Ice Cream Cake: A Sweet Treat with Moderate Glycemic Impact

Ice cream cake combines the creamy delight of ice cream with the satisfying texture of cake, creating a dessert beloved by many. But how does this indulgent treat affect your blood sugar levels? Let’s take a closer look at the glycemic index, glycemic load, and nutritional profile of ice cream cake.

Glycemic Index and Glycemic Load

Ice cream cake has a Glycemic Index (GI) of 51.5, placing it in the moderate GI range. Foods with a GI between 55 and 69 are considered moderate, while those below 55 are low GI foods. This means ice cream cake falls just within the low GI category, though it’s very close to the moderate threshold.

However, the Glycemic Load (GL) tells a more complete story. With a GL of 19.98, ice cream cake has a high glycemic load. Generally:

• GL of 10 or less is considered low
• GL between 11-19 is considered moderate
• GL of 20 or more is considered high

At 19.98, ice cream cake sits at the upper end of the moderate range, almost reaching the high category. This indicates that while the GI is moderate, the carbohydrate content is substantial enough to potentially cause a significant blood sugar response.

Nutritional Profile (per 100g serving)

• Calories: 283
• Protein: 2.95g
• Fat: 12.7g
• Carbohydrates: 39.3g
• Fiber: 0.5g
• Sugar: 31.2g
• Net Carbs: 38.8g

What This Means for Blood Sugar Management

While ice cream cake has a moderate GI value, the high sugar content (31.2g per 100g serving) and low fiber content (only 0.5g) make it a dessert to enjoy mindfully, especially for those monitoring their blood glucose levels.

The high net carbs (38.8g) contribute to the relatively high glycemic load, meaning this treat can still have a substantial impact on blood sugar levels despite its moderate GI.

Recommendations for Consumption

For individuals concerned about blood sugar management:

• Enjoy ice cream cake in smaller portions (less than the 100g serving analyzed here)
• Pair with a source of protein or healthy fat to potentially slow sugar absorption
• Consider consuming as part of a balanced meal rather than on its own
• For those with diabetes or insulin resistance, monitor blood glucose response carefully

Conclusion

Ice cream cake can be enjoyed occasionally as part of a balanced diet, but its high sugar content, substantial carbohydrate load, and minimal fiber make it a dessert that should be consumed mindfully by those monitoring blood glucose levels. The moderate glycemic index (51.5) paired with a high glycemic load (19.98) suggests that portion control is particularly important with this dessert.

Remember that individual responses to foods may vary, and factors such as what else is consumed in the meal can affect how your body processes the carbohydrates in ice cream cake.