Does wintermelon have caffeine? A complete guide

December 24, 2025 •

4 min read

It's a common misconception that wintermelon contains caffeine, but the simple fact is that the winter melon gourd itself is completely caffeine-free. The caffeine content in popular wintermelon beverages is derived not from the fruit, but from other ingredients that are sometimes added during preparation.

Quick Summary

Wintermelon fruit is naturally caffeine-free. However, beverages like wintermelon milk tea can contain caffeine depending on whether ingredients such as black or green tea leaves are added.

Key Points

Caffeine-Free: Wintermelon is a gourd, and like other melons and gourds, it contains no natural caffeine.
Check Ingredients: The caffeine in wintermelon drinks comes from added ingredients, most commonly black or green tea.
Not All Teas are Equal: A simple wintermelon herbal tea is caffeine-free, but wintermelon milk tea often contains caffeinated black tea.
Hydrating and Nutritious: Wintermelon is high in water, dietary fiber, and potassium, offering excellent hydration and supporting digestion.
Healthier Alternative: Pure wintermelon beverages are a healthy, low-calorie alternative to sugary sodas and caffeinated drinks.
Read Labels: Always read the ingredients list or ask your server to confirm the caffeine content of prepared wintermelon beverages.

The Definitive Answer: Wintermelon is Naturally Caffeine-Free

For anyone concerned about their caffeine intake, the great news is that the winter melon, also known as ash gourd or wax gourd, does not naturally contain any caffeine. This makes it a popular base for many refreshing beverages that can be enjoyed at any time of day without the stimulating effects associated with caffeine. The fruit belongs to the gourd family, which includes cucumbers and squash, and like other members of this family, it lacks the chemical compounds that produce caffeine. The question of caffeine arises primarily because of the way winter melon is consumed, particularly in its prepared beverage form.

What is Wintermelon?

Wintermelon, or Benincasa hispida, is a large, oblong fruit that is typically cooked and used as a vegetable in many Asian cuisines. It has a very mild, almost neutral, flavor that has been compared to cucumber, with a very subtle sweetness. When ripe, its exterior develops a waxy, white coating, giving it its name. Due to its neutral profile, it easily absorbs the flavors of other ingredients, making it extremely versatile for both savory dishes and sweet drinks. Its flesh is white and firm, and it is known for its high water and dietary fiber content, making it both hydrating and low in calories.

Why Your Wintermelon Beverage Might Have Caffeine

The source of caffeine in wintermelon drinks is not the wintermelon itself, but rather the additional components mixed into the drink. The most common culprit is the inclusion of black tea, green tea, or other caffeinated bases. This is particularly prevalent in a popular beverage known as wintermelon milk tea. To avoid caffeine, it is essential to clarify the ingredients used in the beverage you are ordering or preparing.

Common Wintermelon Beverages

Wintermelon Tea: This is often a pure herbal infusion made from simmering wintermelon and rock sugar. In its simplest form, this is always caffeine-free.
Wintermelon Milk Tea: This popular bubble tea shop offering is frequently made with a base of black tea and milk, to which wintermelon syrup is added. The caffeine in this version comes directly from the black tea leaves.
Wintermelon Punch or Juice: These are typically made with wintermelon pulp or syrup mixed with water and sugar. Like the pure tea, these are usually caffeine-free.

Wintermelon vs. Common Drinks: A Comparison

To highlight the difference between pure wintermelon and beverages that may contain caffeine, here is a comparison table outlining the components and typical caffeine content of various popular drinks.


Beverage	Primary Ingredients	Typical Caffeine Content	Key Takeaway
Pure Wintermelon Tea	Wintermelon, rock sugar, water	None	Naturally caffeine-free; excellent alternative.
Wintermelon Milk Tea	Wintermelon syrup, milk, black tea	Moderate to High	Contains caffeine from the black tea base.
Traditional Coffee	Coffee beans, water	High	A potent stimulant, contains significant caffeine.
Herbal Tea (e.g., Peppermint)	Dried herbs, water	None	Naturally caffeine-free, like pure wintermelon tea.
Green Tea	Green tea leaves, water	Low to Moderate	Contains natural caffeine from the tea plant.

Health Benefits of Wintermelon

Beyond being a refreshing and naturally caffeine-free option, wintermelon boasts several health benefits that have been recognized in traditional Asian medicine for centuries.

Lists of Wintermelon's Benefits

High in Water and Fiber: With over 90% water content and a good amount of dietary fiber, wintermelon is excellent for hydration and digestion.
Rich in Nutrients: It contains essential vitamins and minerals such as vitamin C, B vitamins, potassium, and calcium.
Natural Diuretic: Its high potassium content helps maintain the body's fluid balance and aids in flushing out excess salt and toxins.
Cooling Properties: In Chinese medicine, wintermelon is considered a 'cooling' food, often used to help reduce body heat in warmer climates.
Supports Weight Management: Low in calories and high in fiber, it helps promote satiety and can assist in weight loss efforts.

Conclusion: A Clear Choice for Caffeine-Free Refreshment

In summary, the wintermelon fruit itself is completely devoid of caffeine, providing a safe and natural option for those looking to avoid stimulants. The key to ensuring a caffeine-free beverage lies in checking the preparation method. Opt for traditional wintermelon teas or juices made simply from the gourd, water, and sweetener. For store-bought drinks, always check the ingredients list. By understanding the source of the caffeine, you can confidently enjoy the mild, refreshing, and hydrating benefits of wintermelon without any unwanted jitters. Its versatility and health-boosting properties make it a fantastic addition to any diet, offering a delicious alternative to many caffeinated beverages.

Visit The Spruce Eats for more details on the characteristics of winter melon.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, wintermelon milk tea typically contains caffeine because it is made with a base of caffeinated tea, such as black or green tea, combined with wintermelon syrup and milk.

Yes, pure wintermelon tea or juice, made by simmering wintermelon fruit with sugar and water, is naturally and completely caffeine-free.

The caffeine in some wintermelon drinks, particularly milk teas, comes from the tea leaves added to the recipe, not from the wintermelon fruit itself.

Yes, pure wintermelon tea or juice is a great choice for a relaxing evening beverage because it is naturally caffeine-free and will not disrupt your sleep.

Yes, wintermelon is rich in vitamins, minerals (like potassium), water, and fiber. It acts as a natural diuretic and is traditionally used for its cooling and hydrating properties.

The best way is to ask the vendor or check the ingredients list. If the drink is explicitly described as a 'milk tea' or includes black tea, it is likely caffeinated.

Yes, wintermelon is also commonly known as ash gourd or wax gourd, and all three names refer to the same caffeine-free fruit.