Allergen Information
Contains: Tree Nuts
Nutrition per 100g
Nuts, Seeds & Butters › Whole Nuts
Cashews for Gestational Diabetes
Cashews are kidney-shaped seeds sourced from the cashew tree, native to Brazil but now cultivated in various warm climates. They are prized for their subtly sweet flavor and creamy, buttery texture. Nutritionally, cashews are a powerhouse, offering significant amounts of monounsaturated fats, which are beneficial for heart health. They are also an excellent source of essential minerals like copper, magnesium, and manganese. Despite their high calorie content, they can be a valuable part of a balanced diet when consumed in moderation.
At a glance
Pregnancy safety
SafeBlood sugar impact
lowCarbs / 100 g
30.2gIs Cashews safe with gestational diabetes?
Cashews are a favorable option for managing gestational diabetes due to their low glycemic index and beneficial nutrient profile. They are rich in healthy fats, protein, and fiber, which work together to promote stable blood sugar levels. However, they are also calorie-dense and contain a moderate amount of carbohydrates, making strict portion control essential. Including a small, measured portion of cashews can provide satiety and important nutrients without negatively impacting glucose management. Always choose unsalted and raw or dry-roasted versions to avoid excess sodium and unhealthy oils.
How does Cashews affect blood sugar during pregnancy?
The impact of cashews on blood sugar is minimal, thanks to their composition. The healthy fats and protein significantly slow down the digestion and absorption of their carbohydrate content, preventing a rapid spike in blood glucose. This results in a low glycemic impact, which is ideal for a gestational diabetes diet. Roasting cashews does not significantly alter their glycemic index, but it's important to avoid oil-roasted or sugar-coated varieties. Consuming them in their natural state is the best way to leverage their blood-sugar-stabilizing benefits and avoid unwanted additives.
What is a safe portion of Cashews for gestational diabetes?
A sensible portion of cashews for gestational diabetes management is about a small, closed handful, which equates to roughly one ounce. This serving size provides a good dose of healthy fats and protein without contributing too many carbohydrates or calories. It is crucial to measure this portion out rather than eating directly from a larger container, as it's easy to overconsume these tasty nuts. Sticking to this guideline helps you reap the benefits of cashews while keeping your blood sugar firmly in your target range.
How should I combine Cashews to manage blood sugar during pregnancy?
To build a balanced, blood-sugar-friendly snack, pair cashews with foods high in fiber or protein. Combining a small handful of cashews with a hard-boiled egg, a stick of cheese, or a serving of plain Greek yogurt creates a highly satiating and nutrient-dense meal. For a fiber boost, enjoy them with non-starchy vegetables like cucumber slices or bell pepper strips. Avoid pairing cashews with other carbohydrate-heavy foods like crackers, dried fruit, or sugary drinks to prevent an excessive carbohydrate load in one sitting.
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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