diff --git a/AsyncDisplayKit/ASTextNode.mm b/AsyncDisplayKit/ASTextNode.mm
index 24617d1088..928031ff80 100644
--- a/AsyncDisplayKit/ASTextNode.mm
+++ b/AsyncDisplayKit/ASTextNode.mm
@@ -126,6 +126,7 @@ ASDISPLAYNODE_INLINE CGFloat ceilPixelValue(CGFloat f)
 
     // The common case is for a text node to be non-opaque and blended over some background.
     self.opaque = NO;
+    self.backgroundColor = [UIColor whiteColor];
 
     // Accessibility
     self.isAccessibilityElement = YES;