A Naturally Sweet Treat
Whether you're on a diet or just simply looking to eat healthier, trying to replace your sweet tooth might be the most difficult challenge of all. Because when that sugary craving hits, not much can satisfy it. That is, until you've discovered these 20 delicious fruits that taste as sweet as dessert! With these amazing options, you'll be right on track to meet all your health goals.
Desirae Hayes-Vitor on Unsplash
1. Mango
When you buy them in season, a ripe mango tastes intensely sweet with a smooth, almost buttery texture. If you’ve ever bitten into one at peak ripeness, you know it makes for a satisfying dessert. Put it in the fridge for a cleaner, brighter sweetness, or eat it at room temperature for a fuller flavor.
JACQUELINE BRANDWAYN on Unsplash
2. Pineapple
Pineapple on pizza might be controversial, but juicy pineapple on its own? It can taste startlingly sugary when it’s properly ripe and freshly cut. Trust us, once it’s ready, the juicy bite is sweet enough that you won’t miss frosting.
3. Strawberry
Some strawberries might need an extra hand, but a truly ripe strawberry tastes sweet, fragrant, and surprisingly rich. You’ll get the best results when you buy berries that are deep red all the way to the top. Eat them soon after your grocery store visit since their sweetness fades quickly once they’re picked.
4. Cherry
Though you do have to deal with a pit, this juicy fruit is worth every bit of hassle. Sweet cherries can feel like a ready-made treat straight from the bag. Their flavor gets more dessert-like when they’re cold, so the fridge is your friend if you want maximum sweetness.
Quaritsch Photography on Unsplash
5. Grapes
Some grapes are so sweet they taste like they were made for snacking in place of sweets! The key to enjoying these dessert-like fruits? Buy them in season and choose bunches that are plump and tightly attached. They're delicious as is, but if you freeze them, you’ll get a satisfying, naturally sweet bite that lasts longer.
6. Watermelon
Perfect for combating that summertime heat, watermelon is a refreshing fruit that can be exceptionally sweet if you get lucky at the grocery store. To increase your changes, you'll want a heavy melon with a creamy yellow field spot, which usually signals ripeness. Serve it cold if you want it to feel even more refreshing while still tasting like a treat.
7. Honeydew
This underrated melon can be mild or surprisingly sweet depending on how ripe it is. Pick one that feels heavy and smells subtly sweet near the blossom end. Once it’s ready, the soft, sweet flesh feels like an easy dessert course.
8. Cantaloupe
Another delicious melon option, cantaloupe brings a juicy sweetness that gets stronger as it ripens. You’ll know it’s close when it has a warm, fragrant smell and the stem end feels smooth. It's best enjoyed when you cut it up and chill it; it's a simple yet refreshing after-dinner treat you won't complain about.
9. Peach
A fruit that instantly reminds you of summer vibes, a ripe peach doesn't just carry good memories, it also tastes sweet, fragrant, and satisfyingly juicy. When you bite into a good one, it feels like you just upgraded snack time.
10. Nectarine
A peach's fun cousin, nectarines can taste similar, but with an extra punch of sweetness and a little tang. Their smooth skin makes them easy to eat on the go, which is convenient when you want a quick treat. When you buy them ripe and ready for eating, the flavor comes through in a bold, dessert-like way.
11. Plum
Timing is crucial when it comes to plums. This fruit can range from pleasantly sweet to impressively sugary, especially when fully ripe. Some varieties have a deeper sweetness that feels almost syrupy, so if you’re not sure what you prefer, buy a few to sample.
12. Apricot
If you enjoy fruit with a soft, concentrated sweetness that can feel unexpectedly rich, apricots should be on your list. They’re best when they’re fragrant and just barely tender to the touch. If they’re hard, they’ll taste more tart than sweet, so patience matters. Don't rush the process!
13. Figs
A healthy food that tastes like dessert all on its own, figs have become a popular sweet treat for health nuts. Their sweetness is deep and mellow, and the texture is tender with little bursts from the seeds. If you’ve only had dried figs, you definitely need to give fresh ones a try - they're even better!
14. Medjool Dates
There's no fruit more naturally sweet than these delectable dates. They’re soft, sticky, and rich, which makes them a strong stand-in for candy when you want something quick yet equally satisfying. Look for dates that are plump and glossy rather than dried out if you want optimal sweetness.
15. Lychee
Most Americans are definitely missing out on this candy-like fruit that's juicy and fun to eat. Lychee tastes sweet and floral, and has a flavor unlike most standard offerings at the grocery store. If you chill them first, you'll be amazed by how the sweetness feels even more crisp and refreshing.
16. Longan
Here's your sign to try something new and adventurous. If you've never heard of this Asian fruit, longan has a sweet, delicate flavor that’s easy to enjoy in handfuls. It’s less perfumed than lychee, but it still tastes like something you’d expect in a dessert. They’re quietly addictive in a way that sneaks up on you.
17. Mangosteen
They might look a little intimidating at first, but mangosteen is prized for a reason, and its sweetness is a big part of the appeal. The white segments inside are tender and pleasantly rich without feeling heavy. If you spot them in season, it’s definitely worth giving a try.
18. Asian Pear
Not just any old pear, but Asian pears! This specific fruit can taste lightly honeyed when ripe, while somehow staying crisp and refreshing. Their sweetness is subtle but consistent, and it feels especially satisfying when the fruit is cold. It hits the spot whenever the weather starts getting warm.
19. Persimmon
A ripe persimmon can taste remarkably sweet, but timing matters here more than most fruits. Some varieties need to become very soft before they reveal their full sweetness, so don't rush it. When it’s finally ready, the texture becomes tender and the flavor feels concentrated.
20. Banana
Every gym goers favorite, bananas are simple yet tasty. They get sweeter as they ripen, and the difference is dramatic once the peel starts showing brown spots. At that stage, the flavor is richer, softer, and noticeably more sugary.
