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30 Low-Sugar Snacks for Diabetics

Eggs

Eggs

Eggs may have had a bad rap in the past, but they’re extremely good for you. This snack has no sugar, and it’s packed with vitamins and nutrients. Eggs have also been proven to lower your “bad” LDL cholesterol and raise you “good” HDL cholesterol. We suggest hard boiled eggs for the most effects.

Though we recommend hard-boiled, there are literally so many ways you can prepare eggs. From simple to more complex, the endless recipes will make sure you never get tired of having eggs as a healthy snack. If possible, try to find yourself some farm-fresh eggs! They're the tastiest and the healthiest. 

Rice Cakes

Rice Cakes

Rice cakes come in a wide variety of flavors, so there's a taste for everyone. Rice cakes are also really high in fiber, which helps keep you regular. Make sure to check the nutritional facts before walking away, since some can still have a lot of sugar.

Of course, the plainest is usually the healthiest, but trying out the different flavors isn't going to hurt—most are extremely low in sugar. Many people eat rice cakes with other healthy sides such as peanut butter or fresh fruit. You're sure to hit a winning combo that will keep you coming back for more.

Low-Carb Ice Cream

Low-Carb Ice Cream

Do you have a sweet tooth? You don’t have to ditch ice cream altogether. Several ice cream brands now make low-carb and low-sugar flavors. While we still suggest that you pace yourself (we know the struggles), it’s a great way to satisfy your craving without raising your blood sugar.

Take advantage of brands catering to customers in search of low-carb and low-sugar sweets. This yummy ice cream is made just for you, so you can still sit down with a bowl or scoop it into a cone on a hot summer day without the negative side effects. Still, be mindful and eat healthy amounts!

Baked Cinnamon Apple Chips

Baked Cinnamon Apple Chips

Never underestimate the power of fruit. Apple chips are pretty delicious, and adding cinnamon to them can make them even better. This little snack is one of our favorites. Just slice the apple, sprinkle on some cinnamon, and bake them at 225 degrees Fahrenheit for 45 minutes.

Though this takes a little more prep time than just opening a container, the outcome is well worth it. They're good at any time of the year, but when autumn comes around, these delicious snacks are anyone's favorite! Just because they're low sugar doesn't mean they won't be the life of the party. 

Almonds

Almonds

Almonds are extremely good for you. They have tons of vitamin E, manganese, magnesium, copper, and vitamin B2. On top of that, almonds also pack a heavy punch of good fats. However, they have saturated fat, so we suggest keeping your snack limited to a handful at most.

Almonds are another snack that have a ton of flavor options. Just be sure to read the nutrition label to make sure they're still a healthy option. They're great to pair with fruit (maybe some of those baked cinnamon apple chips!) and cheese. They're also super quick and easy to grab on the go to eat whenever and wherever!

Dill Pickles

Dill Pickles

Who doesn’t love pickles? Bread and butter are off limits due to the sugar content, but that doesn’t mean you can’t munch down on dill pickles. Fermented foods can lower blood sugar, so next time you see a delicious dill, bite down!

Dill pickles are one of the most common pickles and are a great addition to a sandwich or burger. But we're talking about eating them by themselves. It's such a great snack, many concession stands offer them as one of their most popular foods! While it's a great option, we know the strong flavor can be a bit much to some people. 

Hummus

Hummus

Hummus is low-fat, low-sugar, and high-nutrition. It’s made with chickpeas, garlic, and olive oil—all of which have heart-healthy benefits. Our suggestion for this snack is to eat it with celery or carrots. If you insist on bread, make sure it’s whole grain.

Hummus took the world by storm a few years ago. Much like the more recent kale trend, hummus was the food staple everyone had to have. Which was a good thing because of how healthy it is! Now, you can buy it in different flavors and there are so many recipe ideas you can find—just make sure whatever you add to it isn't taking away from the healthy factor.

Peanut Butter

Peanut Butter

Peanut butter is fantastic with apples and celery, but there’s a little caveat with this snack. Some brands of peanut butter can still be high in sugar. Be sure to check the label before grabbing a jar off the shelf. Try to stick with “no sugar added” brands.

Peanut butter is often overlooked, but it's usually one of those things on everybody's shelves! While you can certainly eat it with other things, peanut butter is something you can enjoy by itself. Just stick a spoon in the jar and you are ready to curb your appetite with a healthy snack.

Sugar-Free Cookies

Sugar-Free Cookies

Since the rise of fad diets like keto, sugar-free cookies are becoming easier to find. That’s great for anyone who needs to soothe their sweet tooth without eating a ton of sugar. Just make sure to read the label. If the cookie sweetened with maltitol, it can still raise your blood sugar. While it will take more work, you can also make your own sugar-free cookies with erythritol.

Sometimes, "sugar-free" can taste like "yum-free". But that's not always the case. Like the low-sugar ice cream, we live in a day and age where we can sweeten without sugar and make healthier options still taste good. If you haven't already tried sugar-free cookies, this is your sign to go try some today!

