How does honeydew compare to cantaloupe?

Cantaloupe and honeydew share similar nutritional profiles, except for two main differences—vitamin C and beta-carotene. Cantaloupe contains about twice the amount of vitamin C as does honeydew (37 milligrams for 100 gram serving versus 18 milligrams for that same amount) and about 67 times the amount of beta-carotene (2,020 micrograms for 100 gram serving versus 30 micrograms). This difference in beta-carotene is significant—if we were looking for a source of this important nutrient, we would look to cantaloupe but not to honeydew as the amount it contains is minimal.

Even though cantaloupe contains more vitamin C and beta-carotene, honeydew and cantaloupe are far more similar than different. Both contain approximately the same amount of calories per bite as well as similar amounts of fiber and phenol phytonutrients and similar trace amounts of B vitamins and minerals. Cantaloupe and honeydew—as well as other varieties of melons—can play a delicious and important part of your Healthiest Way of Eating.