweet and juicy, with a real tart “tang” that keeps the flavor bright. They are crisp, snappy, and high-impact.
SweeTango is a Honeycrisp offspring, and you can taste that family link in the crunch and the sweet-tart balance. If you like SweeTango, you will often like other Honeycrisp-family apples, including Cosmic Crisp, Evercrisp, and SugarBee.
Envy
Envy apples taste sweet with a refreshing tart edge, plus a firm, crisp bite. The flavor often reads as bright and “clean.”
Envy is commonly described as a Gala and Braeburn cross. That parentage also links it to other Gala and Braeburn family apples, including Jazz, Kanzi, and Sweetie. If you like Envy, those “Gala x Braeburn” relatives are usually a safe bet.
Jazz
Jazz apples taste sweet and lively, with a crisp bite and a fruity finish. Some people notice pear-like or honey-like notes.
Jazz is commonly described as a Royal Gala and Braeburn cross, making it closely related in style to Envy and Kanzi. If you like Jazz, explore other Gala and Braeburn family apples, plus other crisp sweet-tart club varieties.
Kanzi
Kanzi apples taste sweet with a mild tart finish, plus a firm, crunchy texture. The balance makes it a great everyday fresh-eating apple.
Kanzi is commonly described as a Gala and Braeburn cross, placing it in the same genetic neighborhood as Jazz and Envy. If you like Kanzi, you will usually like other Gala-line apples and other Braeburn-influenced apples that keep that crisp structure.
Jonagold
Jonagold apples taste sweet and rich, with enough tartness to keep the flavor bright. They often feel “big” and full-bodied.
Jonagold was bred as a cross between Golden Delicious and Jonathan, which helps explain the sweet depth plus a sharper edge. If you like Jonagold, try other Golden Delicious family apples, and other apples that combine Golden’s sweetness with a tarter partner variety.
Piñata
Piñata apples taste sweet and sharp at the same time, with a bright, almost tropical vibe. They have a snappy texture that stands out.
Piñata is linked to Golden Delicious, with Cox’s Orange Pippin and Duchess of Oldenburg in its background. That mix helps explain the sweet base plus aromatic complexity. It may be sold under other names (including Pinova or Sonata), depending on region.
Pink Lady
Pink Lady apples taste sweet-tart, crisp, and bright, with a refreshing finish. They are known for their pretty pink-red peel.
Pink Lady is the “top selection” brand from the Cripps Pink variety, which matters if you like cultivar families and branded grades. If you like Pink Lady, you may also like other Cripps Pink-related apples and other crisp sweet-tart club apples.
Crispin/Mutsu
Crispin apples, also called Mutsu apples, taste honey-sweet with a little tang, plus a firm, crisp bite. A good one feels mellow, sweet, and juicy.
Mutsu was bred in Japan and is commonly described as a Golden Delicious cross, which connects it to many other Golden Delicious family apples. If you like Mutsu, try other Golden Delicious descendants like Jonagold and Opal, especially when fully mature.
Opal
Opal apples are sweet yellow apples with a crisp bite and slow browning after slicing. They taste sugary, bright, and clean.
Opal is commonly described as a Golden Delicious descendant, which shows up in the sweet, mellow profile. If you like Opal, you may also like other Golden Delicious family apples, including Jonagold, Ginger Gold, and well-ripened Golden Delicious itself.
Cox’s Orange Pippin
Cox’s Orange Pippin apples taste sweet, aromatic, and complex, with a rich perfume. The flavor is layered and “old world,” not just sugary.
Cox’s Orange Pippin is a famous British heirloom that shows up in the family trees of many modern apples. If you like Cox, try other aromatic heirlooms, and pay attention to parentage notes on newer apples that list Cox somewhere in the background.
Red Delicious
Red Delicious apples taste sweet and mild, with a soft aroma and a classic red-apple vibe. A fresh orchard one can taste much better than long-stored fruit.
Red Delicious matters for apple genetics because it shows up as a parent in multiple modern sweet apples, including Fuji. Apple nerd note: Red Delicious and Golden Delicious are not closely related, despite the similar names. If you like Red Delicious, try Fuji for a “related but upgraded” sweet-crisp experience.
Spencer
Spencer apples taste sweet-tart with a fresh bite, especially when tree-ripened. They can lean tart when picked early.
Spencer is commonly described as a McIntosh and Golden Delicious cross, which links it to both the McIntosh family and the Golden Delicious family line. If you like Spencer, try other McIntosh-descended apples for that classic northern profile, plus Golden Delicious descendants for sweetness.
