Mushroom Risotto
The famous Italian rice masterpiece with a velvety texture that melts in the mouth. But the key metabolic question: is risotto gentler on blood sugar than ordinary rice? In fact, risotto is made from short-grain arborio rice, rich in quickly broken-down amylopectin starch, which gives it a relatively high glycemic index (≈68), so it needs smart companions to slow its digestion.
Glycemic index
Glycemic load
Calories
Protein
💡 Smart Nutritional Guidance
Consumption advice
Don't eat risotto alone as a main meal; have a fist-sized side portion with a generous piece of grilled fish or chicken and a rocket salad with olive oil.
Best preparation methods
Cook risotto with plenty of fresh sliced mushrooms and natural chicken broth; mushrooms add fibre and beta-glucans that help slow the absorption of the rice starch.
Important Nutritional Note
If you love risotto and have insulin resistance, avoid adding lots of cream or butter, use just a little real Parmesan and chew the rice slowly.
Nutrition facts
| Nutrient | Per 100 g | Per typical portion (200 g) |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 166 kcal | 332 kcal |
| Protein | 4.5 g | 9 g |
| Carbohydrate | 26 g | 52 g |
| Available carbohydrate | 24.5 g | 49 g |
| Fat | 5 g | 10 g |
| Dietary fibre | 1.5 g | 3 g |
The typical portion is approximate, for comparison purposes.
Comparison & smarter alternatives
Among the foods in Italian dishes with a glycemic index (9), it ranks 8 (lowest first).
Lower-GI alternatives:
Frequently asked questions
Is Mushroom Risotto good for weight loss?
It can fit a balanced plan with portion control: a 200 g portion gives 332 kcal, and what matters most is your total daily intake and the rest of the meal.
How does Mushroom Risotto affect blood sugar?
Its glycemic index is 68 (Medium), a clinically reviewed estimate rather than a laboratory measurement. A typical 200 g portion has a glycemic load of 33.3 (High), so it is best to reduce or split the portion and combine it with protein and fibre.
What is the nutritional value of a typical portion of Mushroom Risotto?
A typical 200 g portion of Mushroom Risotto provides about 332 kcal, 9 g protein, 52 g carbohydrate, 10 g fat and 3 g fibre.
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.