Pineapple: GI, GL, Carbs & Blood Sugar Impact

Glycemic index of pineapple (66), glycemic load, carbs per cup, and how pineapple affects blood sugar for people with diabetes.

Category: Fruits · Nutrition data source: USDA FoodData Central · GI source: International Tables of GI & GL Values / University of Sydney · Last verified:
66 Glycemic Index Moderate
12.7 Estimated GL 1 cup chunks (165 g)
21.6 g Carbohydrate per 1 cup chunks (165 g)
2.3 g Fiber per 1 cup chunks (165 g)

Does Pineapple Raise Blood Sugar?

Pineapple has a higher published GI (around 66) and a sweet, sugar-dense flesh — a cup of chunks carries about 22 g of carbohydrate. It is enjoyable occasionally rather than as an everyday fruit.

How to Eat It

Keep the portion to about a cup, pair with protein if you can, and choose fresh over canned in syrup.

Nutrition Facts (Pineapple)

NutrientPer 100 gPer serving
Calories50 kcal82 kcal
Carbohydrate13.1 g21.6 g
Fiber1.4 g2.3 g
Sugars9.9 g16.3 g
Protein0.5 g0.8 g
Fat0.1 g0.2 g

Source: USDA FoodData Central (generic food item, per 100 g edible portion). Values may differ from brand-specific products.

Glycemic Index

Published GI: 66 (typical value).
Reported range: 59-66.
Evidence level: Moderate.
Note: Higher-GI tropical fruit.

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 ≈ 12.7 per 1 cup chunks (165 g).

Calculation: GI (66) × available carbohydrate per serving (19.3 g = 13.1 g − 1.4 g fiber) ÷ 100. Calculated by DMSafeHaven; formula per standard published GL methodology.

Diabetes consideration: Enjoyable occasionally; keep the portion to about a cup and pair with protein if possible.
What can change the impact?
  • Portion size
  • Ripeness
  • Canned vs. fresh

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.

DMSafeHaven provides educational information based on publicly available nutrition databases and published research. It is not a substitute for individualized medical advice. Nutrition values: USDA FoodData Central (CC0). GI values: published tables (see methodology). GI/GL estimates do not predict any individual's glucose response — test your own blood glucose with your care team's guidance.