Roasted Chickpeas

Roasted Chickpeas

Chickpeas have 15 grams of protein and 13 grams of fiber per cup. They can also help manage blood sugar when eaten regularly. By roasting them, they’re crunchy and almost like eating nuts—only better and much more delicious.

Managing blood sugar, high in fiber and protein—this snack is loaded with benefits! It also doesn't hurt how delicious this treat is. Yes, it's a little more preparation than opening a bag, but it's not hard by any means. If you already enjoy chickpeas, we can guarantee you're going to love this twist on them!

Zucchini Chips

Zucchini Chips

Vegetables are hands-down one of the healthiest things on the planet, but no one wants to munch on a plain zucchini. Instead, turn that zucchini into chips! Add a little salt and vinegar (or whatever flavor you want) and bake them at 350 for 15 minutes.

Zucchini is always readily available and not hard to come by, unlike some seasonal fruits and veggies. Just know the signs of fresh, healthy zucchini, and you'll be set to make incredibly delicious chips when you get home. Super simple, super tasty, and super healthy. 

Flax Crackers

Flax Crackers

Regular crackers can cause an insulin spike, but flax crackers have a massive amount of fiber to prevent this from happening. You can buy your own at health foods stores and places like Whole Foods but making your own may be cheaper. There are tons of recipes online and include flavors like garlic, salt, and rosemary.

Flax crackers are incredibly filling. Add them to any of these other snack items, and you'll be feeling satisfied until your next meal. It's great that they're low in sugar, but also great in that they provide a good source of fiber, which is not always easy to work into your meals. 

Popcorn

Popcorn

Popcorn is actually a whole grain! It’s been deemed one of the best snack foods for diabetics because it’s low-calorie and high in fiber. Instead of picking up a bag of microwave popcorn, pop your own on the stove. It won’t be filled with preservatives, and it’ll be much healthier.

If you haven't ever popped your own popcorn, it can be a fun experience! It's not quite as convenient as throwing a bag into the microwave, but it's still relatively simple and can be a satisfying addition to your day. Just be careful with the hot oil!

Kale Chips

Kale Chips

Kale has 20 essential nutrients, but it does have that bitter taste to it. Making kale chips helps cut down on the bitterness and turns it into a great snack for diabetics. You can add salt, pepper, garlic, or whatever! Create your own unique flavor.

Because kale became such a huge trend a few years ago, there are a ton of recipes on the internet. They not only show ways to incorporate kale into other meals but there are also many recipes specifically for kale chips—find one that works for you!

Trail Mix

Trail Mix

Raisins, peanuts, and cashews are all really good for you. Some trail mix contains chocolate in small amounts, and even that can be alright. Just make sure to eat it in moderation and pay attention to what's included in the mix.

Ever wonder why trail mix is marketed as a snack for hiking? It's because of its mix of healthy foods that give quick energy, enduring energy, and of course, it tastes good! You can create your own combination of trail mix to meet your specific needs. 

Edamame

Edamame

Edamame is super filling and nutritious. The little bean has plenty of fiber, iron, and magnesium. A one-ounce serving only has 34 calories. You can eat them in a variety of ways, including boiled, baked, or tossed in a food processor with seasonings to make a veggie dip.

This oddly named bean may be hard to pronounce for the first time, but it's certainly not hard to incorporate as a snack. There are plenty of online recipes to choose from if you want to include this as a tasty, low-sugar snack. 

String Cheese

String Cheese

We used to eat string cheese as kids, and it’s time for it to make a comeback. It’s easy to grab and snack on while completing errands. Naturally, there are tons of flavors. Some of our favorites are the smoked cheddar kind and pepper jack.

True to its name, you can pull string cheese apart to eat it or simply enjoy it like any other cheese stick. The convenience of this snack is what sets it above the rest—you just grab it and go! Some are healthier than others, so you may want to check out the nutrition label before buying. 

Flavored Pumpkin Seeds

Flavored Pumpkin Seeds

One of the best things about pumpkin seeds is that it’s high in polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fat, two fats that are actually healthy. You can purchase this snack yourself pre-packaged or make your own when pumpkins are available.

While they can be fun to make on your own, you can also have a lot of fun creating this snack with friends or kids! Buy a variety of flavors to try out, and then see which one is the best! It's a good feeling when something that tastes so good is also super healthy.

Tuna

Tuna

Tuna is one of the healthiest fishes you can eat. Unlike salmon, it’s also pretty cheap. Even the stuff in the can is healthy (as long as it’s packaged in water). This fish is high in omega-3 fatty acids, which will strengthen your heart.

Tuna is also a great source of protein, selenium, and vitamin D. It's actually one of the more commonly suggested foods for certain diets. You can add slices of dill pickle and rice cakes on the side to really fill up on this healthy food.

Jerky

Jerky

Jerky is easy to bring with you while you’re on the run. Some packaged varieties still have quite a bit of sugar, so we suggest staying away from anything with teriyaki or other sweet sauces. Alternatively, you can make your own and make unique flavors for a fraction of the cost.

You can literally buy jerky almost anywhere. If you're needing a quick snack but don't want to run into a grocery store, we guarantee every single gas station or convenience store will have some sort of jerky! There are so many flavors to choose from; just stay away from the sweeter flavors. 

