Watermelon vs honeydew melon: protein, calories, satiety

WatermelonEstimated satiety: 4 out of 5 · 30 kcal and 0.6 g of protein per 100 g (3.5 oz)
Honeydew melonEstimated satiety: 5 out of 5 · 36 kcal and 0.5 g of protein per 100 g (3.5 oz)

Key differences

Neither is a meaningful source of protein: 2 and 1.5 g per 100 kcal.
Watermelon has fewer calories: 30 kcal per 100 g, versus 36 for honeydew melon, so the same calories come with more grams of food.
Neither provides a meaningful amount of fiber: 0.4 and 0.8 g per 100 g.

Comparison per 100 g

Values per 100 g (3.5 oz). USDA descriptions: Watermelon; Honeydew melon, raw.
Nutrient	Watermelon, per 100 g (3.5 oz)	Honeydew melon, per 100 g (3.5 oz)
Calories	30 kcal	36 kcal
Protein	0.6 g	0.5 g
Carbohydrates	7.6 g	9.1 g
of which sugars	6.2 g	8.1 g
Fiber	0.4 g	0.8 g
Fat	0.2 g	0.1 g
of which saturated	0 g	0 g
Water	91.4 g	89.8 g
Protein per 100 kcal	2 g	1.5 g
Estimated satiety (1 to 5)	4	5

Per typical serving

With typical servings, 200 g (7 oz) of watermelon has about 60 kcal and 1.2 g of protein, and 200 g (7 oz) of honeydew melon about 72 kcal and 1.1 g.

Values per typical serving of each food.
Nutrient	Watermelon, 200 g (7 oz)	Honeydew melon, 200 g (7 oz)
Calories	60 kcal	72 kcal
Protein	1.2 g	1.1 g
Carbohydrates	15.1 g	18.2 g
Fiber	0.8 g	1.6 g
Fat	0.3 g	0.3 g

The typical serving is a common amount used for the math, not a recommendation. Ounces are rounded US equivalents; the values come from the database entries cited in the sources.

Which is more filling?

By our estimate, honeydew melon is more filling per calorie than watermelon: 5 versus 4 out of 5.

Watermelon: Very low energy density; high water content.
Honeydew melon: Calculation: 1 (base) + 2 (very low energy density: 36 kcal/100 g) + 0 (protein: 1.5 g/100 kcal) + 1 (fiber: 2.2 g/100 kcal) + 1 (solid food with 89.8 g of water) = 5.

The 1 to 5 score is our own estimate: it starts at 1 point, adds points for low energy density, for protein and fiber per 100 kcal, and for the water in solid foods, and subtracts points for drinks with calories. It is useful for comparing foods with each other; it is not a measurement in people.

When to choose each one

Watermelon

If you want to eat more grams for the same calories: 30 kcal per 100 g.

Honeydew melon

If you have nausea or fill up quickly: it carries our “Easy to digest” tag.

On a GLP-1 medication

Watermelon. “Low energy density”: plenty of volume for few calories; make sure it does not push protein foods off your plate. “Hydrating”: a lot of water, which contributes to hydration when you eat and drink less.

Honeydew melon. “Easy to digest”: a soft or low-fat food that many people tolerate well when they feel nauseous or get full quickly. “Low energy density”: plenty of volume for few calories; make sure it does not push protein foods off your plate. “Hydrating”: a lot of water, which contributes to hydration when you eat and drink less.

These are general guidelines, not medical advice: everyone tolerates foods differently.

Full food pages

Watermelon: every nutrient, frequently asked questions, and similar foods.
Honeydew melon: every nutrient, frequently asked questions, and similar foods.

See all comparisons

Sources

Sources for the data on this page, with the access date.

USDA FoodData Central: Watermelon, raw (FDC ID 167765). U.S. Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service. accessed September 23, 2026.
USDA FoodData Central: Melons, honeydew, raw (FDC ID 169911). U.S. Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service. accessed September 23, 2026.