Food Q&A;: Pickled beets are loaded with sugar (2024)

Q: Are the pickled beets that come in a jar good for you, or are all the nutrients gone?

A: Any food has some nutrition, even starch-based packing peanuts. It’s a question of what kind and what fits into your diet.

The nutrition analysis of commercial products, or even of homemade versions, differs widely depending on the recipe. In general, 1 cup of pickled beets has about 75 calories, 18 to 20 grams of carbohydrates and 2 grams of protein. It would also contain vitamin C, iron, magnesium, potassium, folate and manganese.

Unfortunately, all of that comes with a high amount of sodium – 350 to 500 milligrams, depending on the brand and around 16 grams of sugar, about the same amount as four teaspoons of sugar. So if you eat pickled beets, keep the quantity small.

Kathleen Purvis, McClatchy Newspapers

Food Q&A;: Pickled beets are loaded with sugar (2024)

FAQs

Food Q&A;: Pickled beets are loaded with sugar? ›

Unfortunately, all of that comes with a high amount of sodium – 350 to 500 milligrams, depending on the brand and around 16 grams of sugar, about the same amount as four teaspoons of sugar. So if you eat pickled beets, keep the quantity small.

Do pickled beets have added sugar? ›

Depending on how they're made, some varieties of pickled beets may pack salt and added sugars ( 23 , 24 ). Research links excess sugar and salt intake to poor health and an increased risk of illnesses like heart disease and type 2 diabetes.

Can you eat pickled beets if you have diabetes? ›

However, the American Diabetes Association lists pickled foods as high in sodium and says people should eat them in moderation. Some pickled foods a person can consider adding to their diet in moderation include: olives. beets.

Is there a lot of sugar in beets? ›

It's true that beets do have more sugars than many other vegetables—about 8 grams in a serving of two small beets. But that's hardly the same as getting 8 grams of sugars from a cookie. "Beets are high in fiber, which traps the sugar and slows its absorption into the bloodstream," Linsenmeyer says.

Are pickled beets good for your kidneys? ›

Beets can keep your kidneys and liver healthy.

Keep in mind, however, that beets are also rich in compounds called oxalates, which can contribute to kidney stones. So eat beets in moderation if you're prone to kidney stones.

How much sugar is in a jar of pickled beets? ›

Unfortunately, all of that comes with a high amount of sodium – 350 to 500 milligrams, depending on the brand and around 16 grams of sugar, about the same amount as four teaspoons of sugar. So if you eat pickled beets, keep the quantity small.

Do beets raise blood sugar? ›

Beetroots help insulin resistance: Beetroot helps improve insulin sensitivity in people with diabetes and reduces blood sugar. Your body releases metabolites in the process of breaking down food or other substances. The high concentration of this metabolite (nitrate) in beetroot may reduce insulin resistance.

Who should not eat pickled beets? ›

Canned and pickled beets likely contain high amounts of sodium, so if it's heart health you're after, these choices should be limited.

Are Aunt Nellie's pickled beets healthy? ›

Aunt Nellie's Pickled Beets contain no fat, saturated fat or cholesterol; they are kosher and gluten-free.

How many pickled beets should you eat a day? ›

The oxalates found in beets can increase your uric acid level, meaning that too many beets can lead to gout. To avoid this, stick to no more than a single half-cup serving of beets per day.

Why do we get sugar from beets? ›

Sugar beet is a white, parsnip-like taproot which makes sugar through the process of photosynthesis in its leaves, then stored in its root. It has a content of about 16% sugar, and goes through an extraction process that separates the sugar from the plant.

What's the healthiest way to eat beets? ›

Eating beets raw or juicing and roasting them may be more beneficial than boiling them. Beetroots, commonly known as beets, are a vibrant and versatile type of vegetable. They're known for their earthy flavor and aroma. Many people call them a superfood because of their rich nutritional profile.

Are pickled beets in a jar healthy? ›

Yes, it turns out pickled beets are still a good source of a variety of vitamins and minerals, all of which support a healthy immune system, adequate nutrient and oxygen flow, nitrate, and help to protect the body against oxidative stress.

Which is better for you, beets or pickled beets? ›

The health benefits of pickled beets haven't been studied as extensively as the health benefits of beets and beet juice. That said, there is evidence that eating pickled beets positively affects your health. The vinegar used to pickle beets might help with blood sugar management.

Why do I feel dizzy after drinking beet juice? ›

A doctor can advise on whether drinking beet juice alongside taking medications to lower blood pressure may lower a person's blood pressure too much. If this occurs, the individual may experience symptoms such as : dizziness or lightheadedness. blurry vision.

Is there sugar in pickled vegetables? ›

Sugar or sweetener – Many pickling recipes call for sugar, but again it's up to you if you want your veggies to taste slightly sweet or not. You could substitute traditional white sugar for organic cane sugar, honey, or agave syrup to achieve the same effect.

Is sugar added to canned beets? ›

Beetroot naturally contains around 7% sugars…and some tinned Aussie beetroot has sugar added but sugar levels around 7%. The only reason I can see is to return sweetness lost in processing.

Does Superbeets have added sugar? ›

Additionally, Superbeets contains a significant amount of natural sugars from beetroot extract. While these sugars are naturally occurring and not added sugars, individuals with diabetes or those following a low-sugar diet should be cautious when incorporating this product into their routine.

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