Allergen Information
May contain: sulfites
Nutrition per 100g
Fruits & Vegetables › Dried Fruits
Dried Raisins for Gestational Diabetes
Raisins are grapes that have been dried, resulting in a sweet, dense, and chewy fruit packed with concentrated nutrients. This drying process concentrates the natural sugars, making them a potent source of quick energy. They are also a good source of dietary fiber, iron, and potassium, as well as antioxidants like phenolic compounds. Raisins are a versatile ingredient used globally in both sweet and savory dishes, from oatmeal and baked goods to salads and curries. Their natural sweetness makes them a popular alternative to refined sugars in many recipes.
At a glance
Pregnancy safety
SafeBlood sugar impact
highCarbs / 100 g
79.2gIs Dried Raisins safe with gestational diabetes?
Raisins are extremely challenging for gestational diabetes management due to their high concentration of sugar and medium-to-high glycemic index. The dehydration process removes water, leaving behind a dense source of fructose and glucose that can be rapidly absorbed into the bloodstream. This makes them a high-risk food for causing significant blood sugar spikes if not managed with extreme care. While they offer some fiber and micronutrients, the potent sugar load often outweighs these benefits, requiring strict portion limitations.
How does Dried Raisins affect blood sugar during pregnancy?
The glycemic index (GI) of raisins is approximately 64, placing them in the medium-to-high range and indicating a relatively fast impact on blood glucose levels. Because they are so concentrated, even a small portion delivers a substantial amount of carbohydrates and sugar. Consuming raisins alone as a snack is highly likely to cause a sharp and rapid increase in blood sugar. The fiber content is not sufficient to significantly slow down the absorption of the concentrated sugars, making them a food to approach with maximum caution.
What is a safe portion of Dried Raisins for gestational diabetes?
Portion control is absolutely critical when including raisins in a gestational diabetes diet. The maximum recommended serving should be no more than one level tablespoon, which is approximately 15 grams. This small amount can be used as a minor flavor accent rather than a main component of a snack or meal. Visually, this is a tiny sprinkle, not a small box or a handful. Exceeding this portion size dramatically increases the risk of a significant blood sugar spike, so precise measurement is advised.
How should I combine Dried Raisins to manage blood sugar during pregnancy?
To mitigate the glycemic impact, raisins must never be eaten alone. They should always be paired with a robust source of protein and healthy fat to slow down carbohydrate digestion and absorption. For instance, adding a small sprinkle of raisins to a bowl of full-fat Greek yogurt with a handful of almonds or walnuts is a suitable strategy. This combination provides protein, fat, and fiber to create a more balanced and gentle effect on blood sugar. Avoid pairing them with other high-carb foods like breakfast cereals or toast.
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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