The keto diet, which is known for its low-carb, moderate-protein, and high-fat intake nature, involves restricting daily carb intake to less than 20–50 grams.
That said, many carb food sources, including starchy vegetables, grains, legumes, and fruits, are considered to be off-limits on this diet.
However, some low-carb, fiber-rich fruits can still fit into a well-rounded ketogenic diet. Fiber-rich fruits are fruits that contain indigestible carbs that don't count to your total daily carb intake, leaving fewer net carbs.
Net carbs is calculated by deducting the total grams of carbs to the grams of fiber.
So here are 11 keto-friendly fruits packed with nutrition.
1. Avocados
Although often referred to and used as a vegetable, avocados are biologically considered a fruit. Their high content of heart-healthy fats makes them a great addition to a well-rounded keto diet.
A 100-gram avocado holds ~ 8.5 grams of carbs and ~ 7 grams of fiber, making it also low in net carbs.
What’s more, avocados are packed with essential nutrients, including potassium, folate, vitamin K, and vitamin C.
2. Raspberries
Aside from being one of the healthiest berries, raspberries are also low-carb, making it a perfect addition to your keto diet.
One cup of raspberries holds ~ 15 grams of carbs and 8 grams of fiber, leaving only 7-gram net carbs.
Each serving is also packed with good amounts of copper, manganese, vitamin C, and vitamin K. What’s more, these berries are rich in antioxidants that reduce your risk of chronic disease and decrease inflammation.
3. Strawberries
Strawberries are brimming with health benefits. They are an excellent source of other micronutrients, including folate, manganese, and vitamin C.
What’s more, strawberries are also rich in antioxidants, such as ellagic acid, anthocyanins, and procyanidins.
Strawberry carbs is low, fiber is high. This makes this nutritious and delicious fruit fit seamlessly into a keto diet.
A 1-cup serving of strawberries holds only 11.7-gram carbs and 3-gram fiber.
4. Blackberries
Blackberries are naturally lower in sweetness and packed with fiber. What’s more, they also hold antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals that provide several health benefits.
Since blackberry carbs is low, it is perfect for keto dieters. In fact, it holds only 6 grams of net carb per cup.
5. Peaches
Peaches have fuzzy skin and sweet, juicy flesh. This type of stone fruit relatively holds low net carbs, with 14.7-gram carbs and 2.5-gram fiber per cup.
You can fit this tasty fruit in moderate portions into your keto diet by pairing with other low-carb foods.
What’s more, peaches are also rich in essential nutrients, including niacin, potassium, vitamin A, and vitamin C.
A study in 1,393 people showed that regular consumption of peaches along with other flavonoid- and stilbene-rich fruits and vegetables may even be linked to improved cholesterol and triglyceride levels—both risk factors for cardiovascular disease.
6. Cantaloupe
The cantaloupe is one of the best sources of beta carotene, which helps improve your immune function and eye health.
One cup of cantaloupe contains 12.7 grams of carbs and 1.5 grams of fiber, leaving a lower net carb. In addition, a single serving provides a robust dose of potassium, vitamin K, and folate.
7. Star fruit
Star fruit is also known as carambola. This vibrant, star-shaped tropical fruit is native to Southeast Asia.
Unlike many other types of fruits, star fruit is not so common, but it is a famous choice to add to a keto diet as it has low carb content.
In fact, one cup serving of star fruit holds only 7.3-gram carbs and 3-gram fiber.
What’s more, it is also packed with potassium, vitamin C, pantothenic acid, and copper.
8. Watermelon
Perfect for summertime, watermelon is a hydrating and refreshing fruit that’s easy to fit into a keto diet.
Watermelon, compared with other fruits, is relatively low in net carbs. A single serving (1 cup) contains around 11.5 grams of carbs and 0.5 grams of fiber.
Thus, you may need to adjust your portion sizes to fit this juicy fruit into your diet, depending on your daily carb allotment.
What’s more, watermelon contains lycopene, an antioxidant that reduces cell damage and fights disease.
9. Lemons
Used to flavor drinks, desserts, and even meals, lemons are a popular citrus fruit.
With ~ 5.5-gram carbs and 1.5-gram dietary fiber, lemons are a great addition to a keto diet.
They are a good source of pectin, a type of fiber that helps fight inflammation, stabilize blood sugar levels, and slow cancer cell growth.
What’s more, they are rich in several other nutrients, including potassium, vitamin B6, and vitamin C.
10. Lime
Having a net carb count of 5 grams per fruit, limes are also a great addition to a keto diet. A single lime can hold 32% of your daily value for vitamin C.
11. Tomatoes
Although tomatoes are often used as a vegetable in several meals and recipes, they are botanically classified as fruit.
Tomatoes, compared to many other fruits, have a significantly lower carb count. Thus, they are easy to fit into a well-rounded keto diet, with ~ 7 grams of carbs and 2 grams of fiber per one cup.
Tomatoes are also rich in beneficial plant compounds, including naringenin, lycopene, and beta carotene. What’s more, tomatoes are low in calories!
Conclusion
Although many fruits are considered off-limits on a keto diet, there are still a lot of low-carb fruits that can be incorporated into the diet in small amounts.
Aside from the fact that the abovementioned fruits are low in net carbs, they are also packed with essential antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals that support the overall health.
Thus, you can enjoy these fruits, alongside various low-carb foods, in moderation as part of a well-rounded keto diet.