Featured This Week:

I’ve always been a firm believer in the “go big or go home” motto, but lately, I’m starting to think there’s something to be said for… downsizing. Is bigger always better? Well, that depends on who you ask and what you’re talking about. 

These questions came to mind this week as I sat at my desk thinking about watermelons (yes, this is a regular occurrence). I couldn’t help but flash back to being a kid in the summer. My grandpa would randomly show up with a massive picnic watermelon tossed into the backseat like it was nothing. My sisters and I would squeal with delight at the surprise treat, while my grandma would eye the fridge in horror, trying to rearrange her perfectly packed Tupperware to make room for the oversized guest of honor

Those giant melons were part of the magic of summer, but today, our watermelon habits have evolved.  We’re no longer saving watermelon for holidays or family BBQs.  Thanks to the rise of the mini watermelon (also called personal watermelons), this juicy summertime treat has become an everyday fridge staple.  And honestly, I’m here for it.

Let’s talk about why we’re all crushing on these little guys. First of all, they’re cute. Let’s just admit it. There’s something about their size that makes you want to bring one home. But it’s not just aesthetics, they’re also incredibly practical. A mini watermelon fits neatly into your fridge without forcing you to rearrange leftovers and jars of pickles. I can cut one open and eat the whole thing in a day or two. No soggy half-melons hanging around in plastic wrap, no guilt about wasted fruit.

Then there’s the flesh-to-rind ratio. With a thinner rind and smaller size, you actually get more of the good stuff, more juicy, edible flesh per pound. And they’re usually seedless, reliably sweet, and just easy. I love that I don’t have to cross my fingers when I cut into one hoping it’s not mushy or bland. The consistency of flavor in minis is honestly better than many full-sized melons I’ve tried.

They’re also a smart buy. Mini watermelons are cost-effective and hydrating, perfect for keeping you and your family refreshed all summer long. I keep one in the fridge weekly, not just on the 4th of July or when guests are coming over.

And it turns out I’m not alone. Consumer data shows that mini watermelon sales have been climbing steadily over the past decade. They now account for more than 20% of total watermelon sales, up from just 8% ten years ago. In fact, during peak summer months, mini watermelon purchases are outpacing picnic-sized melons in many urban and suburban markets. Younger shoppers, especially Millennials and Gen Z, are leading the charge. Around 68% of Gen Z produce shoppers say they prefer “single-serve” fruits that are easy to store, eat, and don’t lead to food waste.

These are the grab-and-go generations, they want their fruit portable, fresh, and functional. And the mini watermelon checks every box.

Do I still love a giant picnic watermelon on a hot holiday weekend? Of course. There’s something nostalgic and iconic about the whole slicing-and-serving scene. Especially spitting those seeds at my sister, some things you never grow out of! But for everyday life? I’ll take the mini. It’s compact, it’s cute, it’s perfectly portioned, and it always hits the spot.

So yes, I am still a “go big or go home” kinda girl, but I can appreciate that good things can come in small packages especially when they’re cold, crisp, and seedless.