Jicama

Jicama

If you’ve never heard of jicama, you’re in for a real treat. This starchy vegetable is lower in carbs than a potato, making it a fantastic alternative when you want to cut out potatoes. One-half cup of jicama is just 25 calories and is less than 6 carbs.

It’s also rich in fiber and has 20% of the vitamin C you need in a day. You may be asking yourself, How have I not heard of such an amazing veggie until now?! All that matters is now you know, so take advantage!

Olives

Olives

Olives don’t just belong on pizza! They’re great snacks for those with diabetes. You can get little individual cups of olives, or you can package your own in resealable bags. If you’re looking for nutrients, this food has tons of copper, iron, vitamin E, and fiber.

Obviously, there are a variety of olives, and each type has a different nutritional value. Overall, most olives are extremely healthy and are a great choice for a low-sugar snack. Just be sure to read the nutrition label if you're unsure!

Black Bean Salad

Black Bean Salad

Black bean salad is a heartier snack that's packed with fiber and protein. All you need to do is mix a 15-ounce can of low-sodium black beans with a half a cup of tomatoes, cucumber, bell pepper, and cubed avocado. Spritz a little lime juice on it, sprinkle a little garlic powder, and snack away.

This salad is extremely easy to make and will pack some bold flavor into your low-sugar diet. Although we're listing it as a snack, it could very well serve as a midday meal. Just make sure you fill your bowl to satisfaction!

Fresh Berries

Fresh Berries

Berries, despite being sweet, are lower on the glycemic index. The fiber and sugar content won’t increase your blood sugar like an apple might. Blueberries, blackberries, strawberries, and raspberries are all ideal snacking choices—not just because they're healthy, but they're also super tasty!

While it's easy to enjoy them by themselves, it's also a good idea to pair them with other healthy snacks. Berries and string cheese go together like peanut butter and jelly—they're just much healthier! They'd also be a good addition to some trail mix, similar to adding raisins to the mix. 

Avocado

Avocado

Avocado toast took the world by storm not too long ago, and there’s a reason for that. Avocado has tons of nutrients, and it’s packed with good fats your body needs for a strong heart. Eating the avocado by itself is best but eating it on whole wheat toast is an alternative option.

We've seen plenty of people struggle with cutting fresh avocados, so be sure to watch a YouTube video or two to make sure you're doing it the correct way. It's very simple and can be life-changing—literally! If you don't eat them simply for the delicious taste, do it for the benefits they have for your heart health. 

Lily’s Chocolate

Lily’s Chocolate

Do you have a hankering for chocolate? Instead of snatching up milk chocolate, look for Lily’s Chocolate. It’s on the pricier side, but that’s because it’s sweetened with stevia rather than sugar. This won’t spike your blood sugar even if you eat half the bar!

When your world is ruled by low-sugar snacks, it's nice to be able to enjoy the sweet, simplistic taste of a bar of chocolate. So even though it may cost a little more than you'd like, we think it's worth the extra money to be able to enjoy chocolate as a snack again. 

(Image via Amazon)

Cucumber

Cucumber

Cucumber is one of those things you can eat a ton of without really worrying. It’s extremely low in calories—about 16 calories per cup—because it’s mostly water. It also has potassium, fiber, and vitamin C. While they are mainly water, they still have a bit of flavor. If you refrigerate them, they have a crisp, refreshing flavor. 

When speaking to a nutritionist, cucumbers are one of those foods they tell you you can absolutely fill up on. There's pretty much no limit! There are a ton of tasty cucumber recipes out there. Of course, you can always add them to your salad. You can't really go wrong with them!

Cottage Cheese

Cottage Cheese

Cottage cheese is a great snack for anyone with diabetes. A half a cup of small-curd cottage cheese has 13 grams protein and only 4 carbs. Thanks to the high protein, research has shown that it can help lower blood sugar by as much as 38%.

That makes a big difference! If there's anything on this list you need to go out and buy now, it's probably cottage cheese. It's good by itself but also pairs well with a variety of other healthy snacks—go online to find your new favorite recipe!

Caprese Salad

Caprese Salad

As a bigger snack for a particularly hungry soul, Caprese salad is perfect. Mozzarella, olive oil, basil, and tomato all have little to no sugar. With around 73 calories per portion, it’s a delicious salad that also won’t break your calorie budget for the day.

When you don't really want a full meal but also need more than just a snack, a Caprese salad really is the way to go. It packs plenty of flavor, is easy to make, and will leave you feeling guilt-free and full. I'm thinking I kind of want one now!

Chia Seed Pudding

Chia Seed Pudding

If you don’t have issues with diverticulitis, try chia seed pudding. A quarter cup of chia seeds has as much protein as an egg. They also have a lot of omega-3 fatty acids, which is great for your heart. Just be mindful of the amount of sugar you eat with chia seed pudding.

Most of these chia seed pudding recipes only call for three or four ingredients, so it's super easy to make on your own if you don't want to buy from the store. This way, you can choose how much sweetener and what kind of sweetener you want to add to the pudding.