Italian Savoiardi Ladyfingers Biscuits
Quick answer
A medium portion of Italian Savoiardi Ladyfingers Biscuits (30 g) contains 114 kcal, with 22.1 g of net carbohydrates and 2.4 g of protein. Its glycemic index is 70 (High) for how fast it raises blood sugar, while its glycemic load per portion is 15.4 (Medium) for its actual effect.
- Carbs22.5 g80.5%
- Protein2.4 g8.6%
- Fat1.3 g10.9%
- Fibre0.4 g
Percentages of total energy (calories)
The historic sponge fingers that date back to the Italian House of Savoy, and the key ingredient of tiramisu and the famous charlotte. Their extremely light, porous sponge structure soaks up coffee and flavours perfectly. They are baked from whipped egg whites and yolks with flour and a sprinkling of sugar on top that gives a delicate crunch. Because they are low in fat and dense in quickly digested starch, they are classed as a high glycemic index food.
💡 Smart Nutritional Guidance
Consumption advice
Avoid eating them dry on their own as a snack; they are better used in classic tiramisu, where the fat and protein of the mascarpone help curb the sugar spike from the biscuits.
Best preparation methods
Dip them in antioxidant-rich espresso without adding sugar to the dipping coffee.
Important Nutritional Note
Its high glycemic index (70) means it is digested and absorbed almost as fast as white bread, so pay close attention to how many you eat.
Nutrition facts
| Nutrient | Per 100 g | Per typical portion (30 g) |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 380 kcal | 114 kcal |
| Protein | 8 g | 2.4 g |
| Carbohydrate | 75 g | 22.5 g |
| Available carbohydrate | 73.5 g | 22.1 g |
| Fat | 4.5 g | 1.3 g |
| Dietary fibre | 1.5 g | 0.4 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 48 (lowest first).
Smart alternatives from the same family:
Frequently asked questions
Are ladyfingers low in calories?
One biscuit has about 38 kcal and very little fat, but most of its energy comes from refined, quickly absorbed carbohydrate.
Why is its glycemic index high (70)?
Because it has little of the fat and fibre that slow digestion, and its porous sponge structure lets digestive enzymes reach the starch quickly.
What is a healthier alternative to the biscuits in tiramisu?
You can replace them with slices of low-starch almond sponge cake.
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.