22 Diabetes-Friendly Snacks for Better Blood Sugar

Reviewed by Dietitian Jessica Ball, M.S., RD
Credit: Photographer: Ali Redmond.
Credit: Photographer: Ali Redmond.

The next time you’re in the mood for a healthy and satisfying pick-me-up, reach for one of these diabetes-friendly snack recipes. These sweet and savory morsels are low in calories and saturated fat and are made with sodium-conscious ingredients, so managing your blood sugar is easy and delicious. Recipes like our Lemon-Strawberry Energy Balls and our Crunchy Roasted Edamame will satiate you in a balanced and flavorful way.

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Crunchy Roasted Edamame

Credit: Photographer: Morgan Hunt Ward, Prop Stylist: Priscilla Montiel, Food Stylist: Chelsea Zimmer.
Credit: Photographer: Morgan Hunt Ward, Prop Stylist: Priscilla Montiel, Food Stylist: Chelsea Zimmer.

This roasted edamame recipe is a protein-packed snack you can enjoy by the handful. Roasting the beans slowly at a low temperature helps them dry out and crisp up without burning. Enjoy them on their own, or use them as a salad topper for added crunch.

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Lemon-Strawberry Energy Balls

Credit: Photographer: Ali Redmond.
Credit: Photographer: Ali Redmond.

Bright, chewy and naturally sweet, these no-bake energy balls are a refreshing way to power through your day. A coating of crushed freeze-dried strawberries adds color, flavor and a delicate crunch. Keep a batch on hand for an easy snack on the go.

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Lemon Drop Energy Balls

Credit: Photographer: Greg Dupree, Food Stylist: Chelsea Zimmer, Prop Stylist: Christina Daley.
Credit: Photographer: Greg Dupree, Food Stylist: Chelsea Zimmer, Prop Stylist: Christina Daley.

These no-sugar-added lemon drop energy balls are a zesty little pick-me-up you’ll actually look forward to snacking on. Naturally sweetened with Medjool dates and packed with oats, cashews and hemp seeds, they deliver fiber and plant-based protein in every bite. They’re perfect for stashing in the fridge for a quick grab-and-go snack.

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The #1 Weight-Loss Snack You Should Be Making

Credit: Photographer: Morgan Hunt Ward, Prop Stylist: Keoshia McGhee, Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall.
Credit: Photographer: Morgan Hunt Ward, Prop Stylist: Keoshia McGhee, Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall.

These spiced almonds deliver the perfect balance of fiber, protein and healthy fat for a filling snack that can support your weight-loss goals. They’re a good mix of crunch, sweetness and spice. It’s easy to make and store so you have a healthy snack on hand.

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Lemon-Strawberry Frozen Yogurt Bites

Credit: Photographer: Greg Dupree, Food Stylist: Chelsea Zimmer, Prop Stylist: Christina Daley.
Credit: Photographer: Greg Dupree, Food Stylist: Chelsea Zimmer, Prop Stylist: Christina Daley.

These lemon-strawberry yogurt bites are the ultimate frozen snack, and they’re made without added sugar. Juicy strawberries are coated in tangy yogurt kissed with vanilla, lemon zest and a hint of warm spice before being dusted with a powdery layer of crushed freeze-dried strawberries.

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Crispy Peanut Butter–Quinoa Balls

Credit: Photographer: Ali Redmond.
Credit: Photographer: Ali Redmond.

These no-bake Crispy Peanut Butter–Quinoa Balls come together in minutes and deliver a perfect mix of salty, sweet and crunchy flavors. The puffed quinoa gives them a light, crispy texture that’s held together with peanut butter and drizzle of chocolate on top. Look for puffed quinoa in the cereal or natural-foods aisle of well-stocked grocery stores, or order it online. If you can’t find it, try puffed brown rice cereal instead for a similar crunch.

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Mini Bell Peppers with Cottage Cheese

Credit: Photographer: Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall, Prop Stylist: Hannah Greenwood.
Credit: Photographer: Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall, Prop Stylist: Hannah Greenwood.

These cottage cheese–stuffed mini peppers make an excellent bite-size snack or appetizer that’s nutritious and satisfying. The creamy cottage cheese is flavored with Parmesan and a splash of lemon juice, giving it a savory, tangy boost. The sweet crunch of the peppers pairs perfectly with the zesty filling. Whether you’re prepping a quick lunch or hosting friends, this combo is simple, fresh and full of flavor.

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Ranch Roasted Chickpeas

Credit: Ali Redmond
Credit: Ali Redmond

These ranch-flavored roasted chickpeas are a savory snack that delivers the familiar tangy-herb taste of ranch dressing. Seasoned with garlic powder, onion powder and dried herbs, they crisp up beautifully in the oven. These fiber-rich chickpeas are perfect for munching by the handful or tossing into a salad for extra crunch. You can also sprinkle them over soups as an alternative to croutons.

