50 Low Glycemic Index Foods: Complete List & Calories
Discover 50 low glycemic index foods ranked by GI value with calories per serving. A science-backed list for stable blood sugar and lasting energy.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is considered a low glycemic index food?
A food is considered low GI when it scores 55 or below on the glycemic index scale. These foods raise blood glucose slowly and steadily, which supports sustained energy, reduced hunger, and better blood sugar control compared to high-GI foods.
What foods have the lowest glycemic index?
Non-starchy vegetables such as spinach, kale, and broccoli have the lowest GI values, often between 5 and 15. Legumes like lentils and chickpeas rank GI 21–30. Nuts and seeds (almonds, chia seeds) are near zero. Proteins and pure fats score 0 since they contain no digestible carbohydrates.
Does cooking affect the glycemic index of food?
Yes. Cooking generally raises GI by breaking down starch into more easily digested forms. Al dente pasta has a lower GI than overcooked pasta, and raw carrots have a lower GI than boiled ones. Cooling cooked starchy foods after cooking creates resistant starch, which slightly lowers the effective GI.
What is the difference between glycemic index and glycemic load?
The glycemic index rates how fast a food raises blood sugar on a scale of 0–100. Glycemic load factors in both GI and the actual amount of carbohydrate per serving. Watermelon has a high GI of 76 but a low GL of about 8 per cup because it is mostly water — in practice, a serving has a modest impact on blood sugar.
Are low GI foods good for weight loss?
Research supports low-GI diets for weight management. Low-GI foods are typically high in fiber, which slows digestion and reduces hunger. A 2021 systematic review in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that low-GI dietary patterns support better satiety and more stable blood sugar — both key factors for maintaining a calorie deficit over time.