11 'Sugar-Free' Traps: Foods That Still Spike Blood Glucose Levels

6. Light Salad Dressings

Light or sugar-free salad dressings often swap one problem for another. In an effort to cut calories, manufacturers remove healthy fats and replace them with thickeners, gums, or starch-based fillers that digest rapidly and raise blood glucose. Even worse, some use artificial sweeteners or high-fructose corn syrup alternatives, which can disrupt your metabolism and gut health. The result? A dressing that may be low in calories but high in glycemic load. A better option is a homemade vinaigrette using olive oil, vinegar, and herbs—which supports both blood sugar and nutrient absorption far more effectively.