Allergen Information
Contains: Tree nuts (almonds)
May contain: Peanuts, Other tree nuts
Nutrition per 100g
Nuts, Seeds & Butters › Seeds/Nut Pastes
Amlou (almond, argan oil, honey paste) for Gestational Diabetes
Amlou is a traditional Moroccan spread made from toasted almonds, pure argan oil, and honey. It has a rich, nutty, and sweet flavor profile, often compared to a more liquid and aromatic version of almond butter. Traditionally served for breakfast with bread or pastries, it is highly regarded for its taste and energy-boosting properties. The consistency can range from a thick paste to a runny liquid depending on the ratio of ingredients. Its unique taste comes from the argan oil, which imparts a distinctive toasted, nutty flavor.
At a glance
Pregnancy safety
SafeBlood sugar impact
mediumCarbs / 100 g
29.6gIs Amlou (almond, argan oil, honey paste) safe with gestational diabetes?
Amlou presents a significant challenge for gestational diabetes management due to its high honey content. While the almonds and argan oil provide healthy fats and have a low glycemic index, the concentrated sugar from honey can easily cause blood glucose spikes. It is generally not a recommended food, but if consumed, it must be done with extreme caution and in very small quantities. The energy density also means a small portion contains many calories, which should be factored into daily meal planning to support healthy weight gain.
How does Amlou (almond, argan oil, honey paste) affect blood sugar during pregnancy?
The primary concern with amlou is the simple sugar from honey, which is rapidly absorbed into the bloodstream. The fat and fiber from the almonds do help to slow down this absorption, blunting the immediate glycemic spike. However, this can result in a more prolonged period of elevated blood sugar rather than preventing the rise altogether. The overall glycemic impact is moderate, but very portion-dependent, with larger amounts posing a high risk of hyperglycemia. Therefore, careful monitoring after consumption is essential.
What is a safe portion of Amlou (almond, argan oil, honey paste) for gestational diabetes?
Portion control is non-negotiable when consuming amlou with gestational diabetes. A maximum serving should be no more than a single, level teaspoon. This small quantity is crucial to limit the sugar load from the honey. Visually, this is just enough to add a hint of flavor to a snack, not to be used as a thick spread. Using a measuring spoon is highly recommended to avoid accidental overconsumption, as its delicious taste can make it easy to eat too much.
How should I combine Amlou (almond, argan oil, honey paste) to manage blood sugar during pregnancy?
If you choose to include amlou, pairing it correctly is critical to mitigate its impact on blood sugar. Never consume it with other high-carbohydrate foods like white bread or fruit. Instead, pair a very small amount with a high-fiber, protein-rich food source. For example, spread a thin layer on a high-fiber, whole-grain crispbread or celery sticks. This adds bulk and slows digestion further, providing a more stable glucose response. Avoid adding it to already sweet foods like yogurt or oatmeal.
Last reviewed: August 31, 2026
Important Safety Information
Every pregnancy is different, and gestational diabetes is managed differently depending on your readings, your medication and how far along you are. The ratings and portions on this page are general information — not a diagnosis, a treatment plan or a medical device — and they cannot see your results.
- Low blood sugar:
- If you take insulin or diabetes medication, eating less carbohydrate than your team planned for can push your blood sugar too low. Treat a reading below 70 mg/dL (3.9 mmol/L), or symptoms such as shaking, sweating, confusion or a racing heart, with fast-acting carbohydrate immediately and retest after 15 minutes. Never use this page as a reason to skip or shrink a meal you were told to eat.
- Carbohydrate and ketones:
- Cutting carbohydrate hard to force a number down is not safe in pregnancy — it can produce ketones. Published guidance sets a minimum of 175 g of carbohydrate per day in pregnancy. Readings that stay above target for several days need your care team, not a smaller portion.
- Medication and insulin:
- The portions here are generic and know nothing about your insulin doses, your metformin, or the steroids given to mature your baby's lungs — all of which change how a meal affects you. Never adjust a dose or a mealtime based on this page.
- Food safety in pregnancy:
- Blood sugar is not the only thing that makes a food suitable while you are pregnant. Some foods with excellent glycemic numbers still carry mercury, vitamin A, listeria or alcohol risks, and those are judged separately from the ratings shown here. Check your national pregnancy food-safety guidance before adding an unfamiliar food.
- What these ratings can and cannot tell you:
- Glycemic index values, impact ratings and maximum servings are population averages taken from published tables. Two people eating the same food can get very different readings, so your own meter is the only measurement that describes you. Nutrition figures are indicative per 100 g and vary with brand, ripeness and preparation.
Contact your care team the same day if: your readings stay above target for several days; you have a reading below 54 mg/dL (3.0 mmol/L) or needed someone else's help to treat a low; you test positive for ketones; or your baby is moving less than usual. Seek emergency care for confusion, fainting, repeated vomiting, or a low you cannot bring back up.
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Sources & Editorial Review
Content independently developed by Dalo Labs ApS, informed by the American Diabetes Association's Standards of Care in Diabetes, ACOG's gestational diabetes guidelines, and the IADPSG consensus criteria. Not endorsed by or affiliated with any referenced organization. · Last reviewed: August 2026
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