Chicken or Turkey Cake, Patty, or Croquette: A High GI Option to Consume Mindfully

If you’re monitoring your blood sugar levels or following a low glycemic diet, it’s essential to understand how different foods affect your body. Today, we’re examining chicken or turkey cakes, patties, and croquettes—a popular protein option that comes with some interesting glycemic characteristics.

Glycemic Profile

Chicken or turkey cakes/patties/croquettes have a surprisingly high Glycemic Index (GI) of 95. This places them firmly in the high GI category (70 or above), meaning they can potentially cause a rapid spike in blood sugar levels.

However, before you remove these from your menu entirely, note that their Glycemic Load (GL) is only 2.27. The glycemic load takes into account both the quality (GI) and quantity of carbohydrates, providing a more practical measure of a food’s impact on blood sugar. A GL under 10 is considered low, making these protein patties a relatively low-impact food despite their high GI.

Nutritional Breakdown (per 100g serving)

• Calories: 262
• Protein: 20.8g
• Fat: 18.8g
• Total Carbohydrates: 2.59g
• Fiber: 0.2g
• Sugar: 0.49g
• Net Carbs: 2.39g

Understanding the Contradiction

You might wonder how a food can have such a high GI but a low GL. This is because chicken/turkey patties contain very few carbohydrates overall (only 2.59g per 100g serving). So while the carbs they do contain may be rapidly digested (high GI), the total amount is so small that the overall impact on blood sugar (the GL) remains low.

Benefits for Those Monitoring Blood Sugar

These protein-rich options provide several advantages for those watching their blood glucose levels:

• High protein content (20.8g) helps promote satiety and muscle maintenance
• Very low net carbs (2.39g) make them suitable for low-carb or ketogenic diets
• Despite the high GI, the low GL means minimal blood sugar impact when consumed in typical portions

Considerations for Consumption

While the glycemic load is low, there are a few factors to consider:

• The fat content is relatively high at 18.8g per 100g serving
• The preparation method (breading, frying, etc.) can affect both glycemic impact and overall nutritional profile
• Consider pairing with non-starchy vegetables to create a balanced, fiber-rich meal

Bottom Line

Chicken or turkey cakes, patties, and croquettes represent an interesting case study in glycemic impact. Their high GI but low GL demonstrates why it’s important to look at multiple factors when assessing a food’s effect on blood sugar. For most people monitoring their glycemic response, these protein options can be included in a balanced diet due to their low carbohydrate content and modest glycemic load.

As always, individual responses to foods can vary, and those with diabetes or other conditions requiring strict glycemic control should consult with their healthcare provider about incorporating specific foods into their diet plan.