Glucose: MediumNOVA 1

How Many Calories for Watermelon?

1 wedge (~280g) of watermelon contains around 92 calories (33 kcal per 100g). Watermelon is classified as NOVA 1 (unprocessed).

Nutrition per 100g

NutrientPer 100gPer serving
Energy33 kcal / 141 kJ92 kcal
Protein0.5g1.4g
Carbohydrates7.1g19.9g
of which sugars7.1g
Fat0.3g0.8g
of which saturated0.1g
Fibre0.1g
Salt0.01g

Serving size: 1 wedge (~280g) · Source: Tesco product page, October 2025

Glucose impact

Medium

Glucose risk

Watermelon has a high glycaemic index (~72) which looks alarming on paper. However, the actual glucose impact per serving is moderate to low because watermelon is over 90% water with only 7.1g of carbs per 100g. The glycaemic load per typical serving (~120g) is only around 5, which is classified as low. You would need to eat a very large quantity to cause a significant blood sugar spike. Pairing watermelon with nuts or cheese further blunts any glucose response.

Processing level

NOVA 1 (unprocessed)

Whole watermelon and pre-cut watermelon pieces (wedges, chunks, fingers) are NOVA 1 — just fresh fruit, minimally processed by cutting. There are no additives, preservatives, or flavourings. Fruit salad mixes containing watermelon alongside other fruits remain NOVA 1 as they are simply combined fresh ingredients.

Watermelon at Tesco

Source: Tesco product page, October 2025

£3.50*NOVA 1 (unprocessed)
£2.30*NOVA 1 (unprocessed)
£3.10*NOVA 1 (unprocessed)
£2.50*NOVA 1 (unprocessed)
£4.25*NOVA 1 (unprocessed)

*Prices were correct at the time of collection and may have since changed. Check Tesco.com for current pricing.

What to watch for when shopping

All plain watermelon products at Tesco are NOVA 1 — whole, mini, wedges, chunks, and fingers are all just fresh fruit. The mixed fruit pots (Watermelon Strawberry & Black Grape, Watermelon & Mango) are also NOVA 1 but have slightly higher sugar per 100g due to the sweeter companion fruits. From a glucose perspective, do not be scared by the high GI number — the glycaemic load per serving is low. Budget tip: Tesco Mini Watermelon at £2.30 is the best value for a whole fruit.

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