Clementine Glycemic Index

Clementines are consistently classified as low-GI, with estimates typically in the 30–47 range. Related mandarin oranges have a published GI of around 47. The variation comes from ripeness and variety differences. In practice, the small size of a clementine means the glycemic load per fruit — roughly 4 — is more informative than the GI number alone.

Generally yes. Clementines are a low-GI, low-glycemic-load fruit — one or two at a time fits comfortably into most blood-sugar-conscious eating plans. They also deliver useful vitamin C and fiber. Individual responses vary, and anyone with diabetes managing carb intake should factor in the roughly 9 g of total carbs per fruit and check with their care team about portions.

This is a clinical question best answered by a person's own care team, as it depends on individual glucose tolerance, medication, and overall diet. From a general nutrition standpoint, one to two clementines keeps total GL in the low range (under 10). More than three at once starts to add meaningful sugar, though the fiber and acid help moderate the response.

Slightly, like any carbohydrate-containing food — but the rise is modest because of their low GI, low GL, natural acidity, and fiber content. One clementine has about 7 g of sugar; in most people this produces a gentle, slow glucose rise rather than a sharp spike.

Clementines and navel oranges are closely related and have comparable GI values — both fall in the low-GI range, roughly 35–50. Clementines are smaller, so the glycemic load per serving is naturally lower when you eat one fruit. The difference in GI between the two types is not clinically significant.