Chocolate Cream Pie – A Moderate GI Dessert

Chocolate cream pie is a beloved dessert known for its rich, velvety texture and sweet chocolate flavor. But how does it fit into a glycemic-conscious diet? Let’s explore the glycemic index, glycemic load, and nutritional profile of this decadent treat.

Glycemic Index and Load

Chocolate cream pie has a glycemic index (GI) of 59, placing it in the medium GI category. Foods with a GI between 56-69 are considered moderate in terms of how quickly they raise blood sugar levels.

The glycemic load (GL) is 18.76 per 100g serving, which is considered moderate to high. Glycemic load takes into account both the quality (GI) and quantity of carbohydrates, providing a more complete picture of a food’s effect on blood sugar levels.

Nutritional Breakdown

A 100g serving of chocolate cream pie contains:

• Calories: 291
• Protein: 2.75g
• Fat: 16.7g
• Carbohydrates: 32.5g
• Fiber: 0.7g
• Sugar: 19.3g
• Net Carbs: 31.8g (total carbs minus fiber)

What This Means For Your Diet

Chocolate cream pie is relatively high in fat and sugar, with a moderate glycemic index. The high fat content actually helps slow down the absorption of sugar, preventing rapid blood sugar spikes that would occur with a higher GI food.

However, its glycemic load of 18.76 indicates that a standard serving will still have a notable impact on blood sugar levels. The low fiber content (only 0.7g per 100g) doesn’t provide much buffer against the 19.3g of sugar.

Recommendations

For those monitoring their blood sugar levels:

• Consider enjoying chocolate cream pie as an occasional treat rather than a regular dessert
• Reduce portion size to lower the glycemic load
• Pair with a source of protein or healthy fat to potentially slow the rise in blood glucose
• Consider consuming after a meal rather than on an empty stomach

Bottom Line

Chocolate cream pie falls into the moderate GI category but has a relatively high glycemic load and sugar content. Those with diabetes or insulin resistance should approach this dessert with moderation, being mindful of portion sizes and frequency of consumption.

As with most sweet treats, chocolate cream pie can be part of a balanced diet when enjoyed occasionally and in appropriate portions.