Chicken, meatless & Diabetes
Low glycemic impact for the stated serving. Glycemic load of 0 per 100g.
✅ Nutrition data verified · GL 0/100g · GI 38.8 · TIER 3 ⚠️ GI: Subcategory Estimate
GI estimated from food subcategory average — not directly tested on this food. [1] [3]
Glycemic Impact
The Numbers at a Glance
What to Watch For
⚠️ High Sodium
Chicken, meatless provides 1191mg of sodium per serving — significant relative to the ADA's daily recommendation of <2,300mg. High sodium intake can raise blood pressure, compounding cardiovascular risk in diabetes. If you eat this food, balance it with lower-sodium choices throughout the rest of the day.
ADA recommends <2,300mg sodium per day for most adults with diabetes. Diabetes Care, 47(Suppl 1), 2024.
How to Include It
💡 Balance Sodium
Pair with low-sodium foods throughout the rest of your day. Fresh herbs and spices can replace salt as flavoring.
💡 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.
Glycemic Load by Serving Size
| Portion | Weight | Carbs | Glycemic Load | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ½ Serving | 84g | 3.1g | 0.0 | High |
| Standard Serving | 168g | 6.1g | 0.0 | High |
| Restaurant Portion | 336g | 12.2g | 0.0 | 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.
Alternatives to Consider
🫘 HOUSE FOODS Premium Firm Tofu
GL 0/100g — Low GL
Rated diabetes-friendly — lower glycemic impact than your current selection.
HOUSE FOODS Premium Firm Tofu & diabetes →🫘 Vitasoy USA Organic Nasoya, Soft Tofu
GL 0.1/100g — Low GL
Rated diabetes-friendly — lower glycemic impact than your current selection.
Vitasoy USA Organic Nasoya, Soft Tofu & diabetes →🫘 Vitasoy USA Azumaya, Silken Tofu
GL 0.1/100g — Low GL
Rated diabetes-friendly — lower glycemic impact than your current selection.
Vitasoy USA Azumaya, Silken Tofu & diabetes →🫘 Tofu, extra firm, prepared with nigari
GL 0.1/100g — Low GL
Fiber 1.0g/100g. Rated diabetes-friendly — lower glycemic impact than your current selection.
Tofu, extra firm, prepared with nigari & diabetes →FAQ
What do the numbers say about Chicken meatless and blood sugar?
Yes, Chicken meatless shows a low glycemic load (0), which suggests it is a lower-impact option. This is based on published GI data — consult your healthcare provider for personalized advice.
How much GL does Chicken meatless have per serving?
GL = 0 per 100g for Chicken meatless. For context: low GL is ≤10, moderate is 11–19, and high is ≥20. Chicken meatless falls into the Low category.
How does Chicken meatless affect blood sugar?
Chicken meatless affects blood sugar by releasing glucose during digestion. Since its GL is 0 (low), it's unlikely to cause problems in standard servings. Individual responses vary — check your glucose monitor.
Is the GI value accurate?
The GI of 38.8 for Chicken meatless is estimated (Tier 3), not directly ISO-tested on this specific food. It is based on the weighted average GI of foods in the Legumes and Legume Products 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.
Is the sodium level a concern?
Chicken meatless contains 1191mg of sodium per serving — well above the ADA's recommendation of <2,300mg daily. High sodium intake can raise blood pressure, compounding cardiovascular risk — the leading cause of death in people with diabetes. If you eat this food, balance it with lower-sodium choices during the rest of the day. Fresh herbs, spices, and citrus can replace salt as flavoring.
Methodology & Sources
Data Tier: TIER 3 — estimated from category average
Glycemic Index (GI): 38.8 — subcategory_avg:Legumes and Legume Products. Source: International GI Tables (Atkinson, Brand-Miller et al., Diabetes Care, 2021). University of Sydney GI Research Service.
GL (per serving, 168.0g) = 0 × 168.0 ÷ 100 = 0.0
Nutrition Data: USDA FoodData Central, SR Legacy Release (April 2018). FDC ID: 169886. 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. “Chicken, meatless — Glycemic Load & Diabetes Reference.” GlycemicWise, July 2026. https://glycemicwise.com/foods/chicken-meatless/
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.