Candied Apple: A Sweet Treat with a Moderate Glycemic Impact

Candied apples are a delightful treat that combines the nutritional benefits of fresh apples with the sweetness of a candy coating. Let’s explore the glycemic impact and nutritional profile of this popular confection.

Glycemic Index and Load of Candied Apples

Candied apples have a Glycemic Index (GI) of 34.2, placing them in the low GI category. Foods with a GI under 55 are considered low glycemic, which means they cause a slower and more gradual rise in blood sugar levels.

The Glycemic Load (GL) of candied apples is 9.51 per 100g serving. This moderate GL value reflects both the GI and the amount of carbohydrates in the food. A GL between 10-19 is considered moderate, while below 10 is low.

Nutritional Profile of Candied Apples (100g serving)

• Calories: 134 kcal
• Protein: 1.34g
• Fat: 2.15g
• Total Carbohydrates: 29.6g
• Dietary Fiber: 1.8g
• Sugar: 24.2g
• Net Carbs: 27.8g

How Candied Apples Compare to Fresh Apples

Candied apples have higher sugar content than fresh apples due to the candy coating. While fresh apples typically have a GI around 36-38, the candied version maintains a similarly low GI despite the added sugars, possibly due to the fiber content still present in the apple.

Benefits and Considerations

Benefits:

• Despite being a treat, candied apples still provide some of the nutritional benefits of fresh apples
• The relatively low GI means they won’t cause dramatic blood sugar spikes compared to many other sweets
• They provide some dietary fiber (1.8g per 100g serving)

Considerations:

• The sugar content is significant at 24.2g per 100g serving
• Candied apples are calorie-dense compared to fresh apples
• The net carb count of 27.8g makes them less suitable for low-carb diets

Incorporating Candied Apples into a Balanced Diet

For those monitoring their blood sugar or following a balanced diet, candied apples can be enjoyed as an occasional treat rather than a regular part of the diet. Their lower GI value makes them a better option than many other sweets, but portion control is still important due to the sugar and calorie content.

Consider sharing a candied apple or consuming a smaller portion to reduce the glycemic load and calorie intake while still enjoying this sweet treat.

Summary

Candied apples offer a moderate glycemic impact with a GI of 34.2 and a GL of 9.51. While they contain substantial sugar and calories, they represent a better choice than many higher-GI sweet treats when enjoyed in moderation as part of an overall balanced diet.