Allergen Information
Contains: Tree Nuts (Coconut)
Nutrition per 100g
Herbs & Spices › Condiments and Broths
Coconut aminos for Gestational Diabetes
Coconut aminos are a popular savory seasoning sauce made from the fermented sap of coconut palm and sea salt. It has a distinct umami flavor that is both salty and slightly sweet, making it a common substitute for soy sauce. Many people favor it as a gluten-free, soy-free, and often vegan alternative in various recipes. While it is marketed as a healthier option, it's important to note its composition, particularly its natural sugar content. Its lower sodium level compared to traditional soy sauce is a significant benefit for those monitoring salt intake.
At a glance
Pregnancy safety
SafeBlood sugar impact
lowCarbs / 100 g
25gIs Coconut aminos safe with gestational diabetes?
Coconut aminos can be a suitable soy sauce alternative for gestational diabetes management, but with important caveats. It is gluten-free and lower in sodium, which is beneficial for blood pressure control during pregnancy. However, unlike soy sauce, it contains natural sugars derived from coconut sap, which contribute to your total carbohydrate intake. While its glycemic index is low, the quantity used must be carefully monitored to prevent an unexpected rise in blood glucose levels. It should be treated as both a source of sodium and sugar.
How does Coconut aminos affect blood sugar during pregnancy?
The glycemic index of coconut aminos is relatively low, around 40, meaning it releases sugar into the bloodstream more slowly than high-GI foods. However, the impact on blood sugar is entirely dependent on the portion size. A small amount, like a teaspoon, has a negligible effect, but using several tablespoons in a marinade that reduces during cooking can concentrate the sugars. This can lead to a higher-than-expected carbohydrate load for the meal. Always factor the carbs from coconut aminos into your meal's total count for accurate glucose management.
What is a safe portion of Coconut aminos for gestational diabetes?
Strict portion control is critical when using coconut aminos. Limit your serving to one tablespoon per meal, which provides ample flavor without a significant carbohydrate contribution. Use a standard measuring spoon to ensure accuracy instead of pouring directly from the bottle. If you desire more volume for a sauce or dressing, consider diluting the coconut aminos with water, broth, or rice vinegar. This strategy extends the flavor across your meal without increasing the sugar and sodium content.
How should I combine Coconut aminos to manage blood sugar during pregnancy?
To mitigate any potential blood sugar spike, always pair coconut aminos with high-protein and high-fiber foods. Use it to flavor a stir-fry containing lean chicken or tofu and loaded with non-starchy vegetables like broccoli, bell peppers, and snap peas. The protein and fiber will slow down gastric emptying and the absorption of the sugars from the aminos. Avoid combining it with other sweet sauces or glazes, and use it as a seasoning for savory dishes rather than the base of a sweet sauce.
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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