Papaya nectar, canned
Whole food · Fruits and Fruit Juices
Photo: Wikipedia
Papaya nectar is a sweet, tropical beverage made from the juice and pulp of ripe papayas, offering a smooth, velvety texture with a distinct honey-melon flavor. Nutritionally, it's a light, low-calorie drink that provides a quick source of natural sugars and a modest amount of fiber, making it a refreshing, hydrating option.
Calorie split: 1% protein · 97% carbs · 2% fat
↓ Full nutrition💚 Why it's loved
People love its intensely sweet, tropical flavor and smooth, drinkable consistency, which makes it a popular base for cocktails, smoothies, and mocktails. It's also cherished in many cultures as a comforting, nostalgic beverage often enjoyed chilled on a hot day.
⚠️ Watch-outs & how to enjoy it better
Its high natural sugar content (nearly 14g per 100g) can cause blood-sugar spikes, making it less ideal for those with diabetes or insulin resistance. To counteract this, pair it with a source of protein or healthy fat (like nuts or yogurt) and practice portion control by diluting it with water or sparkling water.
Key benefits
- Low in calories and fat, suitable for weight management.
- Source of natural sugars for quick energy.
- Contains dietary fiber to support digestion.
- Provides vitamin C and antioxidants from papaya.
- Hydrating and refreshing as a standalone drink.
🍽️ Popular dishes
🌍 Where it's eaten
💡 Did you know?
Papaya nectar's characteristic sweetness comes from the fruit's high content of papain, an enzyme also used as a natural meat tenderizer, which breaks down proteins and can make the drink feel extra smooth on the palate.
Full nutrition (USDA data · scales with serving)
| Water | 85.0 g |
| Energy | 57.0 kcal |
| Energy | 238 kj |
| Protein | 0.17 g |
| Total lipid (fat) | 0.15 g |
| Ash | 0.15 g |
| Carbohydrate, by difference | 14.5 g |
| Fiber, total dietary | 0.60 g |
| Total Sugars | 13.9 g |
| Calcium, Ca | 10.0 mg |
| Iron, Fe | 0.34 mg |
| Magnesium, Mg | 3.0 mg |
| Phosphorus, P | 0.00 mg |
| Potassium, K | 31.0 mg |
| Sodium, Na | 5.0 mg |
| Zinc, Zn | 0.15 mg |
| Copper, Cu | 0.01 mg |
| Manganese, Mn | 0.01 mg |
| Selenium, Se | 0.30 ug |
| Vitamin C, total ascorbic acid | 3.0 mg |
| Thiamin | 0.01 mg |
| Riboflavin | 0.00 mg |
| Niacin | 0.15 mg |
| Pantothenic acid | 0.05 mg |
| Vitamin B-6 | 0.01 mg |
| Folate, total | 2.0 ug |
| Folic acid | 0.00 ug |
| Folate, food | 2.0 ug |
| Folate, DFE | 2.0 ug |
| Choline, total | 2.0 mg |
| Vitamin B-12 | 0.00 ug |
| Vitamin B-12, added | 0.00 ug |
| Vitamin A, RAE | 18.0 ug |
| Retinol | 0.00 ug |
| Carotene, beta | 91.0 ug |
| Carotene, alpha | 0.00 ug |
| Cryptoxanthin, beta | 251 ug |
| Vitamin A, IU | 361 iu |
| Lycopene | 0.00 ug |
| Lutein + zeaxanthin | 25.0 ug |
| Vitamin E (alpha-tocopherol) | 0.24 mg |
| Vitamin E, added | 0.00 mg |
| Vitamin D (D2 + D3), International Units | 0.00 iu |
| Vitamin D (D2 + D3) | 0.00 ug |
| Vitamin K (phylloquinone) | 0.80 ug |
| Alcohol, ethyl | 0.00 g |
| Caffeine | 0.00 mg |
| Theobromine | 0.00 mg |
Fat & fatty acid profile (per 100g)
| Fatty acids, total saturated | 0.05 g |
| SFA 4:0 | 0.00 g |
| SFA 6:0 | 0.00 g |
| SFA 8:0 | 0.00 g |
| SFA 10:0 | 0.00 g |
| SFA 12:0 | 0.00 g |
| SFA 14:0 | 0.01 g |
| SFA 16:0 | 0.04 g |
| SFA 18:0 | 0.00 g |
| Fatty acids, total monounsaturated | 0.04 g |
| MUFA 16:1 | 0.02 g |
| MUFA 18:1 | 0.02 g |
| MUFA 20:1 | 0.00 g |
| MUFA 22:1 | 0.00 g |
| Fatty acids, total polyunsaturated | 0.04 g |
| PUFA 18:2 | 0.01 g |
| PUFA 18:3 | 0.03 g |
| PUFA 18:4 | 0.00 g |
| PUFA 20:4 | 0.00 g |
| PUFA 20:5 n-3 (EPA) | 0.00 g |
| PUFA 22:5 n-3 (DPA) | 0.00 g |
| PUFA 22:6 n-3 (DHA) | 0.00 g |
| Fatty acids, total trans | 0.00 g |
| Cholesterol | 0.00 mg |
FAQ
Is papaya nectar the same as papaya juice?
Not exactly. Nectar typically refers to a juice drink that may be diluted with water and have added sugar, while pure juice is 100% fruit juice. Check the label for added ingredients.
Can I use papaya nectar in cooking?
Yes, it works well as a sweetener or flavor base in marinades for fish or chicken, in salad dressings, or as a liquid component in baked goods like cakes and muffins.
Is it safe for people with latex allergies?
Papaya contains chitinases, enzymes that can cause cross-reactivity with latex allergies. Those with a latex allergy may want to avoid or be cautious with papaya products, including nectar.
Nutrient density (calculated · NRF9.3)
Nutrient Rich Foods index: beneficial nutrients (protein, fiber, vitamins, minerals) minus saturated fat, added sugar & sodium, per 100 kcal.
NRF9.3 index — Fulgoni, Keast & Drewnowski, 2009. Computed from USDA nutrients.
Weight-loss friendliness (composite index)
Energy density 0.57 kcal/g · 1% calories from protein · 0.6 g fiber · 13.9 g sugar per 100 g.
Composite of energy density (Rolls et al., 1999), protein & fiber satiety, minus sugar. A calculated heuristic — ranks satiety-per-calorie, not a clinical measure.
Dietary load (calculated from USDA values)
Potential renal acid load. Positive = acid-forming, negative = alkaline-forming.
Sodium-to-potassium ratio: 0.16 (lower is better — aim for ≤ 1)
Sodium:potassium per WHO potassium guidance. Computed from USDA nutrients.