Clotted Cream — glycemic index and gestational diabetes guide

Allergen Information

Contains: Milk

Nutrition per 100g

Calories586 kcal
Carbohydrates2.3g
of which Sugars2.3g
Fiber0g
Protein1.6g
Fat63.5g
of which Saturated39.7g
Sodium10mg
Glycemic Index30

Dairy & Dairy AlternativesMilk and Yogurt

Clotted Cream for Gestational Diabetes

high fatcalorie denseuse sparingly

Clotted cream is a thick, rich cream made by indirectly heating full-cream cow's milk and then leaving it in shallow pans to cool slowly. During this process, the cream content rises to the surface and forms 'clots' or 'clouts'. It has a characteristically high fat content, typically around 64%, giving it a firm, spreadable texture and a nutty, cooked milk flavor. Originating from Southwest England, it is a quintessential part of a traditional cream tea. Its luxurious nature makes it an indulgent treat rather than an everyday food item.

At a glance

Pregnancy safety

Safe

Blood sugar impact

low

Carbs / 100 g

2.3g

Is Clotted Cream safe with gestational diabetes?

Clotted cream is very low in carbohydrates and will not cause a blood sugar spike, which may seem appealing for gestational diabetes management. However, its extremely high saturated fat and calorie content make it a food to be consumed with significant caution. Excessive intake can contribute to unwanted weight gain, which can complicate GD management and overall health. It should be viewed as a rare, small indulgence rather than a regular part of your diet. The focus should remain on nutrient-dense foods.

How does Clotted Cream affect blood sugar during pregnancy?

The glycemic impact of clotted cream is very low due to its minimal carbohydrate content and extremely high fat percentage. Fat significantly slows down gastric emptying, which means any co-ingested carbohydrates will be absorbed much more slowly. This can help in creating a blunted, more stable blood glucose curve after a meal. However, this effect does not negate the negative implications of its high saturated fat and calorie density, which are primary concerns in a GD diet plan.

What is a safe portion of Clotted Cream for gestational diabetes?

Portion control is absolutely critical with clotted cream. A maximum serving should be no more than one level tablespoon. This small amount is enough to provide the rich flavor and mouthfeel without contributing an excessive amount of calories and saturated fat. Using a measuring spoon can help ensure you stick to this guideline. Think of it as a flavor enhancer for a nutrient-dense food like fruit, rather than the main component of a dish.

How should I combine Clotted Cream to manage blood sugar during pregnancy?

If you choose to have clotted cream, pairing it correctly is crucial to mitigate its downsides. Use it as the primary fat source for a particular snack or treat. Pair a very small amount with a high-fiber carbohydrate, such as a small wholemeal scone or a handful of berries, instead of a refined flour product or sugary jam. The fiber will aid in satiety and further support stable blood sugar levels. Avoid pairing it with other high-fat items to prevent an excessive calorie and fat 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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