How Many Calories Are in a Banana

Calorie content of bananas

• Medium banana (118g): 105 calories
• Cavendish banana (most common): 105 calories per medium banana
• Red banana: 90-110 calories per medium banana
• Manzano (Apple) banana: 90 calories per medium banana
• Plantain: 220 calories per medium plantain (note: higher calorie count due to starchiness)

Nutritional breakdown of a medium banana

Macronutrients

• 27g carbohydrates (93% of calories)
  • 14g sugar
  • 3g fiber (11% Daily Value)
• 1.3g protein (4% of calories)
• <0.5g fat (3% of calories)

Key micronutrients

• 422mg potassium (9-12% Daily Value)
• 10.3mg vitamin C (11-17% Daily Value)
• 0.433mg vitamin B6 (20% Daily Value)
• 32mg magnesium (8% Daily Value)

Factors affecting banana calorie count

• Ripeness: As bananas ripen, some starch converts to sugar, slightly affecting how many calories are in one banana
• Size: Larger bananas naturally contain more calories, impacting the overall banana calorie count
• Variety: Different banana varieties can have slight variations in calorie content

Health considerations

• Low-calorie snack: Bananas are a nutritious, low-calorie food that can support weight management
• Fiber content: The fiber in bananas promotes satiety, potentially aiding in weight control
• Carbohydrate source: Bananas provide easily digestible carbohydrates, making them a good energy source before exercise
• Glycemic index: Bananas have a moderate glycemic index of 51, lower than table sugar (63)

FAQ

How many calories are in a banana?

A medium banana (118g) typically contains 105 calories. However, the calorie count can range from 90 to 120 calories depending on the banana's size and variety.

Does the banana calorie count vary by size?

Yes, the banana calorie count varies by size. Larger bananas naturally contain more calories. A small banana may have around 90 calories, while a large banana could have up to 120 calories or more.

Are there differences in calories between banana varieties?

Yes, there are slight differences in calories between banana varieties. For example, a medium Cavendish banana (the most common variety) has about 105 calories, while a medium Manzano banana has around 90 calories.

How do calories in one banana compare to other fruits?

Calories in one banana are generally higher than many other fruits. For example, a medium apple has about 95 calories, and a medium orange has about 62 calories, compared to 105 calories in a medium banana.

Does the ripeness of a banana affect its calorie content?

The ripeness of a banana slightly affects its calorie content. As bananas ripen, some starch converts to sugar, which can marginally increase the calorie count. However, this difference is typically negligible in terms of overall calorie content.