
Fruit
Honeydew
A hydrating, low-calorie melon with pale green flesh and a sweet, mild taste.
A sweet, pale green melon with high water content and a mild, refreshing flavor, commonly eaten fresh or in fruit salads.
high-volume hydrating fruit
Typical serving · 134g
Common varieties · Green Honeydew, Golden Honeydew, Orange Flesh Honeydew
Overall context score across nutrition, safety, and diet fit
At a glance
Quick facts
Simple indicators based on nutrition, processing, and diet fit.
The story
What makes it unique
Honeydew is a high-water, low-calorie fruit with a moderate glycemic index but low glycemic load. It digests quickly due to its low fiber content, providing rapid but short-lasting satiety. Its macronutrient profile is carbohydrate-dominant, primarily consisting of simple sugars like glucose and fructose.
Varieties: Green Honeydew · Golden Honeydew · Orange Flesh Honeydew
Per 100g
Nutrition breakdown
Macro balance and key metrics at a glance.
Energy
Density 0.36 kcal/g
Protein
Carbs
Fat
Fiber
Sugar
8.1 g
Sodium
18 mg
Potassium
228 mg
Glycemic index
65
Glycemic load
5
Water content
89.8%
Standout compounds
Nutrient highlights
Vitamin C
moderateSupports immune function and collagen synthesis
Potassium
moderateRegulates blood pressure and fluid balance
Water
highMaintains hydration and supports metabolic processes
Vitamin K
lowEssential for blood clotting and bone metabolism
Wellness map
Health scores & processing
NOVA processing scale
minimally processed · Whole food
Raw honeydew is an unprocessed whole food consumed in its natural state.
Diet compatibility
- Weight loss
- Muscle gain
- Diabetes
- Gut health
- Low carb
- High protein
- Heart health
Relative standing
Food rankings
Qualitative ranks compared to similar whole foods.
- Satietymoderate
- Blood sugargood
- Nutrient densitymoderate
- Fitness fuelgood
- Processing qualityexcellent
Eat with confidence
Food safety profile
Honeydew is generally safe, but the rind can harbor bacteria like Salmonella. Washing before cutting is essential to prevent transferring pathogens from the rind to the flesh.
Evidence confidence 90%
- Pesticidesmoderate
- Antibioticslow
- Heavy metalslow
- Contaminationmoderate
Watch for
- Salmonella
- Listeria
Safer choices
Organic honeydew reduces pesticide exposure risk, while proper washing mitigates bacterial contamination.
Prep tips
Scrub the rind thoroughly under running water with a produce brush before slicing. Refrigerate cut melon promptly.
Surface contamination from agricultural runoff or processing equipment is the primary concern for melons.
Deep dive
Health analysis
How this food may fit different goals and preparation choices.
Weight loss
High water content and low energy density allow for large portions with minimal calories, promoting fullness without caloric excess.
Blood sugar
Low glycemic load per serving prevents major blood sugar spikes, though the moderate glycemic index means portion control is still advised for diabetics.
Fitness & energy
Provides quick-digesting carbohydrates and hydration, making it a suitable light pre-workout fuel that will not sit heavily in the stomach.
Gut health
Low fiber content limits its ability to support bowel regularity or feed gut microbiota compared to higher-fiber fruits.
Processing quality
Whole, unprocessed food with intact natural cellular structure and micronutrients.
Food safety
Primary risk is bacterial transfer from the rind to the flesh during cutting; proper washing mitigates this effectively.
Common mistakes
Assuming all melons are nutritionally identical; honeydew has significantly less vitamin C and beta-carotene than cantaloupe.
Best preparation
Consumed raw, cubed in fruit salads, or blended into hydrating smoothies.
Practical guide
Best use cases
When and how this food fits real eating patterns.
Hydrating snack
Eaten fresh on a hot day or after outdoor activity to replenish fluids and electrolytes like potassium.
Weight loss volume eating
Consuming large cubed portions to satisfy sweet cravings and physical hunger with minimal caloric impact.
Light pre-workout fuel
Eating a small bowl 30-60 minutes before exercise for easily digestible carbohydrates without bloating.
Balance sheet
Pros & cons
Upsides
- High water content promotes hydration
- Low energy density supports weight loss
- Low glycemic load per serving
- Good source of potassium
- Requires no cooking or complex preparation
Trade-offs
- Low in dietary fiber
- Less vitamin-dense than other melons like cantaloupe
- Moderate glycemic index requires portion awareness for diabetics
- Rind can harbor foodborne pathogens if not washed
Fit check
Who is it for?
Great match
- weight loss
- hydration
- light pre-workout snack
- volume eating
Consider alternatives
- strict low-carb diets
- high-fiber diets
- muscle building
Side by side
How it compares
Open the full head-to-head analysis for nutrition, safety, and practical tradeoffs.

