Fruit · Glycemic index

Do strawberries spike blood sugar?

Not much. Strawberries have a low GI of 40, and a 144 g serving (1 cup whole) has a low glycemic load of 3. Strawberries have a low GI and very little carbohydrate, which makes them one of the gentlest fruits for blood sugar.

Key numbers

Glycemic index: 40; Low GI
Glycemic load: 3; Low GL
Available carbs: 8 g; 2.9 g fiber
Serving: 1 cup whole; 144 g · raw

GI vs GL for strawberries

The glycemic index (GI) compares how fast the carbohydrate in a food raises blood sugar against pure glucose (100), using a fixed amount of carbohydrate. The glycemic load (GL) adds the other half of the story — how much carbohydrate a normal serving actually contains: GI × available carbs ÷ 100. For strawberries: 40 × 8 g ÷ 100 ≈ 3.

That figure comes from a single published test in the 2021 international GI tables (“Strawberries, fresh, raw (Australia, 2001)”), so treat it as approximate. Only one ISO-standard test of fresh strawberries has been published, so treat the exact figure with some caution; with so little carbohydrate per cup, their glycemic load is low either way.

Eating a different amount? Work out the glycemic load of your portion.

How to eat strawberries with less of a spike

Use them to sweeten plain yogurt or oatmeal instead of sugar or honey.
Keep frozen strawberries in the freezer so there is always a low-GI fruit on hand.
Watch strawberry jams, syrups and flavored yogurts, which add sugar that fresh berries don't have.

Other low-GI choices

Compare with

See all 67 foods in the glycemic index table

Frequently asked questions

What is the glycemic index of strawberries?

Strawberries have a glycemic index of 40, which is low. That figure comes from a single published test in the 2021 international GI tables (“Strawberries, fresh, raw (Australia, 2001)”), so treat it as approximate. A 144 g serving (1 cup whole) contains about 8 g of available carbohydrate, giving a glycemic load of 3 (low).

Is strawberries good for prediabetes?

Strawberries are one of the best fruit choices for prediabetes. Even a full cup has a very low glycemic load, so they are an easy way to add sweetness to breakfast or dessert.

How many strawberries can I eat at once?

A full cup of whole strawberries carries a very low glycemic load, so a generous bowl is a small carbohydrate load on its own. Toppings such as sugar, cream or chocolate change the picture.

Sources

GI values come from the international GI tables; carbohydrate and fiber per serving are calculated from USDA FoodData Central.

Data last checked September 30, 2026.