Allergen Information
May contain: sulfites
Nutrition per 100g
Herbs & Spices › Condiments and Broths
Sun-dried Tomato Paste for Gestational Diabetes
Sun-dried tomato paste is a thick, rich concentrate made from tomatoes that have been dried in the sun, then ground. This process removes most of the water, resulting in an intensely savory and slightly sweet flavor profile packed with umami. It is a powerful ingredient used to add depth and complexity to a wide variety of dishes, from sauces to stews. Nutritionally, it is a potent source of the antioxidant lycopene, as well as Vitamin C and potassium. Its concentrated nature means that a small amount provides a significant flavor impact.
At a glance
Pregnancy safety
SafeBlood sugar impact
mediumCarbs / 100 g
43.5gIs Sun-dried Tomato Paste safe with gestational diabetes?
Sun-dried tomato paste should be used with significant caution when managing gestational diabetes. While it adds robust flavor without much fat, its production process concentrates the natural sugars from the tomatoes. This results in a condiment that is surprisingly dense in carbohydrates and sugar for its small serving size. Furthermore, many commercial varieties are very high in sodium, which is another important consideration during pregnancy. Careful portion control is absolutely essential to incorporate this ingredient safely into your diet.
How does Sun-dried Tomato Paste affect blood sugar during pregnancy?
The glycemic impact of sun-dried tomato paste is moderate, but its concentrated sugar content can lead to a quick rise in blood glucose if not managed properly. The dehydration process removes water, making the sugars more readily available for absorption compared to fresh tomatoes. While the presence of fiber helps to temper this effect slightly, it does not negate the risk. Consuming more than a small, measured portion can contribute a significant sugar load to a meal, potentially causing a blood sugar spike that is difficult to manage.
What is a safe portion of Sun-dried Tomato Paste for gestational diabetes?
A safe portion of sun-dried tomato paste is strictly limited to one level tablespoon per meal. This small amount is typically enough to flavor an entire dish, meaning the per-serving carbohydrate contribution remains low. It is crucial to measure this amount rather than estimating it. Avoid using it as a primary spread on items like toast or crackers, as this would constitute a much larger, riskier portion. Think of it as a potent spice rather than a base sauce.
How should I combine Sun-dried Tomato Paste to manage blood sugar during pregnancy?
To mitigate the impact on blood sugar, always pair sun-dried tomato paste with foods rich in protein, healthy fats, and fiber. For instance, incorporate a small amount into a sauce for lean chicken breast or fish served with non-starchy vegetables. You could also mix it into a lentil soup or a Greek yogurt-based dip. These pairings slow down the digestion and absorption of the sugars from the paste, leading to a more gradual and stable blood glucose response. Never consume it with simple carbohydrates alone.
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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