Candies, HERSHEY'S, ALMOND JOY BITES & Diabetes
High glycemic impact — occasional choice only. Glycemic load of 22.8 per 100g.
✅ Nutrition data verified · GL 22.8/100g · GI 42.8 · TIER 3 ⚠️ GI: Subcategory Estimate
GI estimated from food subcategory average — not directly tested on this food. [1] [3]
Blood Sugar Response
Key Nutrition Data
This Version vs the Family
The protein figure (5.6 per 100g) is a middle-of-the-family number — variants here run 3.1-13.4 per 100g. The sodium figure here (39 mg per 100g) is the family's floor: about 74% below the family average, where the variants run 39-317 mg per 100g.
Verdicts split across the family: the gentlest option is GOLDEN ALMOND SOLITAIRES (GL 18.2) and the heaviest is SKOR Toffee Bar (GL 26.7); this one is limit. Glycemic load across the 6-item Candies group runs 17.6 to 26.7 per 100g, so the version matters as much as the food. Compare directly with POT OF GOLD Almond Bar, SKOR Toffee Bar, GOLDEN ALMOND SOLITAIRES.
What to Watch For
⚠️ High Saturated Fat
Candies, HERSHEY'S, ALMOND JOY BITES contains 8.2g of saturated fat per serving — above the 5g threshold recommended by the ADA and AHA. High saturated fat intake is associated with increased cardiovascular risk, which is the leading cause of death in people with diabetes. While this food may have a manageable glycemic load, consider it an occasional choice rather than a daily staple.
ADA Cardiovascular Disease and Risk Management (2024). Diabetes Care, 47(Suppl 1). · AHA Dietary Guidelines.
Glycemic Load by Serving Size
| Portion | Weight | Carbs | Glycemic Load | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ½ Serving | 20g | 11.5g | 4.6 | Friendly |
| Standard Serving | 40g | 23.0g | 9.1 | Friendly |
| Restaurant Portion | 80g | 46.0g | 18.2 | Moderate |
GL ≤10 = Low (Friendly) · 11–19 = Moderate · ≥20 = High (Limit).
The page-level verdict is based on GL per 100g; this table shows how portion size changes the actual GL you get.
Alternatives to Consider
🍬 Gelatin desserts, dry mix, reduced calorie, with aspartame, prepared with water
GL 1.8/100g — Low GL
Rated diabetes-friendly — lower glycemic impact than your current selection.
Gelatin desserts, dry mix, reduced calorie, with aspartame, prepared with water & diabetes →🍬 Frozen novelties, Sugar Free, CREAMSICLE Pops
GL 1.9/100g — Low GL
Fiber 7.5g/100g. Rated diabetes-friendly — lower glycemic impact than your current selection.
Frozen novelties, Sugar Free, CREAMSICLE Pops & diabetes →🍬 Frozen novelties, ice type, sugar free, orange, cherry, and grape POPSICLE pops
GL 2.2/100g — Low GL
Rated diabetes-friendly — lower glycemic impact than your current selection.
Frozen novelties, ice type, sugar free, orange, cherry, and grape POPSICLE pops & diabetes →🍬 Frozen novelties, ice type, pop, with low calorie sweetener
GL 2.5/100g — Low GL
Rated diabetes-friendly — lower glycemic impact than your current selection.
Frozen novelties, ice type, pop, with low calorie sweetener & diabetes →Related Sweets Options
Tips for Enjoying It
💡 Half Portion, Full Satisfaction
A half serving significantly reduces the glycemic load. Use it as a side, not the main event, and bulk up your plate with vegetables.
💡 Check Your Own Response
Individual blood sugar responses vary. Use a glucose meter to understand how this food affects you personally.
💡 Glycemic Load Over Glycemic Index
GL accounts for both the speed AND amount of carbohydrate, making it more practical for real-world eating than GI alone.
💡 Pair Carbs With Protein
Adding protein to a carbohydrate-containing meal slows digestion and helps prevent blood sugar spikes.
FAQ
Is HERSHEY'S ALMOND JOY BITES good for diabetes?
HERSHEY'S ALMOND JOY BITES is rated 'limit' for diabetes (GL 22.8). This doesn't mean never — it means be strategic. Tiny portions, paired with protein and fiber, can reduce the impact.
What GL value does HERSHEY'S ALMOND JOY BITES carry?
GL = 22.8 per 100g for HERSHEY'S ALMOND JOY BITES. For context: low GL is ≤10, moderate is 11–19, and high is ≥20. HERSHEY'S ALMOND JOY BITES falls into the High category.
What happens to blood sugar after eating HERSHEY'S ALMOND JOY BITES?
HERSHEY'S ALMOND JOY BITES affects blood sugar by releasing glucose during digestion. Since its GL is 22.8 (high), it's wise to limit portions. Individual responses vary — check your glucose monitor.
Is the GI value accurate?
The GI of 42.8 for HERSHEY'S ALMOND JOY BITES is estimated (Tier 3), not directly ISO-tested on this specific food. It is based on the weighted average GI of foods in the Sweets category from the International GI Tables (Atkinson et al., 2021). Actual GI may vary by variety, ripeness, cooking method, and individual response. We display estimated values with full transparency so you can make informed decisions.
Can portion control make this food work?
Yes — half a standard serving of HERSHEY'S ALMOND JOY BITES reduces the glycemic load substantially. At GL 22.8 per 100g this is a dense source, but a half portion makes a meaningful difference. The key is mindfulness: use it as a side dish, not the main event, and fill most of your plate with non-starchy vegetables and lean protein.
What about the saturated fat content?
At 8.2g of saturated fat per serving, HERSHEY'S ALMOND JOY BITES exceeds the 5g threshold that the ADA and AHA recommend for diabetes and heart health. Saturated fat raises LDL cholesterol and is associated with increased cardiovascular risk. While this food may have a manageable glycemic load, it is best as an occasional choice rather than a daily staple. Prioritize foods with unsaturated fats (olive oil, avocado, nuts, fish) for everyday eating.
Methodology & Sources
Data Tier: TIER 3 — estimated from category average
Glycemic Index (GI): 42.8 — subcategory_avg:Sweets. Source: International GI Tables (Atkinson, Brand-Miller et al., Diabetes Care, 2021). University of Sydney GI Research Service.
GL (per serving, 40.0g) = 22.8 × 40.0 ÷ 100 = 9.1
Nutrition Data: USDA FoodData Central, SR Legacy Release (April 2018). FDC ID: 169627. Data are in the public domain (CC0 1.0).
GL Classification: ≤10 = Low (Low GL), 11–19 = Moderate (Eat in Moderation), ≥20 = High (Limit). Based on University of Sydney Glycemic Index Foundation classification.
⚠️ GI value is estimated, not directly ISO-tested on this specific food. Actual GI may vary by variety, cooking method, and individual glycemic response.
Cite this page: GlycemicWise. “Candies, HERSHEY'S, ALMOND JOY BITES — Glycemic Load & Diabetes Reference.” GlycemicWise, July 2026. https://glycemicwise.com/foods/candies-hersheys-almond-joy-bites/
Dietary reference — not medical advice. This page provides evidence-based dietary reference information for general educational purposes. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Individual blood sugar responses vary significantly. Always check your blood glucose to understand your personal response to foods, and talk to your doctor or a registered dietitian before changing your diet. Data sources are cited above and publicly available from the USDA and the University of Sydney Glycemic Index Research Service.