Doughnuts, cake-type, plain, chocolate-coated or frosted & Diabetes
High glycemic impact — occasional choice only. Glycemic load of 31.9 per 100g.
✅ Nutrition data verified · GL 31.9/100g · GI 64.6 · TIER 3 ⚠️ GI: Subcategory Estimate
GI estimated from food subcategory average — not directly tested on this food. [1] [3]
Blood Sugar Response
The Numbers at a Glance
How It Stacks Up in Its Family
This version carries the most saturated fat in the Doughnuts group: 13.5 per 100g, about 82% above the family average (spread 5.1 to 13.5 per 100g). For calories, this version sits just above its siblings: 452 per 100g, marginally over the family average (417-452 per 100g).
Glycemic load across the 4-item Doughnuts group runs 29.3 to 35.7 per 100g, so the version matters as much as the food. Compare directly with Sugared or glazed, Old-fashioned), Sugared or glazed.
What to Watch For
⚠️ Low Dietary Fiber
Doughnuts, cake-type, plain, chocolate-coated or frosted contains only 1.9g 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 Doughnuts, cake-type, plain, chocolate-coated or frosted with high-fiber vegetables or legumes can partially offset this effect.
ADA Standards of Medical Care in Diabetes (2024). Diabetes Care, 47(Suppl 1).
⚠️ High Saturated Fat
Doughnuts, cake-type, plain, chocolate-coated or frosted contains 9.0g 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.
Practical Tips
💡 Cool & Reheat
Cooked-and-cooled starches form resistant starch, which resists digestion and reduces the glycemic response. Refrigerate and reheat before eating — the effect persists.
💡 Pair With Protein & Fiber
Eating alongside lean protein and non-starchy vegetables slows gastric emptying and blunts the post-meal blood sugar rise.
💡 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.
More Baked Products to Compare
Foods to Try Instead
🍚 Leavening agents, yeast, baker's, compressed
GL 6.5/100g — Low GL
Fiber 8.1g/100g. Rated diabetes-friendly — lower glycemic impact than your current selection.
Leavening agents, yeast, baker's, compressed & diabetes →🍚 Leavening agents, yeast, baker's, active dry
GL 9.3/100g — Low GL
Fiber 26.9g/100g. Rated diabetes-friendly — lower glycemic impact than your current selection.
Leavening agents, yeast, baker's, active dry & diabetes →🍚 Bread, stuffing, dry mix, prepared
GL 11.7/100g — Moderate
Lower glycemic impact than your current selection.
Bread, stuffing, dry mix, prepared & diabetes →🍚 Bread, stuffing, cornbread, dry mix, prepared
GL 12.3/100g — Moderate
Fiber 2.9g/100g. Lower glycemic impact than your current selection.
Bread, stuffing, cornbread, dry mix, prepared & diabetes →Questions People Ask
What do the numbers say about Doughnuts cake-type plain chocolate-coated or frosted and blood sugar?
Not the best choice. Doughnuts cake-type plain chocolate-coated or frosted's GL of 31.9 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 Doughnuts cake-type plain chocolate-coated or frosted have per serving?
Per 100g, Doughnuts cake-type plain chocolate-coated or frosted has a GL of 31.9. This means one standard serving (1 slice) provides approximately 21.4 GL — which is high.
How does Doughnuts cake-type plain chocolate-coated or frosted affect blood sugar?
The primary way Doughnuts cake-type plain chocolate-coated or frosted affects blood sugar is through its carbohydrate content (51.3g/100g). With a GI of 64.6 (medium) and limited fiber, this produces an overall GL of 31.9 (High).
Why is fiber important for blood sugar control?
Dietary fiber slows carbohydrate digestion and absorption, leading to a more gradual blood sugar rise. Doughnuts cake-type plain chocolate-coated or frosted has only 1.9g of fiber per 100g, which is one reason its glycemic load (31.9) 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 64.6 for Doughnuts cake-type plain chocolate-coated or frosted is estimated (Tier 3), not directly ISO-tested on this specific food. It is based on the weighted average GI of foods in the Baked 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.
Can portion control make this food work?
Yes — half a standard serving of Doughnuts cake-type plain chocolate-coated or frosted reduces the glycemic load substantially. At GL 31.9 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 9.0g of saturated fat per serving, Doughnuts cake-type plain chocolate-coated or frosted 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): 64.6 — subcategory_avg:Baked Products. Source: International GI Tables (Atkinson, Brand-Miller et al., Diabetes Care, 2021). University of Sydney GI Research Service.
GL (per serving, 67.0g) = 31.9 × 67.0 ÷ 100 = 21.4
Nutrition Data: USDA FoodData Central, SR Legacy Release (April 2018). FDC ID: 174991. 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. “Doughnuts, cake-type, plain, chocolate-coated or frosted — Glycemic Load & Diabetes Reference.” GlycemicWise, July 2026. https://glycemicwise.com/foods/doughnuts-cake-type-plain-chocolate-coated-or-frosted/
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.