Sour cream, imitation, cultured & Diabetes
Low glycemic impact for the stated serving. Glycemic load of 2.9 per 100g.
✅ Nutrition data verified · GL 2.9/100g · GI 44 · 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
What Makes This Version Different
This version carries the most sugar in the Sour cream group: 6.6 per 100g, about 22 times the family average (spread 0.2 to 6.6 per 100g). The saturated fat figure here is the family ceiling — 17.8 per 100g, about 3.5 times the family average, where variants run 0-17.8 per 100g.
The Sour cream family's GL range is 2.9-6.9 per 100g across 4 versions, enough spread to make the specific choice count. Compare directly with Fat free, Reduced fat, Light.
What to Watch For
⚠️ High Saturated Fat
Sour cream, imitation, cultured contains 5.1g 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.
Glycemic Load by Serving Size
| Portion | Weight | Carbs | Glycemic Load | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ½ Serving | 14g | 0.9g | 0.4 | Friendly |
| Standard Serving | 28g | 1.9g | 0.8 | Friendly |
| Restaurant Portion | 57g | 3.8g | 1.7 | Friendly |
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.
Other Dairy and Egg Products Foods
Practical Guidance
💡 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.
FAQ
Is Sour cream imitation cultured good for diabetes?
Based on its glycemic load of 2.9, Sour cream imitation cultured falls within the diabetes-friendly range. This suggests lower blood sugar impact for the stated serving size. This is a dietary reference, not individual medical guidance.
Where does Sour cream imitation cultured sit on the glycemic load scale?
The glycemic load of Sour cream imitation cultured is 2.9 per 100g. GL is calculated by multiplying the GI (44) by the available carbohydrates (6.6g) and dividing by 100.
How does Sour cream imitation cultured affect blood sugar?
After eating Sour cream imitation cultured, you can expect a low blood sugar response. The GL of 2.9 means a gentle rise. This can vary based on what else you eat with it.
Is the GI value accurate?
The GI of 44 for Sour cream imitation cultured is estimated (Tier 3), not directly ISO-tested on this specific food. It is based on the weighted average GI of foods in the Dairy and Egg 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.
What about the saturated fat content?
At 5.1g of saturated fat per serving, Sour cream imitation cultured 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): 44 — subcategory_avg:Dairy and Egg Products. Source: International GI Tables (Atkinson, Brand-Miller et al., Diabetes Care, 2021). University of Sydney GI Research Service.
GL (per serving, 28.4g) = 2.9 × 28.4 ÷ 100 = 0.8
Nutrition Data: USDA FoodData Central, SR Legacy Release (April 2018). FDC ID: 170869. 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. “Sour cream, imitation, cultured — Glycemic Load & Diabetes Reference.” GlycemicWise, July 2026. https://glycemicwise.com/foods/sour-cream-imitation-cultured/
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.