Low Glycemic Index Foods List
Complete list of 413 foods with low glycemic index (GI ≤55). Perfect for diabetes management, blood sugar control, and sustained energy throughout the day.
Diabetes Friendly
Low GI foods help maintain stable blood sugar levels, making them ideal for diabetes management and prevention.
Sustained Energy
Slow glucose absorption provides steady energy release, preventing energy crashes and hunger spikes.
Heart Healthy
Low GI foods support cardiovascular health and may help reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke.
Low GI Foods PDF Chart - Free Download
Download our comprehensive PDF chart featuring all 413 low gi foods. Perfect for meal planning, grocery shopping, and diabetes management. Print-friendly format with GI values, calories, and nutritional information.
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Search & Filter Foods
Cream
Dairy
Cream - 30%
Dairy
Sour cream
Dairy
Cheese - Mozzarella, pressed cottage cheese, etc
Dairy
Cheddar
Dairy
Mutton - Lamb
Meat
Boiled lamb
Meat
Ham, sliced, sausages
Meat
Beef - steak, etc
Meat
Boiled lean beef
Meat
Boiled beef tongue
Meat
Beef brains
Meat
Goose
Meat
Turkey
Meat
Turkey - boiled
Meat
Rabbit
Meat
Rabbit - fried
Meat
Boiled chicken breast
Meat
Chicken
Meat
Chicken - fried
Meat
Kidneys - braised
Meat
Fat
Meat
Fried pork
Meat
Fat Pork
Meat
Grilled pork
Meat
Lean pork
Meat
Veal
Meat
Boiled veal
Meat
Roast duck
Meat
Duck
Meat
Foie gras, goose liver paste - canned
Meat
Chickens
Meat
Goose fat
Oils and Sauces
Fat - animal, vegetable
Oils and Sauces
Mayonnaise - homemade
Oils and Sauces
Margarine
Oils and Sauces
Butter
Oils and Sauces
Olive oil
Oils and Sauces
Vegetable fat
Oils and Sauces
Egg
Other
Salmon
Seafood
Tuna
Seafood
Red caviar
Seafood
Seafood - oysters, shrimp, mussels, etc
Seafood
Stevia
Sweeteners
Hemp seed - peeled
Spices
Crustaceans - lobster, crab, spiny lobster
Seafood
Basil
Spices
Balsamic vinegar
Spices
Vanilla
Spices
Cinnamon
Spices
Oregano
Spices
Spices - cinnamon
Spices
Caraway
Spices
Chickpeas
Greens
Horseradish
Spices
Avocado
Vegetables
Butter - high fat
Oils and Sauces
Chicory
Beverages
Tofu cheese
Dairy
Yellow gooseberry
Fruits
Black currant - fresh berry
Fruits
Grains - sprouted
Grains
Bran - wheat, oat
Grains
Soybeans
Greens
Green peas
Greens
Lettuce - fresh
Greens
Onion - fresh
Greens
Leek
Greens
Shallot
Greens
Parsley
Greens
Salad - iceberg, leaf, arugula, etc.
