Three speciality Paris patisseries aimed at diabetics types 1 and 2, with cakes and pastries certified as low glycemic index. Also suitable for anyone seeking a healthier alternative to traditional sweets.
Les Belles Envies Paris - Pâtisserie for Diabetics
At just 13 years old, Alixe Bornon was diagnosed with diabetes, sparking her passion to create her own line of low glycemic pastries. Since 2019, she has opened two boutiques offering a variety of sumptuous cakes, tarts, biscuits, and chocolates with a low glycemic index below 30.
"Oubliez le sucre, pas vos envies!" (Forget sugar, not your desires).
Alixe Bornon, Les Belles Envies
Pastries are classified with the IGC (Index Glycémique Contrôlé) certificate and aimed at those with Diabetes levels 1 or 2. They contain a low glycemic index less than 30, representing 60% less than ordinary pastries, giving a low impact on sugar levels to the body. Key ingredients included:
- Top quality coconut flower sugar and maltitol in place of refined sugar.
- Zero white flour is used in favour of high fibre flours: lupin, semi wholemeal (T80) and coconut.
Low Glycemic Level Pastries - Tasting Test
A standout is the pistachio tart (IGC of 25), as well as the bestseller, Oeuf Chocolat Passion (IGC of 18), blending dark and milk chocolate, hazelnuts, almonds, and a playful mango and passion fruit coulis topping.
Additionally, fans of more acidic fruit-forward pastries will enjoy seasonal options like passion fruit éclairs, French lemon tart and le Fraisier for strawberries.
Their Parisian flan is speckled with vanilla - something that's a sure indicator of quality. It's the least sweet flan I've had in Paris, although wouldn't think twice about buying it again.
Shelves are loaded with low glycemic biscuits, chocolate marble cake, ice creams and sorbets. For chocolate fans, there are plenty of choices of chocolate for Valentine's Day and Easter.
Bravo to pastry chef, Anna Bellandi, who produces for both boutiques: the original shop in the Rive Gauche (rue Monge) and Rive Droite (17 rue Poncelet, 75017 Paris).
Les Belles Envies, 3 rue Monge, 75005 Paris
Oh Oui! Paris Pâtisserie for Diabetics
With the motto "Minimum sugar and ultimate pleasure," 'Oh Oui!' specialises in pastries with 30% less sugar than traditional treats (some with up to 65% less sugar), catering to diabetics (type 1 & 2) with a glycemic index between 27-32.
Their offerings replace white flour with wholemeal or chickpea flour and swap white sugar with natural alternatives like coconut sugar, agave syrup, or grape sugar to maintain flavour.
Prioritising fibre (e.g. oat bran - see my post for bran muffins) and natural extracts while avoiding palm oil and synthetic sugars, Oh Oui! delivers around France. They also offer a frozen section popular at French frozen food store, Picard.
Among our family favorites were the Finger Citron and Sicilian lemon tart for their balanced sweetness. The Allumette Truffée stood out with its contrasting textures, intense chocolate, crumble layers, and hazelnut ganache.
Oh oui, oh yes, you can taste the difference. It's a healthier alternative but, as they say, "Indulge yourself without feeling guilty!"
Oh Oui !, 95 rue du Bac, 75007 Paris.
For more, see my post on rue du Bac, Paris Pastry Street.
Maison Plume, Paris
This charming pastry shop tucked in the Marais offers beautifully presented pastries in unique oblong shapes. Their pistachio and orange flower pastry, as well as the hazelnut pastry, are notable for their low sugar content and flavour.
Unlike the others, each pastry doesn't have exact IG details so, if needed, ask directly at the counter.
In addition to catering to diabetic clients, Maison Plume also provides gluten-free and vegan options, including cakes, sablé biscuits, and chocolate bars. For a cozy experience, they have a quaint tea salon perfect for a relaxing break.
See my complete Guide to the Best Tea Rooms in Paris under the Marais Paris 3.
Maison Plume, 61 rue Charlot, 75003 Paris.
None of this post is sponsored. As low glycemic pastries are becoming popular in Paris, this is to share a free guide for diabetics.
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