7 Best Healthy Snacks For Diabetics

As any diabetic knows, managing your blood sugar levels is crucial, and you have to be careful even if you’re craving a sweet snack.

Good news is, there are plenty of sweet and tasty snacks that don’t contain sugar or contain minimal amounts of naturally occurring sugars.

If you’re snacking, why not get your protein and fiber in, while also filling your cravings for a tasty snack?

In this guide, we’ve covered which snacks you should avoid as a diabetic, which ones you should try, and some tips to better distinguish healthy snacks from unhealthy ones.

The key to managing sugar intake or blood sugar levels is knowing which snacks are high in sugar, unhealthy, and should be avoided.

Here are some snacks that you should steer clear of:

It might seem obvious, but sugary snacks are the worst option for diabetics.

Sugar-filled snacks like candy, cookies, chocolate bars, and cakes can cause a rapid spike in blood sugar, making it difficult to manage diabetes.

Even seemingly “healthy” options like certain granola bars can be packed with sugars.

That’s why it’s important to choose low sugar snacks and read the labels carefully.

Chips, pretzels, and crackers are often high in refined carbs and sodium.

These can lead to high blood pressure and cause blood sugar levels to rise quickly, which is also dangerous for diabetics.

Even popcorn, when served with butter or salt, can be a potential risk for diabetes.

Cheese, whole milk, and full-fat yogurt might seem healthy, but are all high in saturated fats.

These fats can lead to insulin resistance, which makes controlling diabetes much harder.

The fat content in dairy products affects how quickly the body processes carbohydrates, and whole milk, with its higher fat content, can slow down the digestion process and lead to a more gradual increase in blood sugar.

Sausages, hot dogs, and deli meats are high in unhealthy fats, sodium, and preservatives. These can increase the risk of heart disease, which is already a concern for diabetics. Plus, processed meats can have hidden sugars.

Sausages, hot dogs, and deli meats are high in unhealthy fats, sodium, preservatives, and artificial ingredients.

These all increase the risk of heart disease, which is already a concern for diabetics, and also can cause weight gain, increased insulin resistance, and worsened control over diabetes.

Plus, processed meats can have hidden sugars or artificial sweeteners like sucralose.

Avoiding sugary drinks like soda, sweet tea, and energy drinks is crucial. These beverages are loaded with sugar and offer no nutritional value. They cause blood sugar to spike rapidly. Even fruit juices, which seem healthy, can have a high sugar content.

Sugary drinks like soda and energy drinks should be avoided by everyone, and especially diabetics.

These beverages are loaded with unreasonable amounts of sugar and offer no nutritional value at all.

Even fruit juices, which seem healthy, can have an extremely high sugar content and cause blood sugar to spike rapidly.

We’ve mentioned the snacks you should avoid, now it’s time to show some snacks you can eat guilt-free or without any worries about sugar.

Here are some snacks that are healthy, satisfying, and tasty at the same time:

Low sugar protein bars are a convenient way to snack and get your protein & fiber in at the same time.

Choose protein bars that don’t have any added sugars and use only naturally occurring sugars.

At Amrita , we use sugars from dates and fruits, and we don’t use any artificial ingredients or added sugars, to give you a snack you can truly enjoy without worrying about your blood sugar levels.

Each bar contains 15 grams of plant-based protein, which is also free from gluten, dairy, nuts, and soy, as well as low in sugar.

A bowl of plain Greek yogurt topped with fresh berries is not only delicious but also a great snack for diabetics.

Greek yogurt is high in protein and probiotics, while berries add a touch of natural sweetness and some antioxidants along the way.

This is an amazing make-at-home mix for diabetics, and for individuals looking to control their sugar intake.

Almonds are a fantastic, and filling snack. They’re high in healthy fats, protein, and fiber, which makes them excellent for blood sugar control.

Research has shown that eating nuts like almonds can improve heart health and blood sugar regulation.

However, if you’re on a weight-loss diet, it’s best not to consume too many almonds, as they’re pretty high in calories, too.

Mama was right, you should eat your veggies.

You can never go wrong with vegetables like carrots, celery, cucumber, and bell peppers, as they’re low in calories and carbohydrates, and extremely healthy as well.

The fiber in vegetables can help slow down the absorption of sugar into the bloodstream, making them an ideal choice for diabetics who have trouble controlling their sugar levels.

Popcorn is a whole grain that is low in calories and high in fiber, making it an excellent snack for diabetics.

However, it’s important not to add too much salt or butter, as it can lead to high blood pressure, which isn’t ideal for diabetes.

Oatmeal is mainly consumed as a breakfast meal, but it can also be a healthy, protein-rich snack in the middle of the day.

A small bowl of plain oatmeal is high in fiber, which helps control blood sugar levels.

Add a few nuts or a dash of cinnamon for extra flavor without spiking your sugar levels.

Pistachios are another great nut option that is rich in healthy fats, protein, and fiber.

It’s been linked to improved blood sugar levels and heart health, and they’re a great, crunchy snack that is easy to enjoy.

For more ideas and tips, Healthline has a comprehensive guide on diabetic-friendly snacks. Enjoy snacking while keeping your blood sugar levels in check!

It’s essential to know your snacks before you eat them, especially if you have to keep your blood sugar levels stable while satisfying your hunger.

Here are some diabetes-friendly snacking tips:

Portion control is key for anyone managing diabetes. Eating too much, even of healthy foods, can lead to unwanted spikes in blood sugar levels. Here are some simple ways to keep your portions in check:

Portion control is key for anyone managing sugar levels.

Eating too much of anything isn’t a good practice, and can lead to unwanted spikes in blood sugar levels.

Here are some simple ways to keep your portions in check:

• Use smaller plates and bowls to make portions look larger .

• Measure your snacks instead of eating directly from the package.

• Follow the plate method: Fill half your plate with non-starchy vegetables, a quarter with lean protein, and the last quarter with whole grains or starchy vegetables.

In order to understand what you’re eating, you need to read the labels carefully.

Here’s a quick guide on what to look for when you’re buying snacks:

• Serving Size: Always check the serving size first . All the nutritional information is based on this amount.

• Total Carbohydrates : Pay attention to the total carbs , including fiber and sugars. Fiber helps to slow the absorption of sugar into your bloodstream.

• Added Sugars: Avoid snacks high in added sugars , which can cause blood sugar spikes.

• Other Nutrients : Look at the amount of fats, sodium, and protein . Choose snacks with healthy fats, lower sodium, and high protein.

Choosing the right snacks is essential for managing diabetes effectively. Opt for options like nuts, fresh vegetables, and low-sugar yogurt to keep blood sugar levels stable. Reading labels and controlling portions are crucial steps.

Choosing the right snacks is essential for managing diabetes and blood sugar levels, and everyone should do it.

Choose snacks that are low in sugar, free from artificial ingredients and sweeteners, and made from organic, whole foods.