Strawberries: GI, GL, Carbs & Blood Sugar Impact
Glycemic index of strawberries (40), glycemic load, carbs per cup, and why strawberries are one of the lowest-carb fruits.
Do Strawberries Raise Blood Sugar?
A full cup of sliced strawberries carries only about 12 g of carbohydrate with a published GI near 40 — among the lowest of common fruits. The main glucose risk is what gets added (sugar, syrup, cream) rather than the fruit itself.
How to Eat It
Plain strawberries, straight or with yogurt, are about as safe a sweet fix as a fruit can be. Watch jams and dried versions.
Nutrition Facts (Strawberries)
| Nutrient | Per 100 g | Per serving |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 32 kcal | 49 kcal |
| Carbohydrate | 7.7 g | 11.7 g |
| Fiber | 2 g | 3.0 g |
| Sugars | 4.9 g | 7.4 g |
| Protein | 0.7 g | 1.1 g |
| Fat | 0.3 g | 0.5 g |
Source: USDA FoodData Central (generic food item, per 100 g edible portion). Values may differ from brand-specific products.
Glycemic Index
Published GI: 40 (typical value).
Reported range: 40-49.
Evidence level: Moderate.
Note: One of the lowest-carb common fruits.
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 ≈ 3.5 per 1 cup sliced (152 g).
Calculation: GI (40) × available carbohydrate per serving (8.7 g = 7.7 g − 2 g fiber) ÷ 100. Calculated by DMSafeHaven; formula per standard published GL methodology.
- Added sugar (cream, syrup) rather than the fruit itself
- Portion size
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.