Carrot Glycemic Index (GI) - Is It High or Low?

by Elen Khachatrian | Last updated on November 09, 2023

Medically reviewed by Jack Yacoubian

According to the numbers from The International Tables of Glycemic Index and based on the mean of five studies, carrots have a glycemic index of about 39.

The glycemic index of a raw carrot from Australia is 35±5 (1).

Another study shows that carrots from Bangladesh have a glycemic index of 23 (2). Carrots from Romania have the lowest, at 16 (3).

The GI for boiled carrots falls in the range of 32±8. The GI of freshly made carrot juice from Australia falls in the range of 43±3 (1).

Carrot cake, prepared with coconut flour, has a glycemic index of 39, whereas carrot muffins have a higher index, about 59 (3).

A carrot is a non-starchy vegetable. For people with diabetes, non-starchy vegetables are an essential part of a healthy diet.

A medium-sized carrot contains only 4 grams of carbohydrates. Foods low in carbohydrates and low on the glycemic index tend not to positively impact blood sugar levels.

Carrots contain potent antioxidants, demonstrating α-amylase and α-glucosidase inhibitory activities in type 2 diabetes (4).

You can find the glycemic index chart for over three hundred foods and beverages by following the link.