Glycemic index & loadReviewed July 2026

Blackberry Glycemic Index

Low GI · The honest verdict

Gentle on blood sugar

Glycemic index

25–40

reported range

Glycemic load

4

Low GL

Low 05570100 High

This food's glycemic index is 25–40, which is Low GI.

Blackberries are one of the most diabetes-friendly fruits thanks to their low GI, very low glycemic load, and high fiber content. A full cup contains only about 6 grams of net carbs, making them suitable for most diabetes meal plans. This is general nutrition information, not medical advice — people with diabetes should confirm serving guidance with their care team.

Fruit1 cup (144 g), rawSee full nutrition

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.

What's actually inside

Per 100 g, with your typical serving noted as 1 cup (144 g), raw. The carb family is what moves blood sugar — fiber is the number that softens the spike.

Total carbs
13.8g
Net carbs
5.9g
total carbs minus fiber
Fiber
7.9g
slows the glucose rise
Sugars
7g
Protein
2g
Calories
62kcal

Notable nutrients

  • Vitamin C30 mg
  • Vitamin K29 mcg
  • Manganese0.9 mg
  • Folate36 mcg
  • Copper0.1 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 choice — low GI, high fiber, minimal sugar impact

Blackberries are one of the most diabetes-friendly fruits thanks to their low GI, very low glycemic load, and high fiber content. A full cup contains only about 6 grams of net carbs, making them suitable for most diabetes meal plans. This is general nutrition information, not medical advice — people with diabetes should confirm serving guidance with their care team.

Portion guidance

A one-cup serving (about 144 g) provides roughly 6 g of net carbs and a glycemic load of 4, which is well within the low GL range. Because blackberries are so low in sugar relative to their volume, most people with diabetes can enjoy 1 to 2 cups per serving without significant blood sugar impact. Pairing with yogurt or nuts adds protein and fat for even steadier glucose response.

Typical serving: 1 cup (144 g), raw

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.

Eating raw whole berries

Little effect

Raw blackberries retain their full fiber content and intact cell structure, which slows sugar absorption. This is the most blood-sugar-friendly way to eat them.

Blending into smoothies

Raises GI

Blending breaks down fiber and cell walls, potentially increasing the glycemic response slightly compared to whole berries. However, the effect is modest because blackberries remain high in soluble fiber even when blended.

Cooking into sauces or jams

Raises GI

Cooking blackberries with added sugar for jams or syrups significantly raises the glycemic impact. The added sugar plus the breakdown of fiber during cooking creates a higher-GI product than fresh berries.

Freezing and thawing

Little effect

Freezing blackberries preserves their nutritional profile and fiber content. Thawed berries may release some juice, but the glycemic impact remains essentially the same as fresh.

Pairing tip

Pair blackberries with plain Greek yogurt or cottage cheese for protein that further blunts blood sugar response. A handful of almonds or walnuts adds healthy fat and slows digestion. Avoid sweetening blackberries with sugar or honey — their natural tartness pairs well with a small amount of stevia or cinnamon if needed.

Why GI numbers vary

Blackberry GI data is limited compared to more-studied fruits. The available estimates place blackberries in the 25–40 range, which is consistent with their very low sugar content and high fiber. The variation reflects different testing methodologies and ripeness levels — riper berries have slightly more sugar and a marginally higher GI. We report the honest range (25–40) and classify blackberries as low because all estimates fall well below the low-GI threshold of 55.

Not medical advice. This page is general nutrition information about Blackberry. 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

Eating well is easier when allergies aren't in the way

Curex helps people find and treat the allergies behind everyday symptoms with at-home testing and immunotherapy. If food or seasonal allergies make eating well harder than it should be, that's where we can help — no pressure, just here if you need it.

Curex focuses on allergies — not diabetes or blood-sugar care. For blood sugar, your primary care team is the right place to start.

Reviewed by

Curex Editorial TeamReviewed for accuracy

Last reviewed July 2026

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