Naan glycemic index
Naan has a glycemic index of 71, which is high. A 60 g serving (half a naan) has a glycemic load of 21 (high).
Also known as: naan bread, nan
- Serving60 g
- Available carbs29 g
- Fiber1.3 g
- Sugars2.1 g
- Protein5.8 g
- Calories175 kcal
Serving: half a naan.
What to know
Naan is a high-GI white flatbread and a single piece is large, so its glycemic load adds up quickly. Share it, or pair it with dal and vegetables.
Glycemic load by portion size
GI stays the same whatever you eat, but glycemic load scales with the amount: eating twice as much doubles the effect on blood sugar.
| Amount | Available carbs | Glycemic load | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 50 g | 24 g | 17 | Medium |
| 100 g | 48 g | 34 | High |
| 60 g · half a naan | 29 g | 21 | High |
| 120 g · double serving | 58 g | 41 | High |
What the studies found
The value of 71 is the median of 2 published measurements in the International Tables of Glycemic Index (2021). Results are fairly consistent (71 to 71).
Each dot is one study. Green dots followed the ISO 26642 standard method.
- 71 · Australia 2013
- 71 · Australia 2013
Naan compared with other bread & bakery
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Frequently asked questions
Is naan low glycemic?
No. With a GI of 71, naan is in the high range (70 or more). Low GI is 55 or less.
What is the glycemic load of naan?
A 60 g serving (half a naan) has a glycemic load of 21, which is high. Glycemic load combines GI with the amount of carbohydrate in the portion: 10 or less is low, 11 to 19 medium and 20 or more high.
Can people with diabetes eat naan?
With a GI of 71 and a high glycemic load per serving, naan is best eaten in smaller portions alongside protein, fat or vegetables, or swapped for a lower-GI option. Everyone responds differently, so talk to your doctor or dietitian about your plan.
How many carbs are in naan?
A 60 g serving has about 30 g of total carbohydrate, including 1.3 g of fiber, leaving 28.9 g of available carbohydrate (the part that raises blood sugar). Per 100 g: 50.4 g of carbohydrate.
Nutrition facts
| per 100 g | Serving (60 g) | |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 291 kcal | 175 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 50 g | 30 g |
| Available carbs | 48 g | 29 g |
| Fiber | 2.2 g | 1.3 g |
| Sugars | 3.6 g | 2.1 g |
| Protein | 9.6 g | 5.8 g |
| Fat | 5.7 g | 3.4 g |
Source: USDA FoodData Central, Bread, naan, plain, commercially prepared, refrigerated (SR Legacy, FDC 171845). Available carbohydrate = total carbohydrate minus fiber.
Sources: Atkinson FS, Brand-Miller JC, Foster-Powell K, Buyken AE, Goletzke J. International tables of glycemic index and glycemic load values 2021: a systematic review. Am J Clin Nutr. 2021;114(5):1625–1632. USDA FoodData Central. How we calculate each value: Methodology & sources.
Data last reviewed 2026-09-29.