Pregnancy safety
Limit how much Brazil Nut Butter you eat during pregnancy
No more than one level tablespoon (about 15 g) a day, and not every day.
Brazil nuts are by far the most selenium-dense food sold, and a 15-30 g serving of the butter can approach or exceed the 400 microgram daily upper limit set for pregnancy, above which selenium becomes toxic rather than beneficial.
This is about food safety in pregnancy, not blood sugar — it applies whatever your readings look like. Confirm it with your midwife or doctor.
Allergen Information
Contains: Tree Nuts
May contain: Peanuts, Soy
Nutrition per 100g
Nuts, Seeds & Butters › Nut Butters
Brazil Nut Butter for Gestational Diabetes
Brazil nut butter is a creamy, rich spread made from ground Brazil nuts, renowned for its exceptionally high selenium content. This nutrient-dense food is also packed with healthy monounsaturated fats, protein, magnesium, and vitamin E. Its distinct, earthy flavor and high calorie density make it a potent addition to any diet, offering significant nutritional benefits in small quantities. Due to its powerful nutrient profile, it should be consumed in moderation to avoid selenium toxicity and excessive calorie intake. It serves as a fantastic alternative to more common nut butters for those seeking to diversify their nutrient sources.
At a glance
Pregnancy safety
LimitBlood sugar impact
lowCarbs / 100 g
12gIs Brazil Nut Butter safe with gestational diabetes?
Brazil nut butter is an excellent choice for managing gestational diabetes due to its very low carbohydrate content and high concentration of healthy fats and protein. These macronutrients help to promote stable blood sugar levels by slowing down digestion and glucose absorption. Selenium supports thyroid function and antioxidant defense in pregnancy, but Brazil nuts are by far the most selenium-dense food sold, and that, more than the calories, is what caps the amount you can have in a day. Its high calorie density necessitates strict portion control to manage weight gain effectively. It is a valuable tool for creating satisfying, blood-sugar-friendly snacks and meals.
How does Brazil Nut Butter affect blood sugar during pregnancy?
With a very low glycemic index, Brazil nut butter has a minimal direct impact on blood glucose levels. The significant amount of fat and fiber it contains plays a crucial role in blunting the glycemic response of any carbohydrates consumed alongside it. This process slows gastric emptying, leading to a more gradual release of sugar into the bloodstream. Consequently, it helps prevent the sharp blood sugar spikes that are critical to avoid in gestational diabetes management. Regular, portion-controlled intake can contribute to overall glycemic stability.
What is a safe portion of Brazil Nut Butter for gestational diabetes?
Strict portion control is paramount when including Brazil nut butter in your diet. Keep to one level tablespoon, about 15 grams, on the days you use it, and do not use it every day. Using measuring spoons is essential to avoid unintentionally consuming excess calories, fat and selenium. That tablespoon provides the healthy fats, protein and selenium you want without pushing you toward the 400 microgram daily upper limit for selenium in pregnancy, above which it becomes toxic rather than beneficial. Adhering to this serving size allows you to enjoy its benefits while effectively managing both blood sugar and weight.
How should I combine Brazil Nut Butter to manage blood sugar during pregnancy?
To maximize its blood sugar stabilizing effects, pair Brazil nut butter with high-fiber carbohydrates. Spreading a tablespoon on a slice of whole-grain, low-GI toast or using it as a dip for apple slices or celery sticks is an ideal strategy. The protein and fat in the nut butter will slow the absorption of the carbohydrates from the fruit or bread. This combination creates a balanced, nutrient-dense snack that supports stable energy levels and prevents post-meal glucose surges. Avoid pairing it with refined carbohydrates or sugary items.
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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