Blackberry — glycemic index and gestational diabetes guide

Nutrition per 100g

Calories43 kcal
Carbohydrates10.2g
of which Sugars4.9g
Fiber5.3g
Protein1.4g
Fat0.5g
of which Saturated0g
Sodium1mg
Glycemic Index25

Fruits & VegetablesFruits

Blackberry for Gestational Diabetes

low sugar fruitfiber richblood sugar friendly

Blackberries are a delicious aggregate fruit, known for their distinct sweet-tart flavor and deep purple-black hue. They belong to the rose family and are packed with essential nutrients, including vitamins C and K, manganese, and powerful antioxidants like anthocyanins. Their high fiber content makes them beneficial for digestive health and blood sugar regulation. These versatile berries can be enjoyed fresh, frozen, or incorporated into a wide variety of culinary creations, from desserts to savory sauces.

At a glance

Pregnancy safety

Safe

Blood sugar impact

low

Carbs / 100 g

10.2g

Is Blackberry safe with gestational diabetes?

Blackberries are an outstanding fruit choice for managing gestational diabetes. Their low sugar content and exceptionally high fiber-to-carbohydrate ratio make them highly effective at promoting stable blood glucose levels. These berries are also a rich source of vitamins and antioxidants, which support overall maternal health during pregnancy. Including blackberries in your diet can satisfy a sweet craving without the risk of a significant blood sugar spike, making them a safe and nutritious option.

How does Blackberry affect blood sugar during pregnancy?

With a very low glycemic index of around 25, blackberries have a minimal impact on blood sugar. The substantial amount of dietary fiber, approximately 5.3 grams per 100g, slows the absorption of the fruit's natural sugars into the bloodstream. This process prevents the sharp glucose peaks that are crucial to avoid in a gestational diabetes management plan. Consuming them raw is the best method to retain this low glycemic benefit, as cooking them into syrups or jams with added sugar will dramatically increase their glycemic load.

What is a safe portion of Blackberry for gestational diabetes?

A sensible and safe portion of blackberries is about one cup. This serving provides valuable fiber and nutrients without contributing a significant carbohydrate load, fitting well within a carb-controlled meal plan. It is crucial to measure your portion rather than eating directly from the container to ensure accurate carbohydrate counting. Always opt for fresh or frozen blackberries without any added sugars, and be wary of canned or pre-packaged fruit products that may contain hidden sweeteners.

How should I combine Blackberry to manage blood sugar during pregnancy?

To further optimize blood sugar control, pair blackberries with a source of protein and healthy fat. This combination slows digestion even more, leading to a very gentle and sustained glucose release. Excellent pairings include a bowl of blackberries with full-fat Greek yogurt, a handful of almonds or walnuts, or blended into a smoothie with unsweetened protein powder and chia seeds. These strategies create a balanced, nutrient-dense snack or meal component that supports stable energy levels throughout the day.

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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