Tamarind Drink
The famous traditional Ramadan drink with a distinctive tang and instant refreshment: an extract of natural tamarind pods. The key question: does tamarind raise blood sugar? Natural tamarind itself is sour with a moderate glycemic index (≈40), but the risk always lies in the large amounts of refined sugar traditionally added to it.
Glycemic index
Glycemic load
Calories
Protein
💡 Smart Nutritional Guidance
Consumption advice
Enjoy a cold glass of homemade tamarind drink without sugar, or with a sweetener, to quench your thirst in summer and enjoy its refreshing organic acids.
Best preparation methods
Soak natural tamarind pods in water, boil briefly and strain, then balance the sourness with lemon juice or a few drops of natural stevia instead of white sugar.
Important Nutritional Note
Ready-made tamarind drinks from shops and restaurants are a coloured, concentrated sugar solution that raises blood sugar sharply, so make it at home from pure pods to enjoy it safely.
Nutrition facts
| Nutrient | Per 100 g | Per typical portion (250 g) |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 58 kcal | 145 kcal |
| Protein | 0.3 g | 0.8 g |
| Carbohydrate | 15 g | 37.5 g |
| Available carbohydrate | 14.5 g | 36.2 g |
| Fat | 0.1 g | 0.2 g |
| Dietary fibre | 0.5 g | 1.2 g |
The typical portion is approximate, for comparison purposes.
Comparison & smarter alternatives
Among the foods in Drinks with a glycemic index (9), it ranks 2 (lowest first).
Smart alternatives from the same family:
Frequently asked questions
Is Tamarind Drink good for weight loss?
Yes. Tamarind Drink is very low in calories (58 kcal per 100 g), so you can eat a generous amount to add volume and fullness to a meal without many calories.
How does Tamarind Drink affect blood sugar?
Its glycemic index is 40 (Low), a clinically reviewed estimate rather than a laboratory measurement. A typical 250 g portion has a glycemic load of 14.5 (Medium), so it is best combined with protein or fibre-rich vegetables.
What is the nutritional value of a typical portion of Tamarind Drink?
A typical 250 g portion of Tamarind Drink provides about 145 kcal, 0.8 g protein, 37.5 g carbohydrate, 0.2 g fat and 1.2 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.