Greens
Beetroot
Greens
Celery - fresh
Greens
Soybean
Greens
Asparagus
Greens
Tempeh
Greens
Tofu, bean curd
Greens
Fennel
Greens
Spinach
Greens
Sorrel
Greens
Endive
Greens
Mushrooms
Mushroom
Peanut
Nuts
Peanuts - Dry Roasted
Nuts
Walnuts
Nuts
Pine nuts
Nuts
Almond
Nuts
Walnut
Nuts
Hazelnut
Nuts
Pistachios
Nuts
Pesto - sauce
Oils and Sauces
Ginger
Spices
Carob - carob powder
Spices
Lupine
Spices
Vinegar
Spices
Agave syrup
Sweeteners
Corn syrup
Sweeteners
Broccoli
Vegetables
Brussels sprouts - Fresh
Vegetables
Squash
Vegetables
White cabbage
Vegetables
Brussels sprouts
Vegetables
Sauerkraut
Vegetables
Cauliflower
Vegetables
Pickled Cucumber
Vegetables
Black olives
Vegetables
Cucumber
Vegetables
Dill pickles
Vegetables
Olives
Vegetables
Sweet pepper
Vegetables
Chilli
Vegetables
Chilli Green - Fresh
Vegetables
Rhubarb
Vegetables
Radish
Vegetables
Sweet pepper (red, green), paprika
Vegetables
Salted cucumbers
Vegetables
Cauliflower - Fresh
Vegetables
Braised Cauliflower
Vegetables
Zucchini
Vegetables
Physalis
Fruits
Cocoa Powder - Sugar Free
Beverages
Lemon juice - unsweetened
Beverages
Soy yogurt - natural
Dairy
Soya cream
Dairy
Acerola, Barbados Cherry - fresh
Fruits
Lemon - Fresh Fruit
Fruits
Bamboo sprouts
Greens
Soy sauce
Oils and Sauces
Palm pulp
Other
Fructose
Sweeteners
Dark Chocolate 85% Cocoa
Sweets
Artichoke
Vegetables
Eggplant
Vegetables
Capers
Vegetables
Kohlrabi
Vegetables
Chinese cabbage
Vegetables
Ratatouille
Vegetables
Nuts - mix with raisins
Nuts
Grapefruit
Fruits
Cashew nuts - salted
Nuts
Chocolate candy with sweeteners
Sweets
Dark chocolate
Sweets
Goat milk
Dairy
Kefir low-fat
Dairy
Cherry plum
Fruits
Cherry - sweet, fresh
Fruits
Blueberry
Fruits
Pomelo, sheddock - fresh
Fruits
Blackberry - fresh berry
Fruits
Strawberries - fresh berries
Fruits
Raspberries - fresh berries
Fruits
Cloudberry - fresh berries
Fruits
Red currant - fresh berry
Fruits
Sweet cherry
Fruits
Goji berries
Fruits
Barley groats
Grains
Soya flour
Grains
Oat flour
Grains
Perlovka
Grains
Pumpkin Seeds)
Grains
Peeled peas - fresh
Greens
Mung Bean Mung
Greens
Lentil sprouts
Greens
Dill - fresh
Greens
Hummus
Greens
Lentils - green
Greens
Acorns
Nuts
Cashew nuts
Nuts
Hazelnuts
Nuts
Almond oil
Oils and Sauces
Peanut Butter - Sugar Free
Sweets
Chocolate 70% cocoa
Sweets
Skim milk
Dairy
Whole milk 3%
Dairy
Almond milk
Dairy
Soya milk
Dairy
Skim cheese
Dairy
Cream - 10%
Dairy
Chees Feta
Dairy
Cottage cheese
Dairy
Cottage cheese 9% fat
Dairy
Low-fat cottage cheese
Dairy
Pear - fresh fruit
Fruits
Mandarin
Fruits
Passion fruit
Fruits
Sea buckthorn
Fruits
Pomelo
Fruits
Passion fruit, granadilla - fresh
Fruits
Tangerines, tangerines, satsuma - fresh
Fruits
Soy vermicelli
Grains
Chia Seeds - Dried
Grains
Barley flour
Grains
String Beans - Fresh
Greens
Green beans
Greens
Lentils - yellow
Greens
Sausages
Meat
Lentil soup
Soups
Garlic
Spices
Marmalade - Sugar Free
Sweets
Carrot - Fresh
Vegetables
Tomatoes - Fresh
Vegetables
Turnip - Raw
Vegetables
Beetroot - Fresh
Vegetables
Scorzonera - Kozelec
Vegetables
Tomatoes
Vegetables
Turnip, Fresh Turnip
Vegetables
Kefir - 1% fat
Dairy
Milk
Dairy
Natural milk
Dairy
