Macaroni and cheese, frozen entree & Diabetes
Low glycemic impact for the stated serving. Glycemic load of 8.7 per 100g.
✅ Nutrition data verified · GL 8.7/100g · GI 54 · TIER 3 ⚠️ GI: Subcategory Estimate
GI estimated from food subcategory average — not directly tested on this food. [1] [3]
Blood Sugar Impact
Nutrition at a Glance
Version Differences at a Glance
At 290 mg per 100g, this is the lowest-sodium version in the Macaroni and cheese group — about 40% below the family average, with the family spanning 290 to 766 mg per 100g. On saturated fat, this version lands mid-range: 2.6 per 100g, inside a family spread of 0.9 to 3.7 per 100g.
Verdicts split across the family: the gentlest option is Canned entree (GL 6) and the heaviest is Unprepared (GL 24.2); this one is low gl. The Macaroni and cheese family's GL range is 6-36.1 per 100g across 7 versions, enough spread to make the specific choice count. See the numbers side by side: Boxed, Prepared with 2% milk and 80% stick margarine from dry mix, Prepared.
Glycemic Load by Serving Size
| Portion | Weight | Carbs | Glycemic Load | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ½ Serving | 68g | 11.8g | 5.9 | Friendly |
| Standard Serving | 137g | 23.7g | 11.9 | Moderate |
| Restaurant Portion | 274g | 47.3g | 23.8 | 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.
How to Include It
💡 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.
💡 Fiber Is Your Friend
Dietary fiber slows carbohydrate absorption. Aim for at least 3g of fiber per serving of carbohydrate foods.
Explore More in Meals, Entrees, and Side Dishes
🍽️ Turnover
🟡 Eat in Moderation · GL 13.9/100g
🟢 Low GL · GL 9/100g
🍽️ Corn dogs
🟡 Eat in Moderation · GL 14/100g
Frequently Asked Questions
What do the numbers say about Macaroni and cheese frozen entree and blood sugar?
Macaroni and cheese frozen entree is rated diabetes-friendly (GL 8.7) based on available glycemic data. A standard serving is unlikely to cause a sharp blood glucose rise, but individual responses differ.
How much GL does Macaroni and cheese frozen entree have per serving?
Macaroni and cheese frozen entree's glycemic load: 8.7 (per 100g). Unlike GI which only measures speed, GL accounts for actual carbohydrate quantity — making it the more practical number for diabetes management.
What happens to blood sugar after eating Macaroni and cheese frozen entree?
With 1.1g of fiber per 100g, Macaroni and cheese frozen entree's GL of 8.7 means the blood sugar impact is low. 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 54 for Macaroni and cheese frozen entree is estimated (Tier 3), not directly ISO-tested on this specific food. It is based on the weighted average GI of foods in the Meals, Entrees, and Side Dishes 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.
Where This Data Comes From
Data Tier: TIER 3 — estimated from category average
Glycemic Index (GI): 54 — subcategory_avg:Meals, Entrees, and Side Dishes. Source: International GI Tables (Atkinson, Brand-Miller et al., Diabetes Care, 2021). University of Sydney GI Research Service.
GL (per serving, 137.0g) = 8.7 × 137.0 ÷ 100 = 11.9
Nutrition Data: USDA FoodData Central, SR Legacy Release (April 2018). FDC ID: 173342. 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. “Macaroni and cheese, frozen entree — Glycemic Load & Diabetes Reference.” GlycemicWise, July 2026. https://glycemicwise.com/foods/macaroni-and-cheese-frozen-entree/
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.