Candies, REESE'S BITES & Diabetes
High glycemic impact — occasional choice only. Glycemic load of 22.3 per 100g.
✅ Nutrition data verified · GL 22.3/100g · GI 42.8 · TIER 3 ⚠️ GI: Subcategory Estimate
GI estimated from food subcategory average — not directly tested on this food. [1] [3]
Glycemic Response at a Glance
Key Nutrition Data
How This Version Compares
The saturated fat figure here is the family ceiling — 18 per 100g, about 72% above the family average, where variants run 8.0-18 per 100g. For calories, this version sits just above its siblings: 521 per 100g, marginally over the family average (474-521 per 100g).
The Candies family's GL range is 20.9-25.8 per 100g across 6 versions, enough spread to make the specific choice count. The rest of the family: Milk chocolate, Milk chocolate peanut butter and soft nougats, NUTRAGEOUS Candy Bar.
What to Watch For
⚠️ High Saturated Fat
Candies, REESE'S BITES contains 7.0g 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.
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.
Related Sweets Options
Glycemic Load by Serving Size
| Portion | Weight | Carbs | Glycemic Load | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ½ Serving | 20g | 11.0g | 4.5 | Friendly |
| Standard Serving | 39g | 21.5g | 8.7 | Friendly |
| Restaurant Portion | 78g | 43.0g | 17.4 | 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.
Worth Comparing
🍬 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 →Common Questions
How does REESE'S BITES rate for blood sugar control?
It's best to limit REESE'S BITES. With a glycemic load of 22.3 (high — anything ≥20 is considered high), a standard serving can cause a significant blood sugar rise.
What GL value does REESE'S BITES carry?
REESE'S BITES has a glycemic load of 22.3 per 100g. A standard serving (1 piece, 39.0g) delivers a GL of 8.7. GI data from Sydney University GI Database (Atkinson et al., 2021).
What happens to blood sugar after eating REESE'S BITES?
After eating REESE'S BITES, you can expect a high blood sugar response. The GL of 22.3 means a significant spike. This can vary based on what else you eat with it.
Is the GI value accurate?
The GI of 42.8 for REESE'S 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 REESE'S BITES reduces the glycemic load substantially. At GL 22.3 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 7.0g of saturated fat per serving, REESE'S 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.
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, 39.0g) = 22.3 × 39.0 ÷ 100 = 8.7
Nutrition Data: USDA FoodData Central, SR Legacy Release (April 2018). FDC ID: 169623. 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, REESE'S BITES — Glycemic Load & Diabetes Reference.” GlycemicWise, July 2026. https://glycemicwise.com/foods/candies-reeses-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.