Sapodilla (Chikoo) — glycemic index and gestational diabetes guide

Nutrition per 100g

Calories83 kcal
Carbohydrates20g
of which Sugars14.7g
Fiber5.3g
Protein0.4g
Fat1.1g
of which Saturated0.2g
Sodium12mg
Glycemic Index55

Fruits & VegetablesFruits

Sapodilla (Chikoo) for Gestational Diabetes

High SugarPortion ControlPair with Protein

Sapodilla, also known as Chikoo, is a tropical fruit with a unique malty flavor reminiscent of brown sugar or pear. Its flesh has a distinctively soft, slightly gritty texture, similar to a ripe pear, which comes from stone cells called sclereids. This fruit is notably high in natural sugars, making it very sweet and relatively calorie-dense compared to other fruits. It is also a good source of dietary fiber, vitamin C, and various antioxidant compounds, including tannins. The high sugar content provides a quick energy boost, but also requires mindful consumption.

At a glance

Pregnancy safety

Safe

Blood sugar impact

medium

Carbs / 100 g

20g

Is Sapodilla (Chikoo) safe with gestational diabetes?

Sapodilla is a fruit that requires extreme caution for individuals with gestational diabetes due to its high concentration of natural sugars. While it offers fiber and some vitamins, its potential to cause a rapid and significant rise in blood glucose levels is a major concern. Its sweetness comes from simple sugars like fructose and sucrose, which are quickly absorbed into the bloodstream. Therefore, it is generally recommended to limit or avoid this fruit to maintain stable blood sugar control throughout your pregnancy and prevent complications.

How does Sapodilla (Chikoo) affect blood sugar during pregnancy?

The glycemic index of sapodilla is in the medium range, but its high sugar density means even a small portion can deliver a substantial carbohydrate load. The sugars are rapidly metabolized, which can lead to a sharp spike in blood glucose shortly after consumption. The ripeness of the fruit also matters; an overripe sapodilla will have a higher concentration of simple sugars and thus a greater glycemic impact. Careful monitoring is essential if you choose to consume it, as its effect can be potent and swift.

What is a safe portion of Sapodilla (Chikoo) for gestational diabetes?

Portion control is non-negotiable with sapodilla. A maximum serving should be very small, around one-quarter to one-half of a small fruit. This small quantity helps to keep the total carbohydrate intake from the fruit within a manageable range for a single meal or snack. Exceeding this amount significantly increases the risk of hyperglycemia. It is always best to measure your portion and test your blood sugar afterward to understand your personal tolerance and response to this specific fruit.

How should I combine Sapodilla (Chikoo) to manage blood sugar during pregnancy?

If you decide to eat sapodilla, it is absolutely critical to pair it with sources of protein and healthy fats to mitigate its impact on blood sugar. Consuming it alongside a handful of almonds, a scoop of plain Greek yogurt, or a piece of cheese can help slow down the absorption of sugar. This strategy helps to blunt the glycemic response and promote a more gradual rise in blood glucose. Never eat sapodilla on its own as a snack, as this will almost certainly lead to a significant blood sugar spike.

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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