Are Bananas 75% Water? Unpacking the Hydration Truth

November 13, 2025 •

4 min read

It is a widely circulated factoid that a ripe banana is composed of roughly 75% water. This surprising number sparks curiosity, as the fruit's dense texture doesn't immediately suggest such a high moisture content. Understanding if bananas are 75% water sheds light on their role in hydration and overall nutrition.

Quick Summary

Bananas contain approximately 75% water, which, combined with electrolytes like potassium, aids in daily hydration. This fact might seem surprising due to their firm texture, but it is supported by nutritional science.

Key Points

Water Content Confirmed: Bananas contain approximately 75% water, a fact supported by scientific analysis, despite their firm texture.
Ripeness Matters: The firm texture of unripe bananas is due to starch, which converts to sweeter sugars and softens the fruit as it ripens, not a change in overall water content.
Beyond Water: Bananas contribute to effective hydration not only through their water but also through their high potassium content, an essential electrolyte for fluid balance.
Moderate Hydration Source: Compared to extremely watery fruits like watermelon, bananas are a moderate, yet valuable, source of hydration, especially when paired with their energy-rich nutrient profile.
Athlete's Snack: The combination of easily digestible carbohydrates and electrolytes makes bananas an ideal snack for pre- and post-workout energy and rehydration.

The Science Behind Banana's Water Content

For years, a common piece of trivia has been that bananas are 75% water. The truth is, this is largely accurate. While the exact percentage can vary slightly depending on ripeness and variety, a standard, ripe banana is composed of roughly 74-75% water by weight. This makes bananas a significant, though often underestimated, source of hydration, especially when compared to other fruits with much higher water content.

Ripeness and Water Composition

One of the most common points of confusion is the change in a banana's texture as it ripens. An unripe, green banana is firm and starchy, whereas a ripe, yellow one is softer and sweeter. This change is not due to a large influx of water, but rather a transformation of its carbohydrate content. Green bananas contain a high proportion of resistant starch. As the banana ripens, enzymes break down this starch into simple sugars, such as sucrose, fructose, and glucose. This process changes the fruit's texture and taste dramatically, but the total water content remains relatively constant. The softening is caused by the breakdown of pectin, a type of soluble fiber, which increases as the banana ages. This means that while a ripe banana feels softer and more succulent, its overall hydration level is consistent with its greener counterpart.

How Banana's Hydration Compares

Compared to some of the most hydrating foods, a banana's water percentage might seem moderate. However, its contribution to hydration is still valuable, especially when you consider its portability and energy benefits. Here is a brief look at how a banana's water content stacks up against other popular fruits and vegetables.

Watermelon (approx. 92% water): The name says it all. Watermelon is famously hydrating and a staple in hot weather.
Strawberries (approx. 91% water): These berries are packed with water and nutrients.
Apples (approx. 86% water): Apples, like bananas, contribute to daily fluid intake but with a higher percentage of water.
Bananas (approx. 75% water): A solid source of hydration, particularly with the added benefit of electrolytes.
Avocados (approx. 70-79% water): Similar water content to bananas, but with a different nutritional profile.
Cooked Corn (approx. 70-79% water): Another item in the same range, showcasing that high water content isn't exclusive to juicy fruits.

Beyond Water: The Electrolyte Connection

One of the key reasons bananas are often recommended for post-exercise recovery isn't just their water content, but their rich supply of potassium. Potassium is a crucial electrolyte that plays a significant role in maintaining fluid balance within the body's cells. When you sweat during physical activity, you lose both water and electrolytes. Consuming a banana helps to replenish these lost nutrients and supports proper muscle function, helping to prevent cramps and promote rehydration. This makes the banana a more effective hydration tool than simply drinking plain water in many scenarios, particularly for athletes or those engaged in strenuous activity.

Table: Banana vs. Apple Nutritional Comparison (per 100g serving)


Nutrient	Banana	Apple
Water	Approx. 75g	Approx. 86g
Carbohydrates	Approx. 23g	Approx. 14g
Fiber	Approx. 2.6g	Approx. 2.4g
Potassium	Approx. 358mg	Approx. 107mg
Calories	Approx. 89	Approx. 52

This table illustrates that while the banana contains less water by weight than an apple, it offers a more concentrated dose of energy from carbohydrates and a much higher potassium content. This unique nutrient profile is what makes the banana a valuable food for energy and electrolyte replenishment.

Factors Influencing Banana Hydration

While the 75% figure is a useful average, several factors can cause minor fluctuations in a banana's moisture level. These include:

Ripeness: As mentioned, the starch-to-sugar conversion process during ripening alters the fruit's internal chemistry, though not its overall water percentage significantly.
Variety: With over 50 species and countless varieties of bananas, nutritional composition is not uniform across the board. Some cultivars may have slightly higher or lower water content.
Size: Smaller bananas may have slightly different water-to-dry-matter ratios than larger ones.
Growing Conditions: Environmental factors like soil moisture and temperature during cultivation can impact the fruit's final composition.

Conclusion

So, are bananas 75% water? The answer is a resounding "yes," and it's a testament to the fact that appearance can be deceiving. While we might associate "hydrating foods" with watery, low-calorie options like watermelon, bananas offer a more balanced package of hydration, energy, and crucial electrolytes like potassium. Their role in maintaining fluid balance, especially for athletes and active individuals, extends far beyond simple water intake. The next time you grab a banana, remember you're not just getting a satisfying and energetic snack, but also a source of effective, nutrient-packed hydration. Incorporating these flavorful, portable fruits into your diet is an easy and delicious way to support your body's overall well-being. For a deeper dive into the health benefits of bananas, including how they support digestion and heart health, refer to authoritative nutrition resources such as the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, nutritional studies confirm that a ripe banana is typically around 75% water by weight. This percentage can vary slightly with the banana's specific variety and ripeness.

The dense texture of a banana is primarily due to its fiber and carbohydrate content, not a low water percentage. As the banana ripens, its starches convert to sugars, softening the fruit but not altering the overall moisture level dramatically.

Yes, bananas are a good source of hydration. They contribute to your daily fluid intake and, more importantly, provide potassium, an essential electrolyte that helps regulate fluid balance in your body.

Potassium is an electrolyte that works with sodium to maintain the fluid balance inside and outside your body's cells. Replenishing potassium after sweating helps your body rehydrate more effectively and supports proper muscle function.

The total water content is roughly the same between green and ripe bananas. The key difference is the carbohydrate composition; starch in green bananas breaks down into sugars as the fruit ripens, causing the flesh to soften.

Apples typically have a higher water content, around 86%, compared to a banana's 75%. However, bananas offer a more concentrated source of carbohydrates and potassium for energy and electrolyte balance.

Yes, the potassium content in bananas helps replenish electrolytes lost through sweat during exercise, which can help prevent muscle cramps associated with dehydration and electrolyte imbalance.