Watermelon Nutrition Facts
Complete watermelon nutrition breakdown with 30 kcal per 100g, glycemic index, and diet compatibility.
Written by Victura Nutrition TeamReviewed by Victura Editorial ReviewLast updated Aug 10, 2026
30
Calories
0.6g
Protein
7.5g
Carbs
Generally yes
Is it healthy?
per 100g · per panel values
Track this food in VicturaQuick answer
A 100g serving of watermelon provides about 30 kcal. Per 100g you get about 7.55g carbs and 0.61g protein. Glycemic index is around 72.
Watermelon is a whole food with approximately 30 calories per 100g, tracked in Victura for macro-aware meal logging.
- Calories (100g serving)
- 30 kcal
- Carbs (100g)
- 7.55g
- Protein (100g)
- 0.61g
- Serving reference
- 100g · 100g serving
- Glycemic index
- 72
Serving calculator
How much did you eat or drink — Watermelon?
30
Calories
0.6g
Protein
7.5g
Carbs
0.1g
Fat
Nutrition facts
per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central (seeded Phase 0)
30 kcal
Calories
Vitamins
- Vitamin C: 8.1mg
- Vitamin A: 28mcg RAE
Minerals
- Potassium: 112mg
Scientific explanation
Research-backedWatermelon provides a remarkably hydrating and nutrient-dense profile, yielding just 30 calories (kcal) per 100-gram serving. This low energy density is primarily due to its exceptionally high water content, which stands at approximately 91.4% by weight. From a macronutrient perspective, a 100g portion contains 0.61g of protein, 0.15g of total fat, and 7.55g of total carbohydrates. Of these carbohydrates, 6.2g come from naturally occurring sugars (fructose, glucose, and sucrose), while dietary fiber contributes a modest 0.4g. Because of this low fiber-to-sugar ratio, watermelon has an estimated Glycemic Index (GI) of 72, classifying it as a high-GI food. However, because the actual carbohydrate concentration per typical serving is low, its Glycemic Load (GL) remains low (approximately 4 to 5 per 120g serving), meaning it has a minimal impact on blood glucose when consumed in moderate, controlled portions. In terms of micronutrients, watermelon is a valuable source of essential vitamins and minerals that support systemic health. A 100g serving delivers 8.1mg of Vitamin C, representing roughly 9% of the Daily Value (DV), which acts as a potent antioxidant to combat oxidative stress and support collagen synthesis. It also provides 28mcg RAE of Vitamin A (3% DV), primarily in the form of beta-carotene, supporting vision and immune function. For mineral content, it contains 112mg of Potassium (2% DV), an essential electrolyte involved in fluid balance, nerve transmission, and blood pressure regulation. Beyond standard vitamins and minerals, watermelon is highly regarded in peer-reviewed literature (Tier 2) for its rich concentration of lycopene—a powerful carotenoid antioxidant linked to cardiovascular health and cellular protection—and L-citrulline, an amino acid that may enhance nitric oxide production, thereby improving blood flow and reducing muscle soreness post-exercise. All macronutrient and micronutrient values are sourced directly from USDA FoodData Central to ensure absolute clinical and editorial accuracy.
Community insights
Community insightWithin the Victura user community and anonymized meal logs, watermelon is frequently tracked as a refreshing, high-volume snack, particularly during the summer months or as an immediate post-workout recovery food. Analysis of user behavior reveals that individuals who consume watermelon in isolation often report rapid digestion and a relatively short window of satiety. Conversely, users who strategically pair watermelon with healthy fats or proteins—such as combining it with feta cheese, pumpkin seeds, walnuts, or Greek yogurt—report significantly more stable energy levels and prolonged satiety. This real-world tracking aligns with glycemic management principles, as co-ingesting fats and proteins slows gastric emptying and blunts the glycemic response of high-GI fruits. Additionally, fitness enthusiasts within the community frequently log watermelon in pre-workout smoothies, noting that its natural sugars provide a quick, easily digestible energy source, while its high water content aids in pre-exercise hydration.
