Corn (sweet, boiled): GI, GL, Carbs & Blood Sugar Impact
Glycemic index of sweet corn (52), glycemic load, carbs per ear, and how corn on the cob fits a diabetes-friendly diet.
Does Corn Raise Blood Sugar?
An ear of boiled sweet corn carries about 19 g of carbohydrate with a moderate published GI around 52. It is a vegetable-starch: fine in one-ear portions, not so fine by the bucket at the fair.
How to Eat It
Plain corn on the cob, counted as a starch serving. Watch butter-topping calories and canned creamed corn with added sugar.
Nutrition Facts (Corn (sweet, boiled))
| Nutrient | Per 100 g | Per serving |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 96 kcal | 86 kcal |
| Carbohydrate | 21 g | 18.9 g |
| Fiber | 2.4 g | 2.2 g |
| Sugars | 4.5 g | 4.0 g |
| Protein | 3.4 g | 3.1 g |
| Fat | 1.5 g | 1.4 g |
Source: USDA FoodData Central (generic food item, per 100 g edible portion). Values may differ from brand-specific products.
Glycemic Index
Published GI: 52 (typical value).
Reported range: 52-60.
Evidence level: Moderate.
Note: On-the-cob plain corn, not butter-laden or canned creamed versions.
Sources: International Tables of Glycemic Index and Glycemic Load Values (2008/2021); University of Sydney GI Database (glycemicindex.com). GI values are reported relative to a glucose reference.
Learn more: What is GI? · What is GL? · GI vs GL
Estimated Glycemic Load
GL ≈ 8.7 per 1 medium ear (90 g kernels).
Calculation: GI (52) × available carbohydrate per serving (16.7 g = 21 g − 2.4 g fiber) ÷ 100. Calculated by DMSafeHaven; formula per standard published GL methodology.
- Butter / toppings
- Portion (ears vs. extra kernels)
- Fresh vs. canned with sugar
GI values can vary with variety, ripeness, preparation and testing conditions. The value above is a typical published figure, not a universal prediction for every individual or every serving.