Allergen Information
May contain: celery, soy, gluten
Nutrition per 100g
Herbs & Spices › Condiments and Broths
Chicken Broth for Gestational Diabetes
Chicken broth is a savory liquid made from simmering chicken, often with vegetables and herbs, in water. It serves as a foundational ingredient in cuisines worldwide, forming the base for soups, stews, sauces, and gravies. Nutritionally, it is prized for its hydrating qualities, mineral content, and easily digestible nature. Depending on preparation, it can also be a source of collagen and gelatin, which are beneficial for joint and gut health. Its low-calorie profile makes it a versatile component in many healthy eating patterns.
At a glance
Pregnancy safety
SafeBlood sugar impact
lowCarbs / 100 g
0.3gIs Chicken Broth safe with gestational diabetes?
Chicken broth is an excellent and highly recommended choice for managing gestational diabetes. It contains virtually no carbohydrates, meaning it will not cause a spike in blood glucose levels. This makes it a safe and versatile liquid for cooking and hydration throughout your pregnancy. Its primary role is as a vehicle for other nutrient-dense, low-glycemic foods like non-starchy vegetables and lean proteins. The main consideration is sodium content, so always choose low-sodium varieties to help manage blood pressure and fluid retention.
How does Chicken Broth affect blood sugar during pregnancy?
With a glycemic index of zero, chicken broth has no direct impact on blood sugar levels. The cooking method does not alter this fact, as the liquid itself remains free of significant carbohydrates. Your blood sugar response will be determined entirely by the ingredients you add to the broth, such as noodles, rice, potatoes, or vegetables. Therefore, it's a stable and predictable base for building balanced meals. Using broth allows you to create filling soups and stews without adding extra calories or carbs from creamy or sugary sauces.
What is a safe portion of Chicken Broth for gestational diabetes?
From a blood sugar perspective, there is no strict limit on the amount of chicken broth you can consume. A typical serving for a soup base would be one to two cups. The primary factor limiting your portion should be the sodium content, not the carbohydrates. Focus on portioning the starchy ingredients, like noodles or potatoes, that you add to the broth. For example, limit added grains to about half a cup cooked. The broth itself is a safe, hydrating fluid to enjoy freely in your GD meal plan.
How should I combine Chicken Broth to manage blood sugar during pregnancy?
Use chicken broth as a strategic tool to create balanced, blood-sugar-friendly meals. Poach chicken breast or fish directly in the broth for a lean protein source that requires no added fats. Create a robust soup by filling it with non-starchy vegetables like broccoli, spinach, and zucchini, along with a measured portion of lentils or beans for fiber and protein. Using broth to cook whole grains like quinoa can add flavor without sugar, making the grain more satisfying. This pairing strategy ensures a meal rich in protein, fiber, and nutrients.
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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