Candies, MARS SNACKFOOD US, DOVE Dark Chocolate & Diabetes
High glycemic impact — occasional choice only. Glycemic load of 22.2 per 100g.
✅ Nutrition data verified · GL 22.2/100g · 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
On fiber, this version lands mid-range: 7.6 per 100g, inside a family spread of 0 to 10.4 per 100g. On saturated fat, this version lands mid-range: 19.2 per 100g, inside a family spread of 0 to 19.2 per 100g.
Verdicts split across the family: the gentlest option is SNICKERS MUNCH bar (GL 16.7) and the heaviest is M&M's Peanut Butter Chocolate Candies (GL 22.6); this one is limit. Within this Candies family (36 versions), GL per 100g spans 16.7 to 39 — the processing and fat content decide where each lands. See the numbers side by side: SKITTLES Sours Original, M&M's Peanut Chocolate Candies, 3 MUSKETEERS Bar.
What to Watch For
⚠️ High Saturated Fat
Candies, MARS SNACKFOOD US, DOVE Dark Chocolate contains 8.1g 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.
Related Sweets Options
🍬 Puddings
🔴 Limit · GL 34.3/100g
🍬 Syrups
🟡 Eat in Moderation · GL 19.1/100g
🍬 Candies
🔴 Limit · GL 22.3/100g
Glycemic Load by Serving Size
| Portion | Weight | Carbs | Glycemic Load | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ½ Serving | 21g | 12.5g | 4.7 | Friendly |
| Standard Serving | 42g | 24.9g | 9.3 | Friendly |
| Restaurant Portion | 84g | 49.9g | 18.6 | 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.
Lower-GL Alternatives
🍬 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 →Questions People Ask
How does MARS SNACKFOOD US DOVE Dark Chocolate rate for blood sugar control?
Let's be straightforward: MARS SNACKFOOD US DOVE Dark Chocolate at GL 22.2 isn't doing your glucose any favors. But food is more than numbers. If this matters to you culturally or emotionally, the strategy is small amounts + fiber/protein pairing — not total elimination.
What is the glycemic load of MARS SNACKFOOD US DOVE Dark Chocolate?
The glycemic load of MARS SNACKFOOD US DOVE Dark Chocolate is 22.2 per 100g. GL is calculated by multiplying the GI (42.8) by the available carbohydrates (51.8g) and dividing by 100.
How does MARS SNACKFOOD US DOVE Dark Chocolate affect blood sugar?
With 7.6g of fiber per 100g, MARS SNACKFOOD US DOVE Dark Chocolate's GL of 22.2 means the blood sugar impact is high. The carbohydrates digest and absorb at a moderate pace. Pairing with protein and high-fiber foods can help slow absorption.
Is the GI value accurate?
The GI of 42.8 for MARS SNACKFOOD US DOVE Dark Chocolate 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 MARS SNACKFOOD US DOVE Dark Chocolate reduces the glycemic load substantially. At GL 22.2 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 8.1g of saturated fat per serving, MARS SNACKFOOD US DOVE Dark Chocolate 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.
References & Data 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, 42.0g) = 22.2 × 42.0 ÷ 100 = 9.3
Nutrition Data: USDA FoodData Central, SR Legacy Release (April 2018). FDC ID: 168805. 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, MARS SNACKFOOD US, DOVE Dark Chocolate — Glycemic Load & Diabetes Reference.” GlycemicWise, July 2026. https://glycemicwise.com/foods/candies-mars-snackfood-us-dove-dark-chocolate/
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.