Allergen Information
May contain: Sulphites
Nutrition per 100g
Fruits & Vegetables › Dried Fruits
Dried Apricots for Gestational Diabetes
Dried apricots are fresh apricots that have been dehydrated, concentrating their nutrients, flavor, and sugar content. This process results in a chewy, sweet, and slightly tart fruit that is rich in fiber, potassium, and vitamins A and E. There are two main types: sulphured, which are bright orange and treated with sulfur dioxide to preserve color, and unsulphured, which are darker brown and have a more natural, caramel-like flavor. They are an energy-dense snack, meaning they pack a lot of calories and sugar into a small volume, making portion control essential.
At a glance
Pregnancy safety
SafeBlood sugar impact
mediumCarbs / 100 g
62.6gIs Dried Apricots safe with gestational diabetes?
Dried apricots are generally not recommended for managing gestational diabetes due to their highly concentrated sugar content. The dehydration process removes water, leaving behind a dense source of carbohydrates and natural sugars that can significantly impact blood glucose levels. While they do contain beneficial fiber and nutrients, the risk of causing hyperglycemia is very high, even with a small portion. If consumed, it must be done with extreme caution and adherence to very strict portion limits, making them a high-risk choice for blood sugar stability.
How does Dried Apricots affect blood sugar during pregnancy?
Although dried apricots have a low Glycemic Index (GI) of around 32, their Glycemic Load (GL) is high, which is a more critical measure for gestational diabetes. The low GI is due to their fiber content, but the sheer amount of sugar and carbohydrates packed into a small serving means they can deliver a large glucose load to the bloodstream quickly. This can easily overwhelm the body's insulin response and lead to a significant blood sugar spike. Cooking or stewing them, especially with added sweeteners, will further increase their glycemic impact and should be avoided.
What is a safe portion of Dried Apricots for gestational diabetes?
A maximum safe portion is extremely small, consisting of no more than two to three whole dried apricots. This small quantity, which weighs around 30 grams, is a strict limit to prevent a significant carbohydrate load. The reason for this severe restriction is the high density of sugar created during the drying process. Adhering to this very small serving size is crucial for preventing a sharp and potentially dangerous spike in your blood sugar, which is the primary goal of dietary management in gestational diabetes.
How should I combine Dried Apricots to manage blood sugar during pregnancy?
If you choose to eat dried apricots, it is absolutely essential to pair them with a robust source of protein and healthy fats to mitigate the blood sugar response. This strategy helps to slow down the absorption of sugar into the bloodstream. For example, consume two chopped dried apricots with a handful of almonds, walnuts, or a serving of full-fat, plain Greek yogurt. Never eat them as a standalone snack, especially on an empty stomach, as this will almost certainly lead to a rapid and pronounced rise in blood glucose levels.
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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