Macaroons, Coconut Flour
Grains
Fettuccine
Grains
Fat-free yogurt
Dairy
Cream - 18%
Dairy
White beans - boiled
Greens
Lotus - root powder
Spices
Chocolate milk
Dairy
Whole milk
Dairy
Apricot
Fruits
Whole Grain - Rye
Grains
Cooked sausage
Meat
Germinated bread
Baked Products
Tomato juice
Beverages
Yogurt
Dairy
Yogurt 1.5% natural
Dairy
Ice cream - with fructose
Dairy
Soya milk ice cream
Dairy
Chinese noodles
Fast food
Quince - fresh fruit
Fruits
Orange - fresh fruit
Fruits
Pomegranate - fresh
Fruits
Fresh Fig
Fruits
Dried apricots
Fruits
Nectarine - fresh fruit
Fruits
Prickly pear - fresh fruit
Fruits
Peach - fresh fruit
Fruits
Dried Peaches
Fruits
Plums - fresh
Fruits
Dried apples
Fruits
Applesauce - unsweetened
Fruits
Amaranth seeds - unprepared
Grains
Durum wheat vermicelli
Grains
Quinoa - cooked
Grains
Fresh corn
Grains
Linen
Grains
Chickpea flour
Grains
Sunflower - seeds
Grains
Wild rice - black
Grains
White beans
Greens
Peas - green, fresh
Greens
Chickpeas - canned
Greens
Plain, Spotted Beans - Fresh
Greens
Motley beans, borlotti, roman beans
Greens
Azuki Beans
Greens
Red beans
Greens
White almond paste, puree without sweeteners
Nuts
Mashed Tomato
Oils and Sauces
Tomato sauce - natural, sugar free
Oils and Sauces
Yeast
Other
Brewer's yeast
Other
Dijon mustard
Spices
Sesame
Spices
Sesame seed
Spices
Flaxseed
Spices
Poppy seed
Spices
Coconut Sugar
Sweeteners
Almond paste - Sugar Free
Sweets
Tomatoes - Dried
Vegetables
Kefir - regular
Dairy
An Apple
Fruits
Mushrooms - cooked
Mushroom
Tomato soup
Soups
Buckwheat pancakes
Baked Products
Shortbread cookies - Integral Flour, Sugar Free
Baked Products
Pumpkin bread
Baked Products
Carrot Juice - unsweetened
Beverages
Dry cider
Beverages
Chicory - drink
Beverages
Apple cider - brut
Beverages
Apple Juice - unsweetened
Beverages
Coconut Milk
Dairy
Quince - canned, jelly without sugar
Fruits
Melon pear - pepino
Fruits
Pepino, melon pear
Fruits
Dried dates
Fruits
Prunes
Fruits
Kamut, Egyptian Wheat - cooked
Grains
Buckwheat porridge
Grains
Quinoa - unprepared
Grains
Whole Wheat Pasta
Grains
Buckwheat Pasta
Grains
Buckwheat flour
Grains
Quinoa flour
Grains
Whole grain pasta made by al dente
Grains
Spelled wheat
Grains
Whole Grain Spaghetti
Grains
Beans, fava - raw
Greens
Falafel - from beans, fava
Greens
Peanut Oil - Sugar Free
Oils and Sauces
Coconut milk - raw
Oils and Sauces
Ravioli from durum wheat
Other
Tahin
Other
Sesame paste, tahini
Spices
Sorbet - Sugar Free
Sweets
Eggplant Caviar
Vegetables
Apple juice
Beverages
Chips, corn, salted
Fast food
Pears - dried
Fruits
Urad bean - steamed
Greens
Lentil soup puree
Soups
White chocolate
Sweets
Pumpernickel bread
Baked Products
Orange juice - freshly squeezed and sugar free
Beverages
Grape Juice - unsweetened
Beverages
Grapefruit juice - unsweetened
Beverages
Grapefruit juice - sugar free
Beverages
Curd
Dairy
Dessert Banana - Green
Fruits
Platano - raw
Fruits
Grapes, green - raw
Fruits
Grapes, red - raw
Fruits
Cranberries - fresh
Fruits
Plantano - Raw
Fruits
Wild rice
Grains
Cereals, whole - sugar free
Grains
Capellini - pasta
Grains
Kamut flour
Grains
Spelled flour
Grains
Whole grain rye flour
Grains
