Refried beans, canned, traditional style & Diabetes
Low glycemic impact for the stated serving. Glycemic load of 3.8 per 100g.
✅ Nutrition data verified · GL 3.8/100g · GI 38.8 · TIER 3 ⚠️ GI: Subcategory Estimate
GI estimated from food subcategory average — not directly tested on this food. [1] [3]
Glycemic Impact
Key Nutrition Data
How It Stacks Up in Its Family
For protein, this version edges out its siblings: 5 per 100g, just under the family average within a 5-5.3 per 100g range. This version sits at the low end for fiber: 3.7 per 100g, about 15% below the family average (family spread 3.7-4.7 per 100g).
The Refried beans family's GL range is 3.4-3.8 per 100g across 4 versions, enough spread to make the specific choice count. Compare directly with Fat-free, Vegetarian, Reduced sodium.
Tips for Enjoying 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.
More Legumes and Legume Products to Compare
Glycemic Load by Serving Size
| Portion | Weight | Carbs | Glycemic Load | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ½ Serving | 119g | 16.1g | 4.5 | Friendly |
| Standard Serving | 238g | 32.2g | 9.0 | Friendly |
| Restaurant Portion | 476g | 64.5g | 18.1 | 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.
FAQ
Is Refried beans traditional style good for diabetes?
Refried beans traditional style is classified as diabetes-friendly (GL ≤10). The data suggests a lower blood sugar impact — dietary reference only, not a substitute for professional medical advice.
Where does Refried beans traditional style sit on the glycemic load scale?
GL = 3.8 per 100g for Refried beans traditional style. For context: low GL is ≤10, moderate is 11–19, and high is ≥20. Refried beans traditional style falls into the Low category.
How quickly does Refried beans traditional style raise blood sugar?
The primary way Refried beans traditional style affects blood sugar is through its carbohydrate content (13.6g/100g). With a GI of 38.8 (low) and limited fiber, this produces an overall GL of 3.8 (Low).
Is the GI value accurate?
The GI of 38.8 for Refried beans traditional style 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.
Where This Data Comes From
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, 238.0g) = 3.8 × 238.0 ÷ 100 = 9.0
Nutrition Data: USDA FoodData Central, SR Legacy Release (April 2018). FDC ID: 172438. 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. “Refried beans, canned, traditional style — Glycemic Load & Diabetes Reference.” GlycemicWise, July 2026. https://glycemicwise.com/foods/refried-beans-canned-traditional-style/
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.