Tofu, fried & Diabetes
Low glycemic impact for the stated serving. Glycemic load of 1.9 per 100g.
✅ Nutrition data verified · GL 1.9/100g · GI 38.8 · TIER 3 ⚠️ GI: Subcategory Estimate
GI estimated from food subcategory average — not directly tested on this food. [1] [3]
Blood Sugar Response
Key Nutrition Data
What to Watch For
⚠️ Pro-Inflammatory Food
Tofu, fried is a refined grain — the bran and germ are removed during processing, stripping away most of the fiber, vitamins, and minerals. Diets high in refined grains are associated with elevated markers of chronic inflammation (CRP, IL-6), which can worsen insulin resistance — the core problem in type 2 diabetes. Whole grains retain the bran and provide anti-inflammatory polyphenols and fiber. While an occasional serving is unlikely to cause harm, refined grains should not be a dietary staple for people managing diabetes.
Liu et al. (2002). High-GL diet and plasma CRP. American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 75(3), 492–498. · Qi & Hu (2012). Glycemic load, whole grains, and inflammation. Current Diabetes Reports, 12(1), 75–81.
Glycemic Load by Serving Size
| Portion | Weight | Carbs | Glycemic Load | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ½ Serving | 14g | 1.2g | 0.3 | Friendly |
| Standard Serving | 28g | 2.5g | 0.5 | Friendly |
| Restaurant Portion | 57g | 5.1g | 1.1 | 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.
Related Legumes and Legume Products Options
🟢 Low GL · GL 1.1/100g
🟡 Eat in Moderation · GL 15.8/100g
🟢 Low GL · GL 3.5/100g
Alternatives to Consider
🫘 Chicken, meatless
GL 0/100g — Low GL
Fiber 3.6g/100g. Rated diabetes-friendly — lower glycemic impact than your current selection.
Chicken, meatless & diabetes →🫘 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 →Common Questions
Is Tofu good for diabetes?
Tofu scores a GL of 1.9 on the glycemic scale. For context, ≤10 is considered low. This is general dietary information and should not replace personalized guidance from your care team.
What GL value does Tofu carry?
The glycemic load of Tofu is 1.9 per 100g. GL is calculated by multiplying the GI (38.8) by the available carbohydrates (5.0g) and dividing by 100.
How does Tofu affect blood sugar?
With 3.9g of fiber per 100g, Tofu's GL of 1.9 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 38.8 for Tofu 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.
Why is this food labeled pro-inflammatory?
Tofu is classified as a refined grain — the bran and germ are removed during processing, stripping fiber and nutrients. Research shows diets high in refined grains are associated with elevated inflammatory markers (CRP, IL-6), which can worsen insulin resistance. Choosing whole-grain versions when available can provide anti-inflammatory benefits from fiber and polyphenols (Liu et al., AJCN 2002; Qi & Hu, 2012).
References & Data 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, 28.4g) = 1.9 × 28.4 ÷ 100 = 0.5
Nutrition Data: USDA FoodData Central, SR Legacy Release (April 2018). FDC ID: 172451. 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. “Tofu, fried — Glycemic Load & Diabetes Reference.” GlycemicWise, July 2026. https://glycemicwise.com/foods/tofu-fried/
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.