Whole Grain Wheat
Grains
Wheat flakes
Grains
Rye flakes
Grains
Unpeeled Basmati Rice
Grains
Spaghetti al dente
Grains
Green peas - canned
Greens
Coconut
Nuts
Broccoli - Cooked
Vegetables
Ice cream - skim, vanilla
Dairy
Soup with chicken and mushrooms
Soups
Banana pie
Baked Products
Oatmeal bread
Baked Products
Fruit bread
Baked Products
Canned Grapefruit
Fruits
Tangerine - canned
Fruits
Lasagna
Grains
Orange juice
Beverages
Banana
Fruits
Bananas - Dried
Fruits
Sweet corn
Greens
Sushi, salmon
Other
Taro
Other
Tortilla, White Corn
Grains
Omelette
Other
Milk chocolate
Sweets
Chocolate
Sweets
Cookies - Whole Grain Flour, Sugar Free
Baked Products
Buckwheat bread
Baked Products
Pineapple Juice - unsweetened
Beverages
Coffee beans
Beverages
Cranberry Juice - unsweetened
Beverages
Pineapple juice - sugar free
Beverages
Pear juice
Beverages
Cranberry juice - sugar free
Beverages
Apple juice - sugar free
Beverages
Dried Fig
Fruits
Kiwi
Fruits
Lychee - fresh fruit
Fruits
Persimmon, persimmon eastern - fresh
Fruits
Buckwheat
Grains
Energy bar - sugar free
Grains
Pasta
Grains
Pasta from durum wheat
Grains
Muesli - sugar free
Grains
Wholemeal Pasta
Grains
Rye flour - medium grinding
Grains
Basmati Rice
Grains
Brown rice
Grains
Roast beef liver
Meat
Pork cutlets
Meat
Surimi - minced fish in crab sticks
Seafood
Muesli Bar - Gluten Free
Sweets
Sherbet
Sweets
Jerusalem artichoke - Fresh
Vegetables
Chayote - Mexican cucumber, mashed from it
Vegetables
Multi grain cookies
Baked Products
Peas - frozen, boiled
Greens
Jam
Sweets
Strawberry Jam - Low Sugar
Sweets
Sweet yogurt
Dairy
Fruit yogurt
Dairy
Instant noodles
Fast food
Spaghetti bolognese
Grains
Parsley - cooked
Greens
Blueberries
Fruits
Orache
Greens
Butter cookies - Flour, Butter, Sugar
Baked Products
Oatmeal cookies
Baked Products
Grape juice - sugar free
Beverages
Popcorn
Fast food
Canned pears
Fruits
Medlar japanese plum
Fruits
Peach - canned in syrup
Fruits
White corn, sweet corn, frozen corn
Grains
Bulgur
Grains
Red rice
Grains
Spaghetti - well cooked
Grains
Tagliatelle - well cooked
Grains
Sushi
Other
Mustard with sugar
Spices
Ketchup
Spices
Cassava - bitter, sweet
Spices
Maple syrup
Sweeteners
Chicory Syrup
Sweeteners
Understanding Low Glycemic Index Foods
What are Low GI Foods?
Low glycemic index foods have a GI value of 55 or less. These foods are digested and absorbed slowly, causing a gradual rise in blood sugar levels. This makes them ideal for maintaining stable energy throughout the day and managing diabetes.
- Gradual blood sugar rise
- Sustained energy release
- Better appetite control
- Improved insulin sensitivity
Low Glycemic Index Fruits
Fruits with low glycemic index are perfect for diabetics and anyone looking to maintain stable blood sugar levels. These fruits contain natural fiber and nutrients while providing sustained energy without blood sugar spikes.
Best Low GI Fruits (GI ≤55)
- ApricotGI 34
- Quince - canned, jelly without sugarGI 40
- Quince - fresh fruitGI 35
- Cherry plumGI 25
- Orange - fresh fruitGI 35
- Acerola, Barbados Cherry - freshGI 20
- BananaGI 48
- Dessert Banana - GreenGI 45
Why Choose Low GI Fruits?
