Is Cantaloupe Safe for Kidney Stones? (Safe)

Yes — Cantaloupe is safe for most kidney stone patients. At 2 mg oxalate per 1 cup (160g), it's well under the 25 mg threshold that defines the safe zone. Harvard's 2024 lab analysis measured this directly, so the number is reliable.
✓ Lab-Verified Data Based on Harvard T.H. Chan SPH oxalate data (2024) and NKF/AUA dietary guidelines.
2
mg oxalate
per serving
Food: Cantaloupe, raw
Serving: 1 cup (160 g)
Verdict: 🟢 Safe
Per 100g: 1 mg
Data: Harvard T.H. Chan SPH (2024)
🔄 Lower-Oxalate Alternatives
🟢 Lychee or Litchee
0 mg / serving
🟢 Jams Jellies
0 mg / serving
🟢 Lemon Extract Herbs and Spices
0 mg / serving
🟢 Orange Extract Herbs and Spices
0 mg / serving
💡 What This Means for Your Diet

Here's the takeaway: Cantaloupe earns a Safe rating (🟢) at 2 mg oxalate per serving. Being under 25 mg means it fits comfortably in everyday eating. Keep your usual habits — adequate fluids and calcium in meals — and Cantaloupe poses no special concern.

📊 Cantaloupe vs. Other Fruits

Putting Cantaloupe in context: it lands well below the category average of 21 mg. In the database, 89% of fruits (101 of 113) fall in the 🟢 Safe group (under 25 mg oxalate/serving). The typical fruits here averages 21 mg oxalate per serving, so Cantaloupe runs 91% below that baseline. That places it among the lower-oxalate options in its category. Why this matters: the gap between two Safe foods can be wide — one may hold 5 mg oxalate while another sits at 24 mg. The lower one leaves more room in your day. See all fruits rated Safe for a full side-by-side.

❓ Related Questions

Why does the safe threshold matter?

The 25 mg line is the reference point clinicians use to separate everyday foods from ones that need caution. Every value on this page traces back to Harvard's 2024 lab analysis, so the threshold is applied to measured data rather than estimates. For Cantaloupe, the measured oxalate value is 2 mg per 1 cup (Safe).

Can I eat this food every day?

Daily eating is fine for Safe foods (under 25 mg/serving). For Caution or Avoid foods, spread them out and alternate with low-oxalate picks. The idea is keeping your weekly oxalate load manageable, not eliminating any single food. For Cantaloupe, the measured oxalate value is 2 mg per 1 cup (Safe).

Where does the oxalate data come from?

Every oxalate figure is sourced from Harvard T.H. Chan SPH (2024), distributed via the OHF database. The values come from actual lab measurements of the foods — not from database averages or estimates. Cantaloupe comes in at 2 mg oxalate per 1 cup (Safe) in the measured database.

Should I also check sodium and calcium?

Yes — kidney stone risk isn't just about oxalate. High sodium increases urinary calcium (a stone promoter). Adequate dietary calcium (from food, not supplements) actually binds oxalate in your gut. Check the food's full nutrition page for the complete picture. For context, Cantaloupe measures 2 mg per 1 cup, rated Safe.

This is dietary reference information, NOT medical advice. Talk to your doctor or a registered dietitian before changing your diet. Oxalate tolerance varies by person, stone type, and medication.