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Avocado Hummus

This vibrant green hummus recipe couldn't be easier—just toss a few ingredients in the food processor and whir away! Aquafaba (the liquid from a can of chickpeas) and avocado make this healthy dip extra smooth and creamy. Serve with veggie chips, pita chips or crudités.

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Strawberry-Chocolate Greek Yogurt Bark

Greek yogurt gets studded with fresh strawberries and chocolate chips and then frozen so you can break it into chunks just like chocolate bark (but healthier!). This colorful snack is perfect for kids and adults alike.

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Easy Black Bean Dip

This creamy bean dip is great for a party or picnic. Smoked paprika and ground chipotles add a robust, earthy flavor, but you can also use regular paprika and cayenne if you don't have the other spices on hand.

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Dark Chocolate Cashew Clusters

Credit: Photographer: Rachel Marek, Food stylist: Sue Mitchell, Prop stylist: Skylar Myers,
Credit: Photographer: Rachel Marek, Food stylist: Sue Mitchell, Prop stylist: Skylar Myers,

These 3-ingredient sweet treats are a breeze to make and, because dark chocolate clusters take just 15 minutes to prepare, they can be made on short notice to feed a crowd. While cashews contribute a sweet and mild flavor, don’t hesitate to swap them out for an alternative like almonds or peanuts, or try adding dried cranberries or cherries for a delightfully tangy twist.

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Peanut Butter Energy Balls

Credit: Photographer: Brie Goldman, Food Stylist: Holly Dreesman, Prop Stylist: Gabriel Greco
Credit: Photographer: Brie Goldman, Food Stylist: Holly Dreesman, Prop Stylist: Gabriel Greco

These healthy peanut butter and chocolate energy balls deliver a mixture of simple and complex carbohydrates to help fuel you up whenever you need a little boost.

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Garlic Hummus

Credit: Photography: Carson Downing, Food: Holly Dreesman, Props: Gabe Greco
Credit: Photography: Carson Downing, Food: Holly Dreesman, Props: Gabe Greco

This garlic hummus recipe couldn't be easier—just toss a few ingredients in the food processor and whir away!

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Crunchy Roasted Chickpeas

Credit: Diana Chistruga
Credit: Diana Chistruga

Try this satisfying snack instead of nuts. The tasty legumes are lower in calories and packed with fiber.

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Kale Chips

Credit: Christine Ma
Credit: Christine Ma

Not a fan of kale? These crispy baked kale chips will convert you! For the best result, don't overcrowd the baking pans.

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Crispy Peanut Butter Balls

All you need are four simple ingredients to make healthier crispy peanut butter balls that kids and grownups will love. Make this easy recipe for a bite-size treat, on-the-go snack or easy homemade gift. You can swap the peanut butter for almond butter or even sunflower seed butter if you need a nut-free snack for school.

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Breakfast Peanut Butter-Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Cakes

Credit: Alexandra Shytsman
Credit: Alexandra Shytsman

Peanut butter is the star ingredient in these oatmeal cakes, providing not only flavor, but a boost of plant-based protein too. Hiding a bit in the center of each muffin is a fun way to ensure that peanut butter makes it into every bite.

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Blueberry Cobbler Energy Balls

Credit: Photographer: Morgan Hunt Glaze, Prop Stylist: Lydia Pursell, Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall
Credit: Photographer: Morgan Hunt Glaze, Prop Stylist: Lydia Pursell, Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall

These energy balls combine dried blueberries, oats and pecans for a bite-size taste of blueberry cobbler. You can use almond butter for a nuttier taste or sunflower butter for something mellower to bind them together. These portable snacks are ready in just 30 minutes and can be stored in your fridge or freezer for a quick grab-and-go snack.

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Cottage Cheese–Berry Bowl

Credit: Photographer: Grant Webster, Food Stylist: Lauren McAnelly, Prop Stylist: Gabriel Greco
Credit: Photographer: Grant Webster, Food Stylist: Lauren McAnelly, Prop Stylist: Gabriel Greco

This no-sugar-added berry bowl highlights the natural sweetness of thawed mixed berries, with a hint of vanilla for extra flavor. It’s a simple snack you can prepare in advance, but add the cereal just before serving so it stays crunchy.

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Pizza Pistachios

Credit: Jennifer Causey
Credit: Jennifer Causey

Nutritional yeast mimics the flavor of cheese, lending a pizza-like flavor to these playful spiced pistachios.

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Cottage Cheese Snack Jar

Credit: Photographer: Rachel Marek, Food Stylist: Holly Dreesman, Prop Stylist: Gabriel Greco
Credit: Photographer: Rachel Marek, Food Stylist: Holly Dreesman, Prop Stylist: Gabriel Greco

This creamy, crunchy snack packs 20 grams of protein and 5 grams of fiber into one small Mason jar. Adding the chickpeas right before serving will keep them crunchy. If you want to store everything in one jar, opt for 1/4 cup rinsed canned chickpeas instead.

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Original Source:

https://www.eatingwell.com/diabetes-friendly-snack-recipes-11978807