Pregnancy safety
Limit how much Brown Rice Syrup you eat during pregnancy
No more than a teaspoon or two a day, and not as your everyday sweetener.
Rice takes up inorganic arsenic from soil and it concentrates in rice-derived syrups, and prenatal arsenic exposure is linked to lower birth weight and impaired fetal development, so it is worth keeping this one occasional rather than habitual.
This is about food safety in pregnancy, not blood sugar — it applies whatever your readings look like. Confirm it with your midwife or doctor.
Nutrition per 100g
Sweeteners › Natural Sweeteners
Brown Rice Syrup for Gestational Diabetes
Brown rice syrup is a liquid sweetener derived from brown rice that has been treated with enzymes to break down starches into simpler sugars, primarily glucose, maltose, and maltotriose. Often marketed as a 'healthier' alternative to refined sugar or high-fructose corn syrup, it is notably fructose-free. However, its composition of fast-acting sugars gives it an extremely high glycemic index, even higher than table sugar. This means it is absorbed very quickly into the bloodstream, causing a rapid increase in blood glucose levels. Its mild, nutty flavor makes it a popular ingredient in granola bars, baked goods, and as a vegan substitute for honey.
At a glance
Pregnancy safety
LimitBlood sugar impact
highCarbs / 100 g
77.4gIs Brown Rice Syrup safe with gestational diabetes?
Brown rice syrup is strongly discouraged for individuals with gestational diabetes due to its extremely high glycemic index (GI) of 98, which is significantly higher than table sugar. Despite being marketed as a 'natural' sweetener, it is composed of rapidly digestible sugars that cause a very sharp and immediate spike in blood glucose levels. This rapid absorption makes blood sugar control incredibly difficult and poses a significant risk. Therefore, it is considered one of the least suitable sweeteners for a GD-friendly diet and should be avoided to maintain stable blood glucose.
How does Brown Rice Syrup affect blood sugar during pregnancy?
The primary sugars in brown rice syrup—glucose and maltose—are absorbed almost instantly into the bloodstream, leading to a severe hyperglycemic event. Unlike sweeteners that contain fructose or fiber, there is no buffer to slow down this process. This rapid influx of glucose requires a large and fast insulin response, which is already compromised in gestational diabetes. Relying on this sweetener can lead to post-meal blood sugar readings that are well outside the target range, jeopardizing both maternal and fetal health. It is critical to understand that 'natural' does not equate to safe for blood sugar management.
What is a safe portion of Brown Rice Syrup for gestational diabetes?
It is strongly recommended to completely avoid brown rice syrup. There is no truly 'safe' portion for managing gestational diabetes due to its potent effect on blood glucose. If consumption is unavoidable, the absolute maximum should be no more than a single teaspoon, and even this small amount carries a high risk of spiking blood sugar. This portion is not a recommendation but an extreme upper limit for rare occasions. Prioritizing non-glycemic sweeteners is the safest and most effective approach for a healthy pregnancy with GD.
How should I combine Brown Rice Syrup to manage blood sugar during pregnancy?
Due to its severe impact on blood sugar, pairing strategies are largely ineffective and the syrup should ideally be avoided altogether. If it is present in a pre-made food, that food should be consumed in a very small quantity and accompanied by a substantial meal rich in protein, healthy fats, and high-fiber vegetables. For example, a tiny piece of a granola bar containing brown rice syrup must be eaten after a main meal of grilled chicken and a large salad. However, the most effective strategy is to eliminate it from your diet and choose a safe alternative like stevia or monk fruit.
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.
By using this guide, you agree to our Terms and Conditions.
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
More in Natural Sweeteners
Track your meals with SugarCurve
Log this food, track your blood sugar, and get personalized guidance — all in the app.
Start Free Trial →