Scarlet Crush
Scarlet Crush apples taste sweet with a citrusy brightness and a crisp bite. They look pretty, too, with a red-pink peel.
Scarlet Crush is commonly described as a Honeycrisp cross with Pink Lady (Cripps Pink). That makes it a “two famous families” apple, tying it to Honeycrisp-style crunch and Pink Lady-style tang. If you like Scarlet Crush, try Sweet Cheeks and other Honeycrisp crosses.
Sweet Cheeks
Sweet Cheeks apples taste sweet and juicy with a crisp bite. The flavor is balanced and easy to snack on.
Sweet Cheeks is commonly described as a Honeycrisp and Pink Lady (Cripps Pink) cross, similar in concept to Scarlet Crush. If you like Sweet Cheeks, look for other Honeycrisp relatives for that crunch, plus Pink Lady-style apples if you like a brighter finish.
Cosmic Crisp
Cosmic Crisp apples taste sweet-tart with a firm crunch and deep red skin. The flavor feels like “Honeycrisp, but steadier.”
Cosmic Crisp (WA 38) was bred by Washington State University and is commonly described as a Honeycrisp and Enterprise cross. That parentage links it to Honeycrisp’s eating quality and Enterprise’s disease-resistance traits. If you like Cosmic Crisp, try other Honeycrisp-family apples, and other breeding-program apples that focus on texture plus storage.
Evercrisp
Evercrisp apples taste sweet, crisp, and clean, with a big crunch. They often read as “Fuji sweetness with Honeycrisp bite.”
Evercrisp is commonly described as a Honeycrisp and Fuji cross. That makes it closely related to other Honeycrisp and Fuji family apples, including Rosalee. If you like Evercrisp, you will likely enjoy other Honeycrisp crosses and other Fuji-type sweet apples.
Pixie Crunch
Pixie Crunch apples taste sweet and caramel-like, with a firm crunch in a smaller fruit. They are a great sweet lunchbox apple.
Pixie Crunch was bred in Indiana and is often described as having Golden Delicious in its family background, which fits the sweet profile. If you like Pixie Crunch, look for other small, sweet specialty apples, and other Golden Delicious descendants if you like that mellow sugar-forward style.
Pacific Rose
Pacific Rose apples taste gently sweet with a crisp bite and a delicate finish. They are also very pretty, with a rose-pink blush.
Pacific Rose was bred in New Zealand and is commonly described as a Gala and Splendour cross. That connection puts it in the broader Gala family of apples, alongside many modern sweet-snacking varieties. If you like Pacific Rose, try other Gala-line apples such as Envy, Jazz, Kanzi, and Sweetie.
Hudson’s Golden Gem
Hudson’s Golden Gem apples taste sweet and nutty, with a pear-like aroma and russet skin. The flavor is unique and memorable.
Hudson’s Golden Gem was discovered in Oregon as a chance seedling, which makes it a fun one for heirloom collectors. If you like Hudson’s Golden Gem, try other russet-style apples and other heritage apples with pear-like aromatics, including Pomme Gris.
Ginger Gold
Ginger Gold apples taste sweet and light, with a gentle zing and early-season freshness. They are one of the sweeter options you can find in late summer.
Ginger Gold was discovered in Virginia and is often described as a Golden Delicious-type apple, which fits its mellow sweetness. If you like Ginger Gold, try other early-season sweet apples when local orchards open, and compare it to well-ripened Golden Delicious later in fall.
Pomme Gris
Pomme Gris apples taste nutty-sweet with a balancing fruity tartness. They often have a russet look and a dense, interesting flavor.
Pomme Gris is a heritage apple associated with French-speaking Canada, especially Quebec. Its “russet-style” traits make it a cousin-in-spirit to Hudson’s Golden Gem in both look and flavor. If you like Pomme Gris, try other russet apples and other Quebec heritage apples, including Fameuse.
Choupette (Dalinette)
Choupette (Dalinette) apples taste sweet-tart, crisp, and bright. The flavor feels modern and clean, not heavy.
Choupette is the market name for Dalinette, a French-bred variety selected for both flavor and disease resistance. That breeding goal lines it up with other newer European apples that aim for strong eating quality with fewer orchard inputs, including Modi and Story (InoRed).
What to check out next
For apples that taste more tart than sweet, see the guide to tart apple varieties.
Last updated January 2026. This guide is also reviewed each fall during apple season.
Leave a Reply