- Rich in fiber and antioxidants
- Natural vitamins and minerals
- Slow sugar absorption
- Perfect for diabetes management
Low Glycemic Index Vegetables
Vegetables with low glycemic index form the foundation of any diabetes-friendly diet. These nutrient-dense foods provide essential vitamins, minerals, and fiber while maintaining stable blood glucose levels.
Leafy Greens & Cruciferous
- AvocadoGI 10
- ArtichokeGI 20
- EggplantGI 20
- Eggplant CaviarGI 40
- BroccoliGI 15
- Broccoli - CookedGI 45
Root Vegetables (Low GI)
- Brussels sprouts - FreshGI 15
- SquashGI 15
- CapersGI 20
- White cabbageGI 15
- Brussels sproutsGI 15
- SauerkrautGI 15
Benefits
- • High in fiber
- • Low in calories
- • Rich in nutrients
- • Perfect for weight management
- • Excellent for diabetics
Low Glycemic Index Bread & Grains
Finding bread with low glycemic index can be challenging, but several options provide sustained energy without blood sugar spikes. These grains and bread alternatives are ideal for diabetes management and maintaining stable glucose levels.
Best Low GI Bread Options
Tips for Choosing Low GI Grains
- Look for whole grain options with visible seeds
- Choose dense, heavy breads over light, fluffy ones
- Sourdough process lowers glycemic index
- Pair with protein and healthy fats
Low Glycemic Index Snacks for Diabetics
Smart snacking with low glycemic index foods helps diabetics maintain stable blood sugar between meals. These snacks provide sustained energy without causing glucose spikes, perfect for diabetes management.
Nuts & Seeds
Dairy & Proteins
- YogurtGI 35
- Yogurt 1.5% naturalGI 35
- Sweet yogurtGI 52
- Soy yogurt - naturalGI 20
- Fruit yogurtGI 52
Snacking Tips
- • Combine protein with carbs
- • Keep portions moderate
- • Time snacks between meals
- • Stay hydrated
- • Monitor blood sugar response
Low Glycemic Index Sweeteners
Sweeteners with low glycemic index allow diabetics to enjoy sweet flavors without blood sugar spikes. These natural and artificial options provide sweetness while maintaining glucose stability.
Natural Low GI Sweeteners
Sweetener Guidelines
- Start with small amounts and adjust to taste
- Monitor blood glucose response to new sweeteners
- Natural doesn't always mean lower GI
- Consider taste preferences and baking properties
Low Glycemic Index Breakfast Ideas
Start your day with these diabetes-friendly breakfast ideas that maintain stable blood sugar levels throughout the morning. These low GI breakfast combinations provide sustained energy and help prevent mid-morning crashes.
Protein-Rich Options
- • Greek yogurt with nuts and berries
- • Eggs with whole grain toast
- • Cottage cheese with fruit
- • Protein smoothie with low GI fruits
- • Nut butter on low GI bread
Fiber-Rich Choices
- • Oatmeal with nuts and cinnamon
- • Chia seed pudding
- • Vegetable omelet
- • Avocado toast on whole grain
- • Quinoa breakfast bowl
Quick & Easy
- • Mixed nuts and fruit
- • Hard-boiled eggs with veggies
- • Low GI cereal with milk
- • Whole grain crackers with cheese
- • Apple with almond butter
Low Glycemic Index Meal Plans
Sample meal plans featuring low glycemic index foods help diabetics structure their daily eating for optimal blood sugar control. These balanced meal combinations ensure steady glucose levels throughout the day.
Sample Day 1
Breakfast
Greek yogurt with berries and almonds
Whole grain toast with avocado
Lunch
Quinoa salad with vegetables
Grilled chicken breast
Mixed green salad
Dinner
Baked salmon with herbs
Roasted vegetables
Brown rice pilaf
Sample Day 2
Breakfast
Oatmeal with nuts and cinnamon
Fresh berries and milk
Lunch
Lentil soup
Whole grain roll
Side salad with olive oil
Dinner
Lean beef with vegetables
Sweet potato (small portion)
Steamed broccoli
Low Glycemic Index Recipes
These simple recipes feature low glycemic index ingredients and are perfect for diabetics seeking flavorful, blood sugar-friendly meals. Each recipe focuses on whole foods that provide sustained energy without glucose spikes.
