Which Melons Are Low in Potassium? Your Guide to Kidney-Friendly Choices

December 3, 2025 •

3 min read

According to DaVita, a cup of cantaloupe contains more than twice the potassium of watermelon, making it a high-potassium fruit. For those needing to manage their intake, understanding which melons are low in potassium is essential for healthy and safe dietary planning.

Quick Summary

Watermelon is a delicious low-potassium option, while cantaloupe and honeydew contain higher amounts and should be consumed in smaller, controlled portions, especially on restricted diets.

Key Points

Watermelon is the safest melon: At approximately 170 mg of potassium per cup, watermelon is a low-potassium fruit suitable for most restricted diets.
Cantaloupe and honeydew are higher: Cantaloupe and honeydew contain significantly more potassium, making them moderate-potassium fruits.
Practice portion control for higher-potassium melons: If you have dietary restrictions, limit cantaloupe and honeydew to a half-cup serving size to control potassium intake.
Watch fluid intake with watermelon: Due to its high water content, those with fluid restrictions should still monitor their watermelon portion sizes, often limiting to one cup.
Diversify with other low-potassium fruits: Apples, grapes, and berries are also excellent low-potassium choices to include in your diet.

Understanding Potassium and Its Role

Potassium is an essential mineral vital for nerve function, muscle contractions, and maintaining a normal heart rhythm. Healthy kidneys play a crucial role in balancing potassium levels in the body. However, for individuals with kidney disease or those on a potassium-restricted diet, consuming too much of this mineral can be dangerous, leading to a condition called hyperkalemia. Elevated potassium levels can cause heart rhythm irregularities and other serious health issues, highlighting the importance of careful dietary choices. Fruit, while generally nutritious, can be a significant source of potassium, and melons are no exception.

Low-Potassium Melon: Watermelon

When it comes to low-potassium melon, watermelon is the clear winner. This summer favorite is not only a fantastic source of hydration but also has a significantly lower potassium content compared to other popular melon varieties. A single cup of diced watermelon contains approximately 170 mg of potassium, making it a safe choice for most low-potassium diets. Watermelon is also packed with other valuable nutrients, including lycopene—a powerful antioxidant—and vitamins A and C. Its high water content makes it a refreshing and hydrating snack, though those on a strict fluid restriction should still monitor their serving size. Dietitians often recommend a one-cup serving for those managing both potassium and fluid intake.

Higher-Potassium Melons: Cantaloupe and Honeydew

While delicious, cantaloupe and honeydew melons contain considerably more potassium than watermelon and must be approached with caution on a restricted diet. For example, a single cup of cantaloupe contains roughly 427 mg of potassium, and a cup of honeydew contains about 388 mg. For individuals on a low-potassium diet, these fruits are not off-limits entirely but require strict portion control. A suggested serving size is typically limited to a half-cup to keep potassium levels in check. Other, less common melons like casaba also have a higher potassium count, with around 309 mg per cup.

Managing Portion Sizes

For Cantaloupe and Honeydew: Limit intake to a half-cup serving to control potassium. This smaller portion allows you to enjoy the flavor without overdoing it.
For Watermelon: While low in potassium, remember its high water content. If you have fluid restrictions, stick to a one-cup serving, as recommended by DaVita.
Pairing for Balance: To avoid a sugar spike and add some healthy fats or protein, try pairing a smaller portion of melon with a side of cottage cheese or a few nuts, which can help stabilize blood sugar.

Comparison of Melon Potassium Content

Choosing the right melon depends on your dietary needs. The following table provides a quick comparison of the potassium content in common melons per one-cup diced serving.


Melon Type	Approximate Potassium (per 1 cup diced)	Suitability for Low-Potassium Diet
Watermelon	~170 mg	Excellent Choice
Honeydew	~388 mg	Consume in Moderation (Limit to ½ cup)
Cantaloupe	~427 mg	Consume in Moderation (Limit to ½ cup)
Casaba	~309 mg	Consume in Moderation (Limit to ½ cup)

Expanding Your Low-Potassium Fruit Options

For those on a restricted diet, diversifying your fruit intake can help prevent boredom and ensure a wide range of vitamins and minerals. Watermelon is a great option, but it's not the only low-potassium fruit available.

Here is a list of other low-potassium fruits to consider:

Apples
Pineapple
Grapes
Berries (strawberries, raspberries, blueberries)
Pears
Cherries
Plums

Incorporating these fruits, along with mindful portions of higher-potassium melons, can help create a varied and enjoyable diet while staying within your nutritional guidelines. Always consult with a healthcare professional or registered dietitian for personalized advice tailored to your specific health needs.

Conclusion: Making Informed Choices

For individuals managing their potassium intake, watermelon stands out as the safest and most reliable melon choice. While cantaloupe and honeydew are higher in potassium, they don't have to be eliminated entirely but must be consumed in smaller, carefully measured portions. By understanding the potassium differences and practicing portion control, you can still enjoy a wide variety of fresh, delicious melons and other fruits while adhering to a kidney-friendly diet. Making informed choices empowers you to take control of your nutritional health and well-being. For more in-depth information, you can find helpful resources on the DaVita website: https://davita.com/diet-nutrition/kidney-diet-tips/melons-and-the-kidney-diet-best-choices/.

Frequently Asked Questions

Watermelon is considered a low-potassium melon, containing only about 170 mg of potassium per one-cup serving. Other melons like cantaloupe and honeydew are higher in potassium.

Yes, but only in moderation with careful portion control. A cup of cantaloupe is high in potassium (~427 mg), so a smaller serving of about half a cup is recommended to stay within limits.

A one-cup serving of honeydew melon contains approximately 388 mg of potassium. This is considerably higher than watermelon, so portion control is important on a restricted diet.

Watermelon is a good choice because it is naturally low in potassium. It is also high in water, which helps with hydration, and contains the antioxidant lycopene.

Yes, if you are on a fluid restriction. While low in potassium, watermelon is 92% water. Dietitians often advise limiting the serving to one cup for those managing fluid intake, such as dialysis patients.

Yes, other fruits that are low in potassium include apples, pineapple, grapes, berries like strawberries and raspberries, and peaches.

The key takeaway is to choose watermelon as your primary melon. For higher-potassium melons like cantaloupe and honeydew, always use strict portion control, typically limiting to a half-cup serving.