Pros
- Watermelon is a whole food with measurable macro nutrients
- Extremely high water content (91.4%) supports daily hydration
- Rich in lycopene and L-citrulline for cardiovascular and muscle recovery support
Cons
- Portion size still matters for calorie goals
- Very low dietary fiber (0.4g per 100g) leads to low satiety when eaten alone
- High glycemic index (72) can cause rapid blood sugar spikes in sensitive individuals
Best time to eat
Pair with protein and fiber for balanced meals, or consume 30-60 minutes before a workout for quick energy and hydration.
Good windows
- With main meals
- Pre-workout recovery window
- Post-workout recovery window
Consider avoiding
- Very large portions without activity
- Late at night if sensitive to nighttime urination due to high water content
Diet compatibility
Weight loss
Friendly
At 30 kcal per 100g and high water volume, it is excellent for low-calorie volume eating, though portion control is still required.
Keto
Use caution
Net carbs ~7.1g per 100g - too high-carb for standard keto.
Diabetic friendly
Use caution
GI 72 with 6.2g sugar - may spike glucose - pair with protein/fat.
Frequently asked questions
People also ask
Is a watermelon healthy?
Yes — a watermelon is a whole food with measurable nutrients. Healthiness depends on overall diet, portions, and your goals. Estimated GI is 72.
Can I eat a watermelon every day?
Most people can include a watermelon daily as part of a balanced diet, as long as total calories and carbs fit their plan.
Are Watermelons good for weight loss?
At 30 kcal per 100g and high water volume, it is excellent for low-calorie volume eating, though portion control is still required.
How many calories are in a watermelon?
A typical medium serving of watermelon has about 30 calories, while 100g contains about 30 calories (USDA reference).
Are Watermelons good before a workout?
Watermelons can work before activity when you want easy carbs; pair a watermelon with protein if your session is long.
Are Watermelons high in sugar?
Watermelons contain about 6.2g sugar per 100g — mostly natural sugars when whole.
Is watermelon good for weight loss?
Yes, watermelon is highly effective for weight loss when used as a high-volume, low-calorie substitute for calorie-dense snacks. Because it consists of over 91% water, it allows you to consume a large physical portion (e.g., 300g for only 90 calories) which stretches the stomach and signals fullness to the brain. However, because it lacks substantial fiber (0.4g per 100g) and protein, you should pair it with a lean protein source to ensure long-lasting satiety.
Is watermelon keto-friendly?
No, watermelon is generally not considered keto-friendly. With 7.55g of total carbohydrates and 0.4g of fiber per 100g, it yields approximately 7.15g of net carbs per 100g. Even a small, modest serving of 150g contains over 10g of net carbs, which can easily consume a significant portion of a standard 20g to 50g daily ketogenic carbohydrate limit. Those on a strict keto diet should limit watermelon to very small, strictly measured portions or opt for lower-carb berries instead.
What is the glycemic index of watermelon?
The glycemic index (GI) of watermelon is estimated to be 72, which is classified as high. This high rating indicates that the carbohydrates in watermelon are rapidly broken down and absorbed into the bloodstream. However, because watermelon is mostly water and has a very low carbohydrate density per serving, its Glycemic Load (GL) is exceptionally low (around 4 to 5 for a standard serving). This means that while it can spike blood sugar quickly, the overall impact is minimal if eaten in moderate portions.
Is watermelon safe for people with diabetes?
Yes, watermelon can be safely consumed by people with diabetes, but it requires careful portion management and strategic pairing. Because it has a high glycemic index of 72, eating large portions of watermelon on an empty stomach can cause rapid blood glucose spikes. To minimize this effect, individuals with diabetes should limit their portion size (e.g., 100g to 150g) and co-ingest it with foods rich in protein, healthy fats, or dietary fiber, such as a handful of almonds or a serving of Greek yogurt.
How many calories does watermelon have?
Watermelon contains exactly 30 calories (kcal) per 100g. Because it is over 91% water, it has an incredibly low calorie density. A standard wedge of watermelon (about 286g) contains approximately 86 calories, making it a highly satisfying, hydrating, and low-calorie option for anyone looking to manage their daily caloric intake.
How we review this guide
- Written by
- Victura Nutrition Team
- Reviewed by
- Victura Editorial Review
- Reference sources
- 4
- Last updated
- Aug 10, 2026
References
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