Allergen Information
May contain: soy, nuts
Nutrition per 100g
Ginger Chews for Gestational Diabetes
Ginger chews are a type of confectionery made from ginger root, sugar, and typically a starch like tapioca. They are known for their unique spicy and sweet flavor profile, offering a pungent kick from the active compound gingerol. These candies are widely used as a natural remedy for nausea, motion sickness, and morning sickness. While they harness the benefits of ginger, it is crucial to recognize them as a high-sugar candy. Their texture is soft and chewy, making them a popular treat for those who enjoy the warming sensation of ginger.
At a glance
Pregnancy safety
SafeBlood sugar impact
highCarbs / 100 g
91.7gIs Ginger Chews safe with gestational diabetes?
Ginger chews are strongly discouraged for individuals managing gestational diabetes. These products are essentially candy, with sugar often being the first or second ingredient. Their composition leads to a rapid and significant increase in blood glucose levels, posing a substantial risk for glycemic control. While ginger itself has health benefits, the high sugar content in this format negates any potential advantages for GD management. It is critical to view them as a high-risk food item and seek safer alternatives for managing nausea.
How does Ginger Chews affect blood sugar during pregnancy?
The impact of ginger chews on blood sugar is immediate and severe due to their high concentration of simple carbohydrates like cane sugar and glucose syrup. With a high Glycemic Index (GI), these sugars are absorbed very quickly into the bloodstream, causing a sharp spike in glucose levels. This rapid influx of sugar is precisely what needs to be avoided in a GD diet plan. The small amount of ginger present does not slow down this carbohydrate absorption or mitigate the hyperglycemic effect, making them unsuitable for consumption.
What is a safe portion of Ginger Chews for gestational diabetes?
A safe portion size for ginger chews in a gestational diabetes diet is zero. Even a single, small chew contains a significant amount of fast-acting sugar, comparable to eating a spoonful of table sugar. Consuming even one piece can easily push blood glucose levels outside the target range, disrupting careful glycemic management. Therefore, the official recommendation is to completely avoid this product. Focus on whole, unprocessed foods and approved low-glycemic snacks to maintain stable blood sugar.
How should I combine Ginger Chews to manage blood sugar during pregnancy?
No pairing strategy can make ginger chews a safe or recommended choice for gestational diabetes. Attempting to pair them with protein or fat will not sufficiently blunt the extreme blood sugar spike from the concentrated sugar. The primary strategy is complete avoidance. If experiencing nausea, safer alternatives like unsweetened ginger tea, smelling fresh ginger, or consuming small amounts of fresh ginger in a protein-rich meal are far better options. These alternatives provide the benefits of ginger without compromising blood sugar control.
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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