Low Glycemic Dairy: A Comprehensive Guide

If you are trying to adhere to a low glycemic index diet, it is important to know what the glycemic levels are in the foods you eat. Dairy products like ice cream have a very different glycemic level than cheese. If you eat a lot of dairy, it can be helpful to know the glycemic levels in different dairy products.

Low glycemic dairy

• Low glycemic index foods can be eaten without raising the blood sugar too dramatically. Dairy foods that are low on the glycemic index scale include low-fat cheeses, skim milk, butter, fat-free sour cream, fat-free cream cheese and unsweetened yogurt. Adding sugar or sweetener to these foods will raise the glycemic levels.

Medium glycemic dairy foods

• Medium glycemic index foods raise blood sugar more than low glycemic foods and should be eaten in moderation. Dairy foods that are medium on the glycemic index scale include full-fat cheeses, whole milk, sweetened yogurt, and regular ice cream.

High glycemic dairy foods

• HIgh glycemic index foods should be avoided if you are on a low glycemic diet, because they raise the blood sugar too dramatically. Dairy foods high on the glycemic index scale include reduced-fat ice cream, reduced-fat and regular sour cream, and sweet cream.