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Are watermelons high in calories?
No, watermelons are not high in calories at all.
In fact, they’re one of the lowest-calorie fruits you can enjoy.
A whole cup of diced watermelon contains only about 46 calories.
That’s incredibly low for something so sweet and refreshing.
So if you’ve been wondering whether watermelons are high in calories, the short answer is a resounding no.
They’re mostly water, which is exactly why they’re so light on calories.
In this post, we’ll look at why watermelons are not high in calories, what makes them so low-calorie, and how they fit into a healthy diet.
Let’s dive in.
Why Watermelons Are Not High in Calories
Watermelons are not high in calories, and here’s why:
1. Watermelons Are Over 90% Water
The main reason watermelons are so low in calories is their water content.
About 92% of a watermelon is plain water.
That means when you bite into a slice, you’re mostly hydrating yourself rather than loading up on calories.
It’s like drinking a glass of water with a hint of natural sweetness.
This high water content is why a massive chunk of watermelon still barely makes a dent in your daily calorie budget.
So if you’re watching your weight, watermelons are not high in calories and can actually help you feel full.
2. Watermelons Have Very Little Fat and Protein
Fat and protein are the macronutrients that pack the most calories per gram.
Watermelons contain almost none of either.
There’s virtually no fat in watermelon, and the protein content is negligible.
That means the calories you do get come almost entirely from natural sugars and a small amount of fiber.
So when someone asks are watermelons high in calories, the lack of fat and protein is a big reason they’re not.
You’d have to eat a ridiculous amount to consume a significant number of calories.
3. The Natural Sugars Are Diluted
Yes, watermelons contain sugar, but it’s heavily diluted by all that water.
A cup of watermelon has only about 9 grams of sugar.
Compare that to a cup of grapes, which has around 15 grams, or a banana with about 14 grams.
Because the sugar is mixed with so much water, the calorie impact per bite is tiny.
This is why watermelons are not high in calories even though they taste so sweet.
Your taste buds get the sweetness, but your waistline doesn’t get the load.
4. Watermelons Have a Low Calorie Density
Calorie density refers to how many calories are in a given weight of food.
Watermelons have one of the lowest calorie densities of any fruit.
You can eat a huge bowl of watermelon for fewer calories than a small handful of nuts.
This makes watermelons fantastic for volume eaters who like to feel full without overeating.
So are watermelons high in calories?
Not even close.
They’re a perfect example of a low-calorie, high-volume food.
How Many Calories Are in Watermelon Exactly?
Let’s break down the numbers so you can see just how low-calorie watermelons really are.
1. One Cup of Diced Watermelon
One cup of diced watermelon contains approximately 46 calories.
That’s it.
You could eat three cups and still be under 150 calories.
For a fruit that tastes like candy, that’s pretty remarkable.
So watermelons are not high in calories by any stretch of the imagination.
2. One Whole Watermelon Slice
A typical wedge or slice of watermelon, about two cups worth, comes in at around 90 calories.
That’s less than a single tablespoon of peanut butter.
And it’s far more refreshing on a hot day.
If you’re trying to decide whether watermelons are high in calories, just picture that slice.
Ninety calories for something that big and juicy is a steal.
3. A Whole Small Watermelon
Even if you ate an entire small watermelon, you’d be looking at roughly 1,300 to 1,500 calories.
That sounds like a lot, but let’s be realistic.
Nobody sits down and eats a whole watermelon in one go.
And even if you did, that’s still fewer calories than a large pizza.
Plus, you’d be so full from the water and fiber that you’d struggle to finish it.
So the idea that watermelons are high in calories falls apart pretty quickly.
Are Watermelons High in Calories Compared to Other Fruits?
Let’s see how watermelons stack up against other popular fruits.
1. Watermelon vs. Banana
A medium banana has about 105 calories.
One cup of watermelon has 46 calories.
So watermelons are not high in calories when compared to bananas.
They’re actually less than half.
2. Watermelon vs. Apple
A medium apple contains around 95 calories.
Again, one cup of watermelon has less than half that amount.
So if you’re choosing a snack and wondering are watermelons high in calories, the answer is no, especially next to an apple.
3. Watermelon vs. Mango
A cup of mango has about 99 calories.
Watermelon has less than half of that.
So watermelons are not high in calories even when compared to tropical fruits.
They’re consistently one of the lowest-calorie options in the produce aisle.
4. Watermelon vs. Grapes
A cup of grapes has about 104 calories.
Watermelon has 46.
Need I say more?
Watermelons are not high in calories, period.
So, Are Watermelons High in Calories?
Watermelons are not high in calories.
They’re over 90% water, have almost no fat or protein, and contain only about 46 calories per cup.
Compared to most other fruits, they’re at the very bottom of the calorie ladder.
So go ahead and enjoy that sweet, juicy slice without guilt.
Whether you’re watching your weight or just trying to eat healthier, watermelons are a fantastic choice.
They hydrate you, satisfy your sweet tooth, and keep the calories low.
So if anyone ever asks you are watermelons high in calories, you can confidently tell them no.