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

by Victoria Mazmanyan | Last updated on August 21, 2024

Medically reviewed by Ani Harutyunyan

Coconuts are not low in carbohydrates; however, over half of a coconut’s carbohydrate content consists of dietary fiber.

A new study in The International Food Research Journal has found the glycemic index of fresh coconuts from Thailand to fall in the range of 59±8.2 (1). This means that the glycemic index of coconut falls in the low to moderate category.

Various research has also been carried out about the glycemic effects of coconut-derived products. Due to its high dietary fiber content, coconut flour has been shown to decrease the glycemic index of bakery products and other foods supplemented with it (2).

Even though coconut milk has a high glycemic index of 97 (3), coconut products and coconut milk, in particular, have been demonstrated to be effective in the management of diabetes, showing hypolipidemic, antioxidant, and hemato-ameliorative properties (4). To learn more about the glycemic index of coconut milk, you can visit our “Coconut Milk” page.

Coconut sugar has also been researched to have a low glycemic index, presenting as a potential healthy alternative sweetener (5).

Another study shows that coconut flour may be beneficial and may be used as a functional food for people with diabetes due to its higher fiber content and lower GI (6).

Overall, while the average glycemic index of coconut is moderate, coconut and its products can still have a beneficial impact on the diabetic profile due to their antioxidant properties.

For other GI values, please check our glycemic index chart page.