Calories in Dragon Fruit: Full Nutrition Breakdown

Dragon fruit (pitaya) is a striking tropical fruit with vibrant pink or yellow skin and white or magenta flesh speckled with tiny black seeds. Despite its exotic appearance, dragon fruit is mild in flavor and relatively low in calories. It provides vitamin C, iron, magnesium, and unique plant compounds called betalains.

Calories by serving size:

Red-fleshed dragon fruit (pitaya roja) contains betalains — the same antioxidant pigments found in beets — while white-fleshed varieties have fewer antioxidants overall. Both types are good sources of prebiotic fiber that supports gut health.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How many calories are in a dragon fruit?

One medium dragon fruit (about 120 grams of flesh) contains approximately 60 calories. It provides 13 grams of carbohydrates, 9 grams of natural sugar, and 3 grams of fiber. Dragon fruit is also a decent source of iron (4% DV) and magnesium (8% DV) — nutrients that many fruits lack.

Is red or white dragon fruit healthier?

Red (magenta) flesh dragon fruit is generally considered more nutritious than white flesh varieties. The red color comes from betalains, which are powerful antioxidants with anti-inflammatory properties. Red dragon fruit has been shown to have 2–3 times more antioxidant activity than white varieties. However, both types provide similar amounts of fiber, vitamin C, and minerals.

Does dragon fruit have a lot of sugar?

Dragon fruit is moderate in sugar, with about 8 grams per 100 grams. This is less than mangoes (14 g), grapes (16 g), and bananas (12 g). The fiber content helps slow sugar absorption. Dragon fruit has a low glycemic index, making it suitable for most people monitoring their blood sugar.

What do the black seeds in dragon fruit do?

The small black seeds in dragon fruit are fully edible and provide nutritional benefits. They contain omega-3 fatty acids (alpha-linolenic acid) and omega-9 fatty acids, along with additional fiber. The seeds also contain lipase enzymes that may aid in fat digestion. You do not need to remove them — they are meant to be eaten along with the flesh.

How do you eat dragon fruit?

Cut the dragon fruit in half lengthwise and scoop out the flesh with a spoon, or peel the skin away and slice the flesh. The skin is not edible. Dragon fruit can be eaten fresh, added to smoothie bowls, mixed into fruit salads, or blended into drinks. It pairs well with citrus fruits, kiwi, and coconut. For the best flavor, eat it chilled.