Chicken, Canned (Meat Only): Glycemic Index and Nutritional Analysis
Canned chicken provides a convenient protein option for quick meals and emergency food supplies. Let’s explore its glycemic impact and nutritional profile to help you make informed dietary choices.
Glycemic Impact
Our user-friendly app features a searchable database, meal planning tools, and personalized recommendations based on your health goals.
Canned chicken meat has a moderate Glycemic Index (GI) of 50, placing it in the medium GI category. However, its extremely low carbohydrate content results in a negligible Glycemic Load (GL) of just 0.45. This makes it an excellent choice for blood sugar management and low-carb diets.
Nutritional Profile (per 100g serving)
- Calories: 185
- Protein: 25.3g
- Fat: 8.1g
- Carbohydrates: 0.9g
- Fiber: 0g
- Sugar: 0g
- Net Carbs: 0.9g
Health Benefits
Canned chicken is primarily valued for its high protein content, providing 25.3g of protein per 100g serving. This makes it an excellent option for muscle maintenance, satiety, and overall nutrition. With virtually no carbohydrates (0.9g per serving) and zero sugar, it’s suitable for various low-carb dietary approaches including ketogenic and diabetic-friendly meal plans.
Dietary Considerations
While canned chicken is nutritionally dense, be mindful of the following:
- Sodium content may be high in some brands – check labels if you’re monitoring salt intake
- Contains moderate fat (8.1g per 100g) – primarily from the chicken itself
- Zero fiber content – consider pairing with high-fiber vegetables or whole grains for nutritional balance
Serving Suggestions
Incorporate canned chicken into your meals with these low-glycemic friendly ideas:
- Add to salads for a protein boost without impact on blood sugar
- Mix with avocado for a high-protein, healthy-fat combination
- Use in lettuce wraps instead of bread-based sandwiches
- Combine with non-starchy vegetables for complete low-GL meals
Bottom Line
Canned chicken meat offers impressive protein content with minimal carbohydrate impact, making it an excellent choice for blood sugar management and weight control. Its combination of high protein, moderate fat, and negligible carbs makes it suitable for various healthy eating patterns, particularly those focused on blood sugar control.
When selecting canned chicken, opt for varieties with minimal additives and lower sodium content when possible for maximum health benefits.