This food
Honeydew
VS90% alike
Compare with
Cantaloupe
Cantaloupe is richer in vitamins A and C, while honeydew offers slightly more fiber and a milder flavor.
Cantaloupe provides significantly more vitamin A and C, while honeydew is slightly sweeter and offers comparable hydration and weight loss benefits.

This food
Honeydew
VS85% alike
Compare with
Watermelon
Watermelon is lower in calories and higher in lycopene, while honeydew provides slightly more fiber and potassium.
Watermelon is lower in calories and richer in lycopene, while honeydew offers slightly more fiber and potassium for similar hydration.

This food
Honeydew
VS75% alike
Compare with
Cucumber
Cucumber is significantly lower in calories and sugar, making it better for strict weight loss, while honeydew offers more vitamins.
Cucumbers are lower in sugar and calories for strict dieting, while honeydew provides more carbohydrates for energy and potassium.

This food
Honeydew
VS60% alike
Compare with
Apple
Apples are much higher in fiber and better for sustained satiety, while honeydew is lower in calories and better for hydration.
Apples are higher in fiber for better satiety and blood sugar control, while honeydew is lower in calories and superior for hydration.

This food
Honeydew
VS55% alike
Compare with
Banana
Bananas provide more potassium and dense energy for fitness, while honeydew is lower in calories and sugar.
Bananas offer more potassium and dense carbs for post-workout recovery, while honeydew is a lower-calorie, more hydrating option.

This food
Honeydew
VS65% alike
Compare with
Pineapple
Pineapple offers bromelain and more vitamin C, while honeydew is lower in sugar and has a lower glycemic load.
Pineapple provides more vitamin C and anti-inflammatory bromelain, while honeydew is lower in sugar and better for calorie-controlled diets.

This food
Honeydew
VS60% alike
Compare with
Grapes
Grapes are higher in sugar and antioxidants like resveratrol, while honeydew is lower in calories and more hydrating.
Honeydew is lower in calories and sugar than grapes, offering better volume per calorie, while grapes provide more antioxidants.

This food
Honeydew
VS60% alike
Compare with
Mango
Mango is richer in vitamin A and fiber, while honeydew is significantly lower in calories and sugar.
Mango is richer in vitamin A and fiber, while honeydew is significantly lower in calories and sugar, making it better for weight loss.

This food
Honeydew
VS55% alike
Compare with
Pear
Pears are high in fiber for gut health, while honeydew provides superior hydration and fewer calories.
Pears are much higher in fiber for sustained energy and gut health, while honeydew provides fewer calories and better hydration.

This food
Honeydew
VS70% alike
Compare with
Papaya
Papaya contains digestive enzymes and more vitamin C, while honeydew is lower in sugar and more widely accessible.
Papaya offers more vitamin C and digestive enzymes, while honeydew is lower in sugar and calories for easier weight management.
Common questions
FAQ
Answers aligned with how people search for this food.
Is honeydew good for weight loss?
Yes, its high water content and low calorie density make it excellent for high-volume, low-calorie eating, helping you feel full without consuming excess calories.
Can diabetics eat honeydew melon?
Yes, in moderation. While it has a moderate glycemic index, its glycemic load per typical serving is low, meaning standard portions have a minimal impact on blood sugar.
Is honeydew high in sugar?
It contains about 8g of sugar per 100g, which is moderate for fruit. Its high water content dilutes the sugar density, making it lower in sugar per volume than denser fruits.
Which is healthier, honeydew or cantaloupe?
Cantaloupe is generally richer in vitamins A and C, but honeydew provides slightly more fiber and is equally hydrating. Both are healthy low-calorie choices.
Does honeydew make you poop?
It provides hydration and a small amount of fiber, which helps, but it is not a high-fiber food. It is less effective for digestion than fruits like apples or pears.
Is honeydew a good pre-workout snack?
Yes, the quick-digesting carbs and high water content make it a light, hydrating energy source that will not cause gastrointestinal discomfort during exercise.
Do you need to wash honeydew before cutting?
Yes, the rind can harbor bacteria like Salmonella, which can transfer to the flesh when sliced. Always scrub the rind under running water before cutting.
How many calories are in a whole honeydew melon?
A medium honeydew melon (about 1.3 kg or 5.5 inches in diameter) contains roughly 460 to 500 calories.
Transparency
Data confidence
Estimated confidence for nutrition data, interpretation, safety notes, and comparisons.
Nutrition data
Health analysis
Food safety
Comparisons