How Many Calories and Carbs Are in Honeydew?
A standard serving of honeydew is one cup of diced melon, which weighs about 170 grams. That serving contains roughly 60 calories, 14 grams of carbohydrates, and 12 grams of sugar. The sugar in honeydew is natural fructose, not added sugar.
Compared to other fruits, honeydew is on the lower end for calories. A cup of grapes has about 100 calories, and a cup of mango has around 100 calories. Bananas are higher too, with about 105 calories per medium fruit.
The carbohydrate content matters for people on low-carb or ketogenic diets. One cup of honeydew has 14 grams of carbs, which is moderate. For comparison, a cup of strawberries has only 11 grams of carbs and a cup of watermelon has about 11 grams. Honeydew is not the lowest-carb fruit, but it is not the highest either.
Does Honeydew Help With Weight Loss or Just Hydration?
Honeydew is about 90 percent water by weight. That high water content is one reason it is low in calories per volume. Eating water-rich foods like honeydew can increase feelings of fullness without adding many calories.
Research published in the journal Nutrients found that eating fruits with high water content before a meal led people to consume fewer calories during that meal. The mechanism is simple: the volume of food stretches your stomach, which signals your brain that you have eaten enough.
But honeydew alone will not cause weight loss. Weight loss happens when you consistently eat fewer calories than your body burns. Adding honeydew to an already high-calorie diet will not produce results. It works best as a replacement for higher-calorie snacks like cookies, chips, or sugary drinks.
What Do the Nutrition Facts Say About Honeydew and Fat Loss?
Honeydew contains almost no fat — less than half a gram per cup. It also has a small amount of fiber, about 1.4 grams per cup. Fiber helps slow digestion and keeps blood sugar steady, which can reduce cravings later in the day.
One nutrient in honeydew that gets overlooked is potassium. A cup provides about 400 milligrams of potassium, which is roughly 10 percent of the daily recommended intake. Potassium helps regulate fluid balance in the body. When you lose weight, your body releases stored water, and adequate potassium helps that process work smoothly.
Honeydew also provides vitamin C, about 30 percent of the daily value per cup. Vitamin C is involved in fat metabolism, though the effect is small. Getting enough vitamin C from food is better than relying on supplements for weight-related benefits.
| Nutrient | Amount per 1 cup (170g) | % Daily Value |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 60 | 3% |
| Carbohydrates | 14 g | 5% |
| Sugar | 12 g | — |
| Fiber | 1.4 g | 5% |
| Potassium | 400 mg | 10% |
| Vitamin C | 30 mg | 30% |
Is Honeydew Good For Weight Loss Nutrition Facts Compared to Other Fruits?
If you are comparing honeydew to other melons, the differences are small. Cantaloupe has about the same calories per cup. Watermelon has slightly fewer calories because it has even more water. But all three are good choices for a low-calorie fruit.
The bigger comparison is between honeydew and dried fruits or fruit juices. Dried apricots have about 200 calories per cup. A cup of orange juice has about 110 calories. Honeydew gives you more volume for fewer calories, which helps with portion control.
One common mistake people make is eating too much honeydew because it is low in calories. A full honeydew melon can weigh three to four pounds and contain over 500 calories. Eating the whole melon in one sitting would add significant calories. Stick to one cup at a time.
What Are Some Practical Ways to Use Honeydew for Weight Loss?
The simplest way to use honeydew is as a snack. Cut it into cubes and keep it in the fridge. When you feel hungry between meals, reach for a cup of honeydew instead of a granola bar or crackers.
You can also use honeydew to replace sugary desserts. Blend frozen honeydew into a sorbet-like treat. No added sugar is needed because the fruit is already sweet. This works well for people who crave something cold and sweet after dinner.
Another idea is to add honeydew to salads. Combine it with cucumber, mint, and a squeeze of lime. The water content in both the melon and cucumber makes the salad filling without being heavy. Add some grilled chicken or tofu to make it a full meal.
What Should You Watch Out For When Eating Honeydew for Weight Loss?
Honeydew is a fruit with a medium glycemic index, around 65. That means it raises blood sugar moderately. For most people, this is not a problem in normal portions. But if you have diabetes or prediabetes, you should track how honeydew affects your blood sugar.
Some commercial honeydew products are not the same as fresh fruit. Pre-cut honeydew in syrup from a can has added sugar and more calories. Dried honeydew chips are also concentrated in sugar and calories. Stick to fresh honeydew.
There is also a viral claim that eating honeydew on an empty stomach “detoxes” the body. As of 2026, there is no clinical evidence that any fruit detoxes the body. The liver and kidneys handle detoxification naturally. Honeydew is a healthy food, but it does not have special detox powers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I eat honeydew every day while trying to lose weight?
Yes, one cup of honeydew per day is fine for most people on a weight loss diet. Just count the calories as part of your daily total.
Is honeydew better for weight loss than watermelon?
Both are similar in calories and water content. Watermelon has slightly fewer calories per cup, but the difference is not big enough to matter much.
Does honeydew cause bloating or water retention?
Honeydew is unlikely to cause bloating for most people. It contains potassium which actually helps reduce water retention.
How much honeydew can I eat on a low-carb diet?
One cup of honeydew has 14 grams of carbs. On a strict low-carb diet, that may use up a large portion of your daily carb allowance.

