Italian Panettone Holiday Sweet Bread
Quick answer
A medium portion of Italian Panettone Holiday Sweet Bread (80 g) contains 264 kcal, with 41.4 g of net carbohydrates and 5.2 g of protein. Its glycemic index is 65 (Medium) for how fast it raises blood sugar, while its glycemic load per portion is 26.9 (High) for its actual effect.
- Carbs43.2 g65.1%
- Protein5.2 g7.8%
- Fat8 g27.1%
- Fibre1.8 g
Percentages of total energy (calories)
The luxurious Italian festive bread from Milan, with its feather-light, airy crumb, tall dome and the fragrance of candied orange peel, soaked raisins and vanilla seeds. It needs a slow, days-long fermentation with natural sourdough, which gives it a unique airy structure that melts in the mouth, combining the richness of butter with the sweetness of dried fruit.
💡 Smart Nutritional Guidance
Consumption advice
The long fermentation makes it easy to digest, but the dried fruit raises the glycemic load, so stick to a thin slice with your morning espresso, without extras.
Best preparation methods
Avoid spreading the slice with chocolate sauce or extra butter as some people do; its aromatic flavour is rich enough on its own.
Important Nutritional Note
Raisins and candied citrus peel are a concentrated source of simple carbohydrates, so people monitoring their HbA1c should keep this in mind.
Nutrition facts
| Nutrient | Per 100 g | Per typical portion (80 g) |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 330 kcal | 264 kcal |
| Protein | 6.5 g | 5.2 g |
| Carbohydrate | 54 g | 43.2 g |
| Available carbohydrate | 51.8 g | 41.4 g |
| Fat | 10 g | 8 g |
| Dietary fibre | 2.2 g | 1.8 g |
The typical portion is approximate, for comparison purposes.
Comparison & smarter alternatives
Among the foods in Sweets & desserts with a glycemic index (54), it ranks 34 (lowest first).
Smart alternatives from the same family:
Frequently asked questions
Does natural fermentation lower panettone’s glycemic index?
Long fermentation improves gluten digestion and texture, but the sugar and raisins keep the index in the medium range (65).
How many slices can I have on special occasions?
One slice (80 g) is a full starch portion, so subtract it from the starch in the meal before.
How is it different from sponge cake?
Panettone is a bread leavened with natural yeasts and butter, and it contains much less fat than rich cream cakes.
Read also
- HbA1c & Insulin Resistance: Comprehensive Clinical GuideArticle
- Prediabetes: How to Stop the Train and Lower Your HbA1cGuide
References & Scientific Sources
- The glycemic index of this food is a clinically reviewed estimate by the WiBo Health medical team, not a laboratory measurement from the International GI Tables (Atkinson 2021). GI bands (low ≤ 55 · medium 56–69 · high ≥ 70) follow: ISO 26642:2010. Food products — Determination of the glycaemic index (GI) and recommendation for food classification. International Organization for Standardization; 2010. www.iso.org/standard/43633.html
- Definition of available carbohydrate and glycemic load: FAO/WHO. Carbohydrates in human nutrition: report of a joint FAO/WHO expert consultation. FAO Food and Nutrition Paper 66. Rome; 1998. www.fao.org/4/w8079e/w8079e00.htm
Reviewed by the WiBo Health medical team · Last reviewed 13 October 2026
Disclaimer: This guidance is for nutritional lifestyle orientation and does not constitute a diagnostic medical device under EU Regulation MDR 2017/745.