Scientists at the University of California have developed a new low sugar apple with only half the calories of a standard apple.

The new apple has high levels of sorbitol, a natural fruit sugar with only 2.6 calories a gram - up to 45 per cent less than fructose and sucrose.

Despite being developed using genetic modification, the research team says the apple could be developed using natural plant-breeding technology.

Following their success, the team says it hopes to develop low-sugar pears, peaches, plums and cherries.

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