Claim: Apples in Italy are more nutrient dense than in America

Fact-Check: Many factors impact nutrient quality of apples.

Nutrient levels in fruits like apples do vary based on several factors:

Variety: There are approximately 7000 cultivated varieties of Malus domestica known worldwide, such as Royal Gala, Bravo, Granny Smith, Green Star, Fuji, and Golden Delicious. Nutrient composition, especially polyphenol content, which has positive links to human health, varies among them. For example, Red Delicious has about 207.7 mg of phenolic compounds per portion, while Golden Delicious has around 92.5 mg.

Soil & Climate: Soil health, determined by biological activity, mineral composition, pH, and contamination, can impact nutrient uptake. Climate, irrigation, and orchard management practices (like fertilisation and pruning) also impact nutrient density and fruit quality.

It is important to note that these factors differ not just between countries, but also between regions and even individual farms in both the U.S. and Italy, so blanket statements comparing apples in Italy and in America lack context.

Storage & Processing: Phytonutrients can vary in apples depending on ripeness, season, and especially how the fruit is stored and processed. Cold storage, while essential for preservation and transport, can significantly reduce nutrient levels over time. Research shows that prolonged cold storage may decrease total phenol content by up to 50% in the flesh and 20% in the peel, due to the natural instability of these compounds.

Processing methods also matter. High temperatures, such as those used in drying or pasteurisation, can degrade nutrient compounds. As a result, apples that are stored for long periods or heavily processed may contain fewer beneficial nutrients than freshly harvested ones.

But here's the key: there is no evidence that nutritional variations are significant, let alone 6-fold, as the claim suggests. 

Freshness does not equal nutritional density

Shayna Taylor’s claim that American apples offer only a fraction of the nutrients found in Italian ones relies heavily on the idea that Italian apples are "fresher" and therefore more nutritious. Perceived freshness and healthiness is indeed often cited as significantly determining consumers’ choices. Italian apples may feel fresher to a consumer, but that doesn’t mean they’re significantly more nutritious. Apples in the U.S. can be just as fresh, depending on source and timing. And even apples stored for weeks still offer meaningful health benefits. Italy and the U.S. could equally have apples available at local fruit markets and pre-packaged apples in larger stores. 

What else impacts perceived freshness?

The claim appeals to the idea that food in Europe is better than in the U.S. A big part of why European fruit and vegetables may taste better to visitors is linked to culture, shopping habits, and spending. In countries like Italy and France, people often shop at small local markets several times a week. These shorter supply chains mean produce may reach the plate faster than supermarket imports. Europeans also tend to spend a higher share of household income on food. While this trend is also growing in the U.S. (source), surveys show that as inflation rises, Italians say they are ready to make other sacrifices in order to keep buying high quality produce. This might mean buying high-quality, locally grown produce on a more regular basis.

Eating behaviours can also change during tourism (source): American tourists or expats in Europe are more likely to buy fresh fruit from local markets or eat seasonal produce at restaurants, a very different experience than grabbing pre-packaged fruit from a chain store back home. This can reinforce the belief that European fruit is always better, when much of the difference is about context, not inherent nutritional superiority.

This is important, because claims like this misrepresent real differences, such as local farming practices or shopping culture, and replace them with a false notion that products are only worth eating when they come from selective sources. 

For millions of Americans, affordable, local apples are an important source of nutrients. Many communities already face barriers to fresh food access, with millions living in food deserts. Almost 2 million households in America live far away from a supermarket and are without a vehicle (source), making access to fresh food products extremely difficult. Discouraging people from eating what is available, and perfectly healthy, only fuels confusion and anxiety about food quality. 

Final Take Away

There’s no credible evidence that you’d need to eat six American apples to equal one Italian apple in nutrients. What matters more is eating fresh produce regularly, from any good source you can access. Wherever you live, choosing an apple, instead of perhaps skipping fruit altogether, remains one of the simplest ways to add fibre, antioxidants, and crunch to your diet. 

Claims like this can do more harm than good. Yes, the American food system is in need of improvements. But in a context where 95% of Americans do not consume enough fibre (source), claims that could lead to distrust of ‘even the humble apple’ won’t achieve the type of change that is needed. 

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We have contacted Gary Brecka and are awaiting a response.

Disclaimer

This fact-check is intended to provide information based on available scientific evidence. It should not be considered as medical advice. For personalised health guidance, consult with a qualified healthcare professional.