Asparagus Glycemic Index
Low GI · The honest verdict
Gentle on blood sugar
Glycemic index
15
per source
Glycemic load
1
Low GL
This food's glycemic index is 15, which is Low GI.
Asparagus is one of the most diabetes-friendly vegetables available. With roughly 2.4 g of net carbs per cup and a glycemic load of 1, it has essentially no meaningful effect on blood glucose. It is a nutrient-dense, non-starchy vegetable that can be eaten freely within a balanced meal plan. This is general nutrition information, not medical advice — people with diabetes should confirm serving guidance with their care team.
GI numbers vary by source, ripeness, and how a food is prepared. This is general nutrition information — not medical advice. If you manage diabetes, confirm specifics with your care team.
Key facts
Asparagus has a GI of about 15 — among the lowest of all vegetables — and a glycemic load of 1 per cup.
One cup of cooked asparagus provides 89 mcg of folate — about 22% of the daily value.
Asparagus contains the antioxidant glutathione, which may have anti-inflammatory properties.
What's actually inside
Per 100 g, with your typical serving noted as 1 cup (134 g), cooked, boiled. The carb family is what moves blood sugar — fiber is the number that softens the spike.
- Total carbs
- 5.2g
- Net carbs
- 2.4g
- total carbs minus fiber
- Fiber
- 2.8g
- slows the glucose rise
- Sugars
- 2.1g
- Protein
- 2.9g
- Calories
- 27kcal
Notable nutrients
- Vitamin K45.5 mcg
- Folate89 mcg
- Vitamin C7.2 mg
- Vitamin A (IU)756 IU
- Potassium202 mg
Is it a smart choice for blood sugar?
GI is only half the story — portion (glycemic load) and what you eat it with decide the real-world effect. Here's the honest read.
The verdict
Excellent — very low carb, negligible blood sugar impact
Asparagus is one of the most diabetes-friendly vegetables available. With roughly 2.4 g of net carbs per cup and a glycemic load of 1, it has essentially no meaningful effect on blood glucose. It is a nutrient-dense, non-starchy vegetable that can be eaten freely within a balanced meal plan. This is general nutrition information, not medical advice — people with diabetes should confirm serving guidance with their care team.
Portion guidance
Portion size is not a concern for asparagus in typical servings. A full cup of cooked asparagus contains only about 2.4 g net carbs. Even larger servings of 2–3 cups would keep the glycemic load very low. The main practical consideration is preparation — avoid heavy sauces, butter, or breading that add carbs and fat.
This is general nutrition information, not personal medical advice. Blood sugar responses are individual — if you have diabetes or prediabetes, your care team can tell you how this fits your plan.
How to keep the spike small
The same food can land differently depending on how it's cooked and what it's eaten with. Use these levers to your advantage.
Boiling or steaming
Little effectBoiling or steaming asparagus has minimal effect on its GI because the carbohydrate content is so low. The slight softening of fiber does not meaningfully change blood sugar response.
Roasting or grilling
Little effectRoasting or grilling at moderate temperatures does not significantly alter the GI of asparagus. Caramelization adds a small amount of natural sugar but not enough to affect glycemic response in typical servings.
Adding oil, butter, or cheese sauces
Little effectFat-based additions do not raise GI — they may slightly slow gastric emptying and reduce the overall glycemic response. However, they add calories and saturated fat, which is relevant for overall dietary balance.
Breading and deep-frying
Raises GIBreading asparagus (e.g., tempura or fried asparagus) adds a significant amount of refined carbohydrate from the coating, raising the GI and GL of the dish substantially. This preparation changes a low-GI vegetable into a moderate-GI food.
Pairing tip
Asparagus pairs well with nearly any protein — grilled chicken, fish, eggs, or tofu — without affecting blood sugar. A squeeze of lemon or a light vinaigrette adds flavor without meaningful carbs. Avoid pairing with high-carb sides like breaded onion rings or heavy cream sauces if glycemic control is the priority.
Why GI numbers vary
The GI of asparagus is so low (around 15) that variation across sources is minimal and practically irrelevant. Some databases list it as 'negligible' or 'not applicable' because the carb content is too low to produce a meaningful glycemic response. We report a single value of 15 as a reasonable estimate; the exact number does not change the practical recommendation.
Not medical advice. This page is general nutrition information about Asparagus. It isn't a diagnosis or a treatment plan. If you have diabetes, prediabetes, or another condition affecting blood sugar, confirm any dietary decisions with your doctor or care team.
Frequently Asked Questions
Asparagus has a very low glycemic index of approximately 15, which classifies it as a low-GI food. Because asparagus contains very little carbohydrate — about 5 g total per cup, with half of that as fiber — the actual blood sugar response is negligible. The GI value is so low that it is sometimes listed as 'not applicable' in databases. In practical terms, asparagus has no meaningful effect on blood glucose.
Yes, asparagus is excellent for diabetes management. With only about 2.4 g of net carbs per cup and a glycemic load of 1, it has essentially no impact on blood sugar. It is also rich in folate, vitamin K, and antioxidants. It can be eaten freely in typical portions without concern for blood glucose spikes. This is general nutrition information — people with diabetes should confirm their individual dietary plan with their care team.
Absolutely. Asparagus is a staple vegetable on low-carb and keto diets. A full cup of cooked asparagus contains only about 2.4 g net carbs, which fits easily into even the most restrictive keto plans (under 20 g net carbs per day). It provides fiber, vitamins, and volume without using up the daily carb budget.
Cooking asparagus has minimal effect on its GI because the carbohydrate content is so low. Boiling, steaming, roasting, or grilling do not meaningfully alter the glycemic response. However, breading and deep-frying adds significant carbs from the coating, which raises the GI of the dish. Plain cooked asparagus remains a very low-GI food regardless of method.
Asparagus contains about 2.1 g of natural sugar per cup (cooked), but this is a very small amount and is accompanied by 2.8 g of fiber, which slows digestion. The glycemic impact of this sugar is negligible. For comparison, a cup of cooked asparagus has less sugar than a single strawberry. It is not a concern for blood sugar management.
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Reviewed by
Curex Editorial TeamReviewed for accuracy
Last reviewed July 2026