For diabetics during pregnancy, including those with gestational diabetes, canned peaches can be as beneficial as fresh peaches if and only if the canned option contains no added sugar (e.g., packed in water or 100% natural juice, not syrup).
Key Recommendations
- Fresh, frozen, and canned peaches without added sugar all provide essential vitamins (like vitamin C, vitamin A, and folate), fiber, and antioxidants that benefit both maternal and fetal health during pregnancy.
- Canned peaches packed in syrup or added sugar should be avoided by pregnant women with diabetes, as extra sugars can spike blood glucose and increase pregnancy-related risks.
- Proper portion control is crucial: A typical fruit serving is one small fresh fruit or about half a cup of canned fruit (unsweetened), both approximating 15 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
- Both fresh and unsweetened canned peaches supply nutrients like potassium, magnesium, and antioxidants that can support healthy pregnancy outcomes, digestion, and blood pressure.
Medical Guidance
- Label reading is critical for all canned fruits: watch for terms like “no added sugar,” “in 100% juice,” or “in water”.
- Pairing fruit with protein or fat (for example, eating peaches with Greek yogurt) can help limit any blood glucose spike.
- Portion control and moderation—no more than recommended servings—are particularly important for diabetic pregnancies.
In summary: Unsweetened canned peaches can provide similar nutritional benefits as fresh peaches for diabetics during pregnancy, but canned peaches packed in syrup should be excluded from the diet for optimal blood sugar control.
