Reduced Fat Brownie Cookies: A Moderate Glycemic Index Treat

Are you looking for a sweet treat that won’t cause dramatic blood sugar spikes? Reduced fat brownie cookies might be a consideration for those monitoring their glycemic response. Let’s explore the nutritional profile and glycemic impact of these popular dessert items.

Glycemic Index and Load

Reduced fat brownie cookies (without icing) have a glycemic index (GI) of 51, placing them in the moderate GI range. Foods with a GI between 50-69 are considered moderate glycemic index foods, meaning they cause a more gradual rise in blood sugar compared to high GI foods.

However, it’s important to note that these cookies have a glycemic load (GL) of 25.76, which is considered high. Glycemic load takes into account both the quality (GI) and quantity of carbohydrates, providing a more comprehensive picture of how a food affects blood glucose levels.

Nutritional Profile per 100g Serving

• Calories: 345
• Protein: 2.77g
• Fat: 9.68g
• Total Carbohydrates: 61.6g
• Dietary Fiber: 11.1g
• Sugar: 38.7g
• Net Carbs: 50.5g

Understanding the Carbohydrate Content

Despite being marketed as “reduced fat,” these brownie cookies still contain a substantial amount of carbohydrates. With 61.6g of total carbs per 100g serving and 38.7g of sugar, they remain a carbohydrate-dense food.

The saving grace is the relatively high fiber content (11.1g per 100g), which helps slow down the digestion and absorption of sugars, likely contributing to the moderate glycemic index rather than a high one.

Who Should Consider These Cookies?

Reduced fat brownie cookies may be suitable for:

• Individuals without diabetes who can tolerate moderate GI foods
• Those looking for an occasional treat with slightly better glycemic properties than regular cookies
• People who benefit from the higher fiber content compared to many other desserts

Cautions and Considerations

Despite having a moderate glycemic index, these cookies still:

• Contain substantial sugar (38.7g per 100g)
• Have a high glycemic load, which may impact blood sugar significantly
• Provide minimal protein (only 2.77g per 100g)

Bottom Line

While reduced fat brownie cookies have a moderate glycemic index of 51, their high glycemic load and sugar content mean they should be consumed in moderation, especially by those monitoring blood glucose levels. The relatively high fiber content is beneficial but doesn’t offset the overall carbohydrate impact.

For those seeking healthier alternatives, consider desserts with lower GI values and glycemic loads, such as dark chocolate (above 70% cocoa) or berries with a small amount of whipped cream.

Remember that portion control is key – the nutritional values provided are for a 100g serving, which is quite substantial for a dessert item.