Diabetic-Friendly Grains Guide

35 items classified under standard Diabetic-Friendly guidelines.

Diabetic-Friendly classifies foods based on glycemic impact and blood sugar effect. Of the 35 grains evaluated, 0 are classified as Allowed, 33 as Limited, and 2 as Not Allowed.

Quick Reference

Food Status Total carbs (per 100g)
Amaranth Limited 4g
Arrowroot Powder Limited 13.4g
Bagel Limited 52.4g
Barley Limited 77.7g
Buckwheat Limited 71.5g
Burrito Limited 23.9g
Corn Limited 18.7g
Corn Flakes Limited 9.4g
Cornmeal Limited 76.9g
Cornstarch Limited 91.3g
Croutons Limited 73.5g
English Muffin Limited 44.2g
Fried Rice Limited 32.8g
Granola Bars Limited 64.4g
Millet Limited 72.8g
Naan Limited 50.2g
Nachos Limited 23.9g
Oat Flour Limited 65.7g
Oats Limited 67.7g
Pancakes Limited 35.3g
Pasta Limited 74.7g
Pita Bread Limited 68.3g
Pizza Limited 29.9g
Quinoa Limited 21.3g
Rice Cakes Limited 81.1g
Rice Crackers Limited 82.6g
Rice Noodles Limited 80.2g
Rye Bread Limited 75.9g
Sourdough Bread Limited 51.9g
Spelt Limited 26.4g
Tacos Limited 15.1g
Tapioca Starch Limited 88.7g
Waffles Limited 48.4g
Rice Not Allowed 81.1g
Wheat Flour Not Allowed 74.5g

Classification Breakdown

33 Limited — These items have a moderate glycemic effect dependent on portion and meal context. 2 Not Allowed — These are fast-absorbing enough to drive a sharp glucose spike.

Diabetic-friendly eating focuses on glucose stability — total carbs per meal and absorption speed modified by fiber, fat, and protein.

Limited Grains (33)

Amaranth

Limited

Amaranth is classified as Limited on Diabetic-Friendly, with 4g total carbs per 100g. This means it is a moderate glycemic effect dependent on portion and meal context. Among the 35 items in this category, amaranth sits at the low end for total carbs — next closest is Corn Flakes at 9.4g. Portion control is key here — a small amount may fit within the diet's parameters, while a full serving may not.

Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central

23kcalCalories
2.5gProtein
0.3gFat
4gCarbs
Sugar
Fiber

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Arrowroot Powder

Limited

With 13.4g total carbs per 100g, Arrowroot Powder earns a Limited classification on Diabetic-Friendly. This means it is a moderate glycemic effect dependent on portion and meal context. Among the 35 items in this category, arrowroot powder sits at the low end for total carbs — next closest is Tacos at 15.1g. Portion control is key here — a small amount may fit within the diet's parameters, while a full serving may not.

Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central

65kcalCalories
4.2gProtein
0.2gFat
13.4gCarbs
Sugar
1.3gFiber

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Bagel

Limited

With 52.4g total carbs per 100g, Bagel earns a Limited classification on Diabetic-Friendly. This means it is a moderate glycemic effect dependent on portion and meal context. It also contains 10.6g protein and 422mg sodium, which may factor into overall meal planning. Within this category, it falls between Sourdough Bread and Granola Bars for total carbs, ranking 17 of 35. Check the label carefully: the same product can be compliant or not depending on the specific brand or how it was prepared.

Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central

264kcalCalories
10.6gProtein
1.3gFat
52.4gCarbs
Sugar
1.6gFiber

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Barley

Limited

Barley is classified as Limited on Diabetic-Friendly, with 77.7g total carbs per 100g. This means it is a moderate glycemic effect dependent on portion and meal context. It also contains 9.9g protein and 15.6g fiber, which may factor into overall meal planning. It ranks among the highest in this category for total carbs. The nearest lower option is Cornmeal at 76.9g. Check the label carefully: the same product can be compliant or not depending on the specific brand or how it was prepared.

Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central

352kcalCalories
9.9gProtein
1.2gFat
77.7gCarbs
Sugar
15.6gFiber

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Buckwheat

Limited

At 71.5g total carbs per 100g, Buckwheat falls into the Limited category under Diabetic-Friendly guidelines. The classification reflects that it is a moderate glycemic effect dependent on portion and meal context. Nutritionally, it also delivers 13.2g protein and 10g fiber per serving. Within this category, it falls between Pita Bread and Millet for total carbs, ranking 22 of 35. The "Limited" label means the classification depends on specific conditions — portion size, brand formulation, or preparation method can shift it from compliant to non-compliant.

Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central

343kcalCalories
13.2gProtein
3.4gFat
71.5gCarbs
Sugar
10gFiber

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Burrito

Limited

At 23.9g total carbs per 100g, Burrito falls into the Limited category under Diabetic-Friendly guidelines. It is a moderate glycemic effect dependent on portion and meal context. Beyond the primary classification, burrito also provides 11.1g protein and 8.5g fat per 100g. Among the 35 items in this category, burrito sits at the low end for total carbs — next closest is Spelt at 26.4g. Portion control is key here — a small amount may fit within the diet's parameters, while a full serving may not.

Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central

219kcalCalories
11.1gProtein
8.5gFat
23.9gCarbs
Sugar
2.5gFiber

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Corn

Limited

At 18.7g total carbs per 100g, Corn falls into the Limited category under Diabetic-Friendly guidelines. This means it is a moderate glycemic effect dependent on portion and meal context. Among the 35 items in this category, corn sits at the low end for total carbs — next closest is Quinoa at 21.3g. Check the label carefully: the same product can be compliant or not depending on the specific brand or how it was prepared.

Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central

VariantCaloriesProteinFatCarbsSugarFiber
Sweet Corn (raw)86kcal3.3g1.4g18.7g2g
Sweet Corn (canned)67kcal2.3g1.2g14.3g2g

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Corn Flakes

Limited

Corn Flakes is classified as Limited on Diabetic-Friendly, with 9.4g total carbs per 100g. This means it is a moderate glycemic effect dependent on portion and meal context. Among the 35 items in this category, corn flakes sits at the low end for total carbs — next closest is Arrowroot Powder at 13.4g. Portion control is key here — a small amount may fit within the diet's parameters, while a full serving may not.

Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central

44kcalCalories
0.8gProtein
0.2gFat
9.4gCarbs
Sugar
0.5gFiber

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Cornmeal

Limited

At 76.9g total carbs per 100g, Cornmeal falls into the Limited category under Diabetic-Friendly guidelines. The classification reflects that it is a moderate glycemic effect dependent on portion and meal context. Nutritionally, it also delivers 10.4g protein and 5.4g fat per serving. It ranks among the highest in this category for total carbs. The nearest lower option is Rye Bread at 75.9g. Check the label carefully: the same product can be compliant or not depending on the specific brand or how it was prepared.

Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central

398kcalCalories
10.4gProtein
5.4gFat
76.9gCarbs
Sugar
8.7gFiber

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Cornstarch

Limited

Cornstarch is classified as Limited on Diabetic-Friendly, with 91.3g total carbs per 100g. This means it is a moderate glycemic effect dependent on portion and meal context. It ranks among the highest in this category for total carbs. The nearest lower option is Tapioca Starch at 88.7g. The "Limited" label means the classification depends on specific conditions — portion size, brand formulation, or preparation method can shift it from compliant to non-compliant.

Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central

381kcalCalories
0.3gProtein
0.1gFat
91.3gCarbs
Sugar
0.9gFiber

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Croutons

Limited

With 73.5g total carbs per 100g, Croutons earns a Limited classification on Diabetic-Friendly. This means it is a moderate glycemic effect dependent on portion and meal context. It also contains 11.9g protein and 6.6g fat, which may factor into overall meal planning. Within this category, it falls between Millet and Wheat Flour for total carbs, ranking 24 of 35. Portion control is key here — a small amount may fit within the diet's parameters, while a full serving may not.

Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central

407kcalCalories
11.9gProtein
6.6gFat
73.5gCarbs
Sugar
5.1gFiber

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English Muffin

Limited

At 44.2g total carbs per 100g, English Muffin falls into the Limited category under Diabetic-Friendly guidelines. The classification reflects that it is a moderate glycemic effect dependent on portion and meal context. Nutritionally, it also delivers 8.9g protein and 3.5g fiber per serving. Within this category, it falls between Pancakes and Waffles for total carbs, ranking 13 of 35. Portion control is key here — a small amount may fit within the diet's parameters, while a full serving may not.

Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central

227kcalCalories
8.9gProtein
1.7gFat
44.2gCarbs
Sugar
3.5gFiber

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Fried Rice

Limited

With 32.8g total carbs per 100g, Fried Rice earns a Limited classification on Diabetic-Friendly. It is a moderate glycemic effect dependent on portion and meal context. Beyond the primary classification, fried rice also provides 387mg sodium per 100g. Within this category, it falls between Pizza and Pancakes for total carbs, ranking 11 of 35. Portion control is key here — a small amount may fit within the diet's parameters, while a full serving may not.

Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central

174kcalCalories
4.1gProtein
3gFat
32.8gCarbs
Sugar
1.1gFiber

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Granola Bars

Limited

With 64.4g total carbs per 100g, Granola Bars earns a Limited classification on Diabetic-Friendly. This means it is a moderate glycemic effect dependent on portion and meal context. It also contains 10.1g protein and 19.8g fat, which may factor into overall meal planning. Within this category, it falls between Bagel and Oat Flour for total carbs, ranking 18 of 35. Check the label carefully: the same product can be compliant or not depending on the specific brand or how it was prepared.

Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central

471kcalCalories
10.1gProtein
19.8gFat
64.4gCarbs
Sugar
5.3gFiber

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Millet

Limited

At 72.8g total carbs per 100g, Millet falls into the Limited category under Diabetic-Friendly guidelines. The classification reflects that it is a moderate glycemic effect dependent on portion and meal context. Nutritionally, it also delivers 11g protein and 8.5g fiber per serving. Within this category, it falls between Buckwheat and Croutons for total carbs, ranking 23 of 35. Check the label carefully: the same product can be compliant or not depending on the specific brand or how it was prepared.

Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central

378kcalCalories
11gProtein
4.2gFat
72.8gCarbs
Sugar
8.5gFiber

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Naan

Limited

With 50.2g total carbs per 100g, Naan earns a Limited classification on Diabetic-Friendly. It is a moderate glycemic effect dependent on portion and meal context. Beyond the primary classification, naan also provides 11.1g protein and 7.3g fat per 100g. Within this category, it falls between Waffles and Sourdough Bread for total carbs, ranking 15 of 35. Portion control is key here — a small amount may fit within the diet's parameters, while a full serving may not.

Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central

311kcalCalories
11.1gProtein
7.3gFat
50.2gCarbs
Sugar
5.2gFiber

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Nachos

Limited

Nachos is classified as Limited on Diabetic-Friendly, with 23.9g total carbs per 100g. This means it is a moderate glycemic effect dependent on portion and meal context. It also contains 7.6g protein and 15.9g fat, which may factor into overall meal planning. Among the 35 items in this category, nachos sits at the low end for total carbs — next closest is Burrito at 23.9g. Check the label carefully: the same product can be compliant or not depending on the specific brand or how it was prepared.

Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central

265kcalCalories
7.6gProtein
15.9gFat
23.9gCarbs
Sugar
1.7gFiber

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Oat Flour

Limited

At 65.7g total carbs per 100g, Oat Flour falls into the Limited category under Diabetic-Friendly guidelines. It is a moderate glycemic effect dependent on portion and meal context. Beyond the primary classification, oat flour also provides 14.7g protein and 9.1g fat per 100g. Within this category, it falls between Granola Bars and Oats for total carbs, ranking 19 of 35. Check the label carefully: the same product can be compliant or not depending on the specific brand or how it was prepared.

Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central

404kcalCalories
14.7gProtein
9.1gFat
65.7gCarbs
Sugar
6.5gFiber

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Oats

Limited

With 67.7g total carbs per 100g, Oats earns a Limited classification on Diabetic-Friendly. It is a moderate glycemic effect dependent on portion and meal context. Beyond the primary classification, oats also provides 13.2g protein and 6.5g fat per 100g. Within this category, it falls between Oat Flour and Pita Bread for total carbs, ranking 20 of 35. Check the label carefully: the same product can be compliant or not depending on the specific brand or how it was prepared.

Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central

VariantCaloriesProteinFatCarbsSugarFiber
Rolled Oats (dry)379kcal13.2g6.5g67.7g10.1g
Oatmeal (cooked)379kcal13.2g6.5g67.7g10.1g

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Pancakes

Limited

With 35.3g total carbs per 100g, Pancakes earns a Limited classification on Diabetic-Friendly. It is a moderate glycemic effect dependent on portion and meal context. Beyond the primary classification, pancakes also provides 7.4g protein and 12.1g fat per 100g. Within this category, it falls between Fried Rice and English Muffin for total carbs, ranking 12 of 35. Portion control is key here — a small amount may fit within the diet's parameters, while a full serving may not.

Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central

282kcalCalories
7.4gProtein
12.1gFat
35.3gCarbs
Sugar
2.1gFiber

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Pasta

Limited

At 74.7g total carbs per 100g, Pasta falls into the Limited category under Diabetic-Friendly guidelines. It is a moderate glycemic effect dependent on portion and meal context. Beyond the primary classification, pasta also provides 13g protein and 3.2g fiber per 100g. Within this category, it falls between Wheat Flour and Rye Bread for total carbs, ranking 26 of 35. Check the label carefully: the same product can be compliant or not depending on the specific brand or how it was prepared.

Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central

VariantCaloriesProteinFatCarbsSugarFiber
Regular Pasta (cooked)157kcal5.8g0.9g30.6g1.8g
Whole Wheat Pasta (cooked)159kcal5.8g1.5g31.5g4.6g

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Pita Bread

Limited

With 68.3g total carbs per 100g, Pita Bread earns a Limited classification on Diabetic-Friendly. This means it is a moderate glycemic effect dependent on portion and meal context. It also contains 11.8g protein and 15.2g fat, which may factor into overall meal planning. Within this category, it falls between Oats and Buckwheat for total carbs, ranking 21 of 35. Check the label carefully: the same product can be compliant or not depending on the specific brand or how it was prepared.

Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central

457kcalCalories
11.8gProtein
15.2gFat
68.3gCarbs
Sugar
3.8gFiber

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Pizza

Limited

Pizza is classified as Limited on Diabetic-Friendly, with 29.9g total carbs per 100g. The classification reflects that it is a moderate glycemic effect dependent on portion and meal context. Nutritionally, it also delivers 11.7g protein and 12.6g fat per serving. Within this category, it falls between Spelt and Fried Rice for total carbs, ranking 10 of 35. Check the label carefully: the same product can be compliant or not depending on the specific brand or how it was prepared.

Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central

280kcalCalories
11.7gProtein
12.6gFat
29.9gCarbs
Sugar
1.7gFiber

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Quinoa

Limited

At 21.3g total carbs per 100g, Quinoa falls into the Limited category under Diabetic-Friendly guidelines. The classification reflects that it is a moderate glycemic effect dependent on portion and meal context. Nutritionally, it also delivers 2.8g fiber per serving. Among the 35 items in this category, quinoa sits at the low end for total carbs — next closest is Nachos at 23.9g. The "Limited" label means the classification depends on specific conditions — portion size, brand formulation, or preparation method can shift it from compliant to non-compliant.

Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central

VariantCaloriesProteinFatCarbsSugarFiber
Dry368kcal14.1g6.1g64.2g7g
Cooked120kcal4.4g1.9g21.3g2.8g

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Rice Cakes

Limited

With 81.1g total carbs per 100g, Rice Cakes earns a Limited classification on Diabetic-Friendly. This means it is a moderate glycemic effect dependent on portion and meal context. It also contains 7.1g protein and 4.2g fiber, which may factor into overall meal planning. It ranks among the highest in this category for total carbs. The nearest lower option is Rice Noodles at 80.2g. Check the label carefully: the same product can be compliant or not depending on the specific brand or how it was prepared.

Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central

392kcalCalories
7.1gProtein
4.3gFat
81.1gCarbs
Sugar
4.2gFiber

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Rice Crackers

Limited

Rice Crackers is classified as Limited on Diabetic-Friendly, with 82.6g total carbs per 100g. This means it is a moderate glycemic effect dependent on portion and meal context. It also contains 10g protein and 233mg sodium, which may factor into overall meal planning. It ranks among the highest in this category for total carbs. The nearest lower option is Rice at 81.1g. The "Limited" label means the classification depends on specific conditions — portion size, brand formulation, or preparation method can shift it from compliant to non-compliant.

Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central

416kcalCalories
10gProtein
5gFat
82.6gCarbs
Sugar
0gFiber

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Rice Noodles

Limited

At 80.2g total carbs per 100g, Rice Noodles falls into the Limited category under Diabetic-Friendly guidelines. It is a moderate glycemic effect dependent on portion and meal context. Beyond the primary classification, rice noodles also provides 6g protein per 100g. It ranks among the highest in this category for total carbs. The nearest lower option is Barley at 77.7g. Check the label carefully: the same product can be compliant or not depending on the specific brand or how it was prepared.

Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central

364kcalCalories
6gProtein
0.6gFat
80.2gCarbs
Sugar
1.6gFiber

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Rye Bread

Limited

Rye Bread is classified as Limited on Diabetic-Friendly, with 75.9g total carbs per 100g. This means it is a moderate glycemic effect dependent on portion and meal context. It also contains 10.3g protein and 15.1g fiber, which may factor into overall meal planning. It ranks among the highest in this category for total carbs. The nearest lower option is Pasta at 74.7g. The "Limited" label means the classification depends on specific conditions — portion size, brand formulation, or preparation method can shift it from compliant to non-compliant.

Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central

338kcalCalories
10.3gProtein
1.6gFat
75.9gCarbs
Sugar
15.1gFiber

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Sourdough Bread

Limited

With 51.9g total carbs per 100g, Sourdough Bread earns a Limited classification on Diabetic-Friendly. It is a moderate glycemic effect dependent on portion and meal context. Beyond the primary classification, sourdough bread also provides 10.8g protein and 2.2g fiber per 100g. Within this category, it falls between Naan and Bagel for total carbs, ranking 16 of 35. The "Limited" label means the classification depends on specific conditions — portion size, brand formulation, or preparation method can shift it from compliant to non-compliant.

Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central

272kcalCalories
10.8gProtein
2.4gFat
51.9gCarbs
Sugar
2.2gFiber

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Spelt

Limited

At 26.4g total carbs per 100g, Spelt falls into the Limited category under Diabetic-Friendly guidelines. It is a moderate glycemic effect dependent on portion and meal context. Beyond the primary classification, spelt also provides 5.5g protein and 3.9g fiber per 100g. Within this category, it falls between Burrito and Pizza for total carbs, ranking 9 of 35. Check the label carefully: the same product can be compliant or not depending on the specific brand or how it was prepared.

Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central

127kcalCalories
5.5gProtein
0.9gFat
26.4gCarbs
Sugar
3.9gFiber

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Tacos

Limited

With 15.1g total carbs per 100g, Tacos earns a Limited classification on Diabetic-Friendly. This means it is a moderate glycemic effect dependent on portion and meal context. It also contains 6.7g protein and 9.2g fat, which may factor into overall meal planning. Among the 35 items in this category, tacos sits at the low end for total carbs — next closest is Corn at 18.7g. The "Limited" label means the classification depends on specific conditions — portion size, brand formulation, or preparation method can shift it from compliant to non-compliant.

Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central

170kcalCalories
6.7gProtein
9.2gFat
15.1gCarbs
Sugar
3gFiber

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Tapioca Starch

Limited

At 88.7g total carbs per 100g, Tapioca Starch falls into the Limited category under Diabetic-Friendly guidelines. This means it is a moderate glycemic effect dependent on portion and meal context. It ranks among the highest in this category for total carbs. The nearest lower option is Rice Crackers at 82.6g. The "Limited" label means the classification depends on specific conditions — portion size, brand formulation, or preparation method can shift it from compliant to non-compliant.

Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central

358kcalCalories
0.2gProtein
0gFat
88.7gCarbs
Sugar
0.9gFiber

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Waffles

Limited

At 48.4g total carbs per 100g, Waffles falls into the Limited category under Diabetic-Friendly guidelines. The classification reflects that it is a moderate glycemic effect dependent on portion and meal context. Nutritionally, it also delivers 7.4g protein and 9.5g fat per serving. Within this category, it falls between English Muffin and Naan for total carbs, ranking 14 of 35. The "Limited" label means the classification depends on specific conditions — portion size, brand formulation, or preparation method can shift it from compliant to non-compliant.

Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central

309kcalCalories
7.4gProtein
9.5gFat
48.4gCarbs
Sugar
2.6gFiber

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Not Allowed Grains (2)

Rice

Not Allowed

With 81.1g total carbs per 100g, Rice earns a Not Allowed classification on Diabetic-Friendly. It is fast-absorbing enough to drive a sharp glucose spike. Beyond the primary classification, rice also provides 7.1g protein and 4.2g fiber per 100g. It ranks among the highest in this category for total carbs. The nearest lower option is Rice Cakes at 81.1g.

Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central

VariantCaloriesProteinFatCarbsSugarFiber
White Rice (cooked)130kcal2.7g0.3g28.2g0.4g
Brown Rice (cooked)112kcal2.3g0.8g23.5g0.4g1.8g

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Wheat Flour

Not Allowed

At 74.5g total carbs per 100g, Wheat Flour falls into the Not Allowed category under Diabetic-Friendly guidelines. It is fast-absorbing enough to drive a sharp glucose spike. Beyond the primary classification, wheat flour also provides 9.6g protein and 13.1g fiber per 100g. Within this category, it falls between Croutons and Pasta for total carbs, ranking 25 of 35.

Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central

332kcalCalories
9.6gProtein
2gFat
74.5gCarbs
Sugar
13.1gFiber

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