Fig Bar Cookies: A Tasty Treat with Moderate Glycemic Impact
Fig bar cookies are a popular sweet treat enjoyed by many. These soft, cake-like cookies filled with fig paste offer a unique taste experience. But how do they measure up from a glycemic perspective? Let’s explore the glycemic index, glycemic load, and nutritional profile of fig bar cookies.
Glycemic Index and Glycemic Load
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Fig bar cookies have a glycemic index of 51, placing them in the medium GI range. Foods with a GI between 56-69 are considered medium GI foods, while those below 55 are low GI. This means fig bar cookies fall just within the lower end of the moderate glycemic impact category.
The glycemic load of fig bar cookies is 33.81 per 100g serving. Glycemic load takes into account both the quality (GI) and quantity of carbohydrates in a food. A GL above 20 is considered high, making fig bar cookies a high glycemic load food when consumed in this quantity.
Nutritional Breakdown
A 100g serving of fig bar cookies contains:
- Calories: 348
- Protein: 3.7g
- Fat: 7.3g
- Carbohydrates: 70.9g
- Fiber: 4.6g
- Sugar: 46.4g
- Net Carbs: 66.3g
Understanding the Impact
Fig bar cookies contain a significant amount of carbohydrates (70.9g per 100g), with most coming from sugar (46.4g). The moderate fiber content (4.6g) helps slightly slow down the digestion process, contributing to its medium GI rating.
The high sugar content and net carbs result in the elevated glycemic load, making these cookies something to enjoy in moderation, especially for those monitoring blood sugar levels.
Who Should Exercise Caution?
- People with diabetes or insulin resistance
- Those following a low-glycemic diet
- Individuals trying to manage weight
- People with blood sugar regulation issues
Healthier Alternatives
If you’re looking for sweet treats with a lower glycemic impact, consider:
- Dark chocolate (70%+ cacao)
- Berries with Greek yogurt
- Homemade fig bars with whole grain flour and less sugar
- Nut-based treats
The Bottom Line
Fig bar cookies can be enjoyed as an occasional treat within a balanced diet. Their moderate glycemic index makes them a better choice than many other cookies and sweet snacks, but the high glycemic load means portion control is key. Consider enjoying one or two cookies rather than consuming them in large quantities, especially if you’re monitoring your blood sugar levels.