In this article
Editorial update: September 29, 2026. Text prepared with AI support from the indicated sources. No independent clinical review. General information, not an individual meal plan.
Short answer
In most versions of the ketogenic diet, melon and watermelon are excluded, like almost all fruits. But they are not among the highest in carbs: 100 g of raw melon have 7.5 g, and 100 g of raw watermelon, 8.1 g, slightly above strawberry (6.8 g), one of the berries accepted in small portions. If they enter, they must be counted within the daily limit.
How many carbs do melon and watermelon have?
| Food | Total carbohydrate (g) | Fiber (g) |
|---|---|---|
| Melon, raw | 7.5 | 0.3 |
| Watermelon, raw | 8.1 | 0.1 |
| Strawberry, raw | 6.8 | 1.7 |
| Orange (pear variety), raw | 8.9 | 0.8 |
| Apple, Fuji, with skin, raw | 15.2 | 1.3 |
In numbers: 100 g of melon equal 15% of a daily limit of 50 g and 38% of a limit of 20 g. Fiber is low: 0.3 g per 100 g.
And watermelon?
It is very close to melon: 8.1 g of carbohydrate per 100 g, equivalent to 16% of a 50 g limit and 41% of a 20 g limit. The difference is in fiber, which in watermelon almost does not appear (0.1 g per 100 g).
The fruit rule in keto
According to the Harvard Nutrition Source summary, fruits outside the allowed list only enter when they fit within the defined carbohydrate limit; berries, in small portions, are the exception, and all fruit juices are excluded.
If you have diabetes, use medication, are pregnant or breastfeeding, consult a health professional on how to include fruits. The 7-day menu shows a week without them. Precautions before starting are in risks and precautions of the ketogenic diet.
Sources
- Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, The Nutrition Source: Diet Review: Ketogenic Diet for Weight Loss
- TACO – Tabela Brasileira de Composição de Alimentos, 4ª edição revisada e ampliada (NEPA/Unicamp)
Mariana is passionate about a healthy lifestyle.
