Candies, marshmallows & Diabetes
High glycemic impact — occasional choice only. Glycemic load of 34.8 per 100g.
✅ Nutrition data verified · GL 34.8/100g · 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
Nutrition at a Glance
What to Watch For
⚠️ Low Dietary Fiber
Candies, marshmallows contains only 0.1g of fiber per 100g — far below the recommended threshold for diabetes-friendly carbohydrates. Without fiber to slow digestion, the starches break down rapidly in the small intestine, causing a quicker glucose release into the bloodstream. The American Diabetes Association recommends choosing high-fiber carbohydrates (≥3g per serving) to help stabilize post-meal blood sugar. Pairing Candies, marshmallows with high-fiber vegetables or legumes can partially offset this effect.
ADA Standards of Medical Care in Diabetes (2024). Diabetes Care, 47(Suppl 1).
Glycemic Load by Serving Size
| Portion | Weight | Carbs | Glycemic Load | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ½ Serving | 25g | 20.3g | 8.7 | Friendly |
| Standard Serving | 50g | 40.6g | 17.4 | Moderate |
| Restaurant Portion | 100g | 81.3g | 34.8 | High |
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.
More Sweets to Compare
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 →Quick Answers
Is Candies marshmallows good for diabetes?
Not the best choice. Candies marshmallows's GL of 34.8 is high. If it's culturally important or a personal favorite, try the 'cool and reheat' trick or mix it with a lower-GL alternative.
How much GL does Candies marshmallows have per serving?
Candies marshmallows has a glycemic load of 34.8 per 100g. A standard serving (1 piece, 50.0g) delivers a GL of 17.4. GI data from Sydney University GI Database (Atkinson et al., 2021).
How does Candies marshmallows affect blood sugar?
After eating Candies marshmallows, you can expect a high blood sugar response. The GL of 34.8 means a significant spike. This can vary based on what else you eat with it.
Why is fiber important for blood sugar control?
Dietary fiber slows carbohydrate digestion and absorption, leading to a more gradual blood sugar rise. Candies marshmallows has only 0.1g of fiber per 100g, which is one reason its glycemic load (34.8) is high. The ADA recommends choosing carbs with at least 3g of fiber per serving. Adding high-fiber foods like vegetables or legumes to your meal can help compensate.
Is the GI value accurate?
The GI of 42.8 for Candies marshmallows 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 Candies marshmallows reduces the glycemic load substantially. At GL 34.8 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.
Where This Data Comes From
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, 50.0g) = 34.8 × 50.0 ÷ 100 = 17.4
Nutrition Data: USDA FoodData Central, SR Legacy Release (April 2018). FDC ID: 167995. 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, marshmallows — Glycemic Load & Diabetes Reference.” GlycemicWise, July 2026. https://glycemicwise.com/foods/candies-marshmallows/
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.