Mediterranean Quinoa Bowl
Ingredients:
- • 1 cup cooked quinoa (GI 53)
- • Mixed leafy greens (GI 15)
- • Cherry tomatoes (GI 38)
- • Cucumber, olives, feta cheese
- • Olive oil and lemon dressing
Prep time: 15 minutes | Serves: 2
Estimated GI: 35-40 (Low)
Almond-Crusted Salmon
Ingredients:
- • Salmon fillets (GI 0)
- • Crushed almonds (GI 15)
- • Steamed broccoli (GI 15)
- • Sweet potato wedges (GI 55)
- • Herbs and olive oil
Prep time: 25 minutes | Serves: 4
Estimated GI: 20-25 (Low)
Lowest Glycemic Index Foods Chart
This comprehensive chart showcases the foods with the lowest glycemic index values, perfect for diabetics and anyone seeking optimal blood sugar control. Compare GI values across different food categories to make informed dietary choices.
Top 10 Lowest GI Foods
Lowest GI by Category
GI Range Distribution
Low vs Medium vs High GI Comparison
Low GI Foods
- • Slow glucose absorption
- • Stable blood sugar levels
- • Sustained energy release
- • Best for diabetics
- • Prevents energy crashes
Medium GI Foods
- • Moderate glucose rise
- • Some blood sugar impact
- • Consume in moderation
- • Pair with low GI foods
- • Monitor portion sizes
High GI Foods
- • Rapid glucose spike
- • Quick energy followed by crash
- • Limit if diabetic
- • Use for post-workout only
- • Increase insulin response
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a low glycemic index?
A low glycemic index refers to foods with a GI value of 55 or less. These foods cause a slow, gradual rise in blood sugar levels, making them ideal for diabetes management and maintaining stable energy. Low GI foods include most vegetables, nuts, legumes, and some fruits and whole grains.
What foods are low glycemic index?
Foods that are low glycemic index include leafy green vegetables, broccoli, nuts and seeds, most beans and legumes, apples, berries, Greek yogurt, and whole grain options like quinoa and steel-cut oats. These foods typically contain fiber, protein, or healthy fats that slow sugar absorption.
Which bread has the lowest glycemic index?
Bread with the lowest glycemic index includes dense, whole grain varieties with visible seeds and nuts. Sourdough bread, pumpernickel, and sprouted grain breads typically have lower GI values (35-50) compared to regular white or whole wheat bread. Look for breads with at least 3-4 grams of fiber per slice.
What sweetener has the lowest glycemic index?
Sweeteners with the lowest glycemic index include stevia (GI 0), erythritol (GI 1), and monk fruit sweetener (GI 0). Among natural options, coconut nectar (GI 35) and raw honey in small amounts have relatively lower GI compared to regular sugar. Always use sweeteners in moderation and monitor blood sugar response.
Are low glycemic index foods good for diabetes?
Yes, low glycemic index foods are excellent for diabetes management. They help maintain stable blood sugar levels, reduce insulin spikes, and provide sustained energy. The American Diabetes Association recommends incorporating low GI foods as part of a balanced diabetes diet plan.
Can low GI foods help with weight management?
Low GI foods can support weight management by providing sustained satiety, reducing hunger between meals, and preventing energy crashes that lead to overeating. They help maintain stable insulin levels, which supports healthy metabolism and fat burning.
How do I use the low glycemic index food chart?
Use the low glycemic index food chart to identify foods with GI values of 55 or less. Focus on building meals around these foods, combining them with protein and healthy fats for balanced nutrition. The chart helps you make informed choices for better blood sugar control.
Should I only eat low GI foods?
While low GI foods should form the foundation of your diet, you can occasionally include medium GI foods (56-69) when paired with low GI options. High GI foods should be limited, especially if you have diabetes, but can be useful for post-workout recovery in active individuals.