Fudgesicle: A Moderate Glycemic Index Frozen Treat

If you’re monitoring your blood sugar levels but still crave something sweet and chocolaty, Fudgesicles might be an option worth considering. These popular frozen treats offer a cool, refreshing way to satisfy your chocolate cravings while having a moderate impact on blood glucose levels.

Glycemic Index and Glycemic Load

With a Glycemic Index (GI) of 50, Fudgesicles fall into the moderate GI category, making them a better choice than many other desserts that typically have high GI values. The Glycemic Load (GL) is 14.5 per 100g serving, which is considered a medium glycemic load.

Nutritional Breakdown per 100g

• Calories: 163
• Protein: 2.56g
• Fat: 3.67g
• Total Carbohydrates: 30g
• Dietary Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 17.5g
• Net Carbs: 29g

Why Fudgesicles Have a Moderate GI

The moderate GI of Fudgesicles can be attributed to several factors. The presence of fat (3.67g) helps slow down the digestion and absorption of carbohydrates. Additionally, the small amount of protein (2.56g) and fiber (1g) also contribute to a more gradual rise in blood glucose compared to similar treats with higher GI values.

Benefits and Considerations

Benefits:

• Moderate GI compared to many other desserts
• Lower in fat compared to ice cream
• Provides a satisfying chocolate flavor while being portion-controlled

Considerations:

• Contains 17.5g of sugar per 100g serving
• Net carbs are relatively high at 29g
• Limited nutritional benefits beyond small amounts of protein

Who Should Include Fudgesicles in Their Diet?

Fudgesicles can be an occasional treat for those monitoring their blood sugar levels, including individuals with:

• Type 2 diabetes (in moderation and as part of a balanced meal plan)
• Insulin resistance
• Those following a moderate-GI diet for weight management

However, portion control is essential. The standard nutritional information provided is for a 100g serving, which may be larger than a typical single Fudgesicle.

Healthier Alternatives

If you’re looking for lower-GI frozen treats, consider:

• Homemade fudge pops using stevia or monk fruit sweetener
• Greek yogurt-based frozen treats with berries
• Dark chocolate (70% or higher) pieces

Conclusion

Fudgesicles represent a moderate-GI option in the dessert category, making them a potential occasional treat for those monitoring their blood glucose levels. With their chocolate flavor and cooling effect, they can satisfy cravings while having less impact on blood sugar than many other sweet options. As with any treat, moderation is key, especially considering their sugar content and net carbs.

Remember to consider your overall carbohydrate intake for the day and how a Fudgesicle might fit into your personal nutrition goals and blood glucose management plan.