Pear vs Prickly Pear – Which is Healthier?

Our Verdict

When comparing pear to prickly pear, we picked the prickly.

Why?

Both of these fruits are fine and worthy choices, but the prickly pear wins out in nutritional density.

Looking at the macros to start with, the prickly pear is higher in fiber and lower in carbs, resulting in a much lower glycemic index. However, non-prickly pears are already low GI, so this is not a huge matter. Whether it’s pear’s GI of 38 or prickly pear’s GI of 7, you’re unlikely to experience a glucose spike.

In the category of vitamins, pear has a little more of vitamins B5, B9, E, K, and choline, but the margins are tiny. On the other hand, prickly pear has more of vitamins A, B1, B2, B3, B6, and C, with much larger margins of difference (except vitamin B1; that’s still quite close). Even before taking margins of difference into account, this is a slight win for prickly pear.

When it comes to minerals, things are more pronounced; pear has more manganese, while prickly pear has more calcium, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, selenium, and zinc.

In short, both pears are great (so do enjoy the pair), but prickly pear is the clear winner where one must be declared.

Want to learn more?

You might like to read:

Apple vs Pear – Which is Healthier?

Take care!