15 Delicious and Nutritious Snack Ideas for Diabetes

Managing diabetes requires careful snack choices to keep blood sugar levels in check. Avoid relying on sugary, salty, and carb-heavy pre-packaged snacks that are packed with additives. Instead, opt for wholesome foods like fresh fruits, veggies, nuts, seeds, legumes, and whole grains. These diabetes-friendly snacks transform nutrient-rich ingredients into mouthwatering treats that are both healthy and satisfying. Recipes such as plantain chips, peanut butter balls, roasted chickpeas, and guacamole rival processed snacks in taste while keeping you full and energized.

Crispy Air Fried Plantain Chips

Yoly

"Air-fried green plantains create crispy, potato-like chips that are crunchy without the extra calories and fat. Whether you prefer them sweet or savory, you can adjust the flavor to suit your craving," says Dinogo Allstar Yoly. Feel free to play around with spices like black pepper, paprika, cinnamon, or Tajín for extra flavor.

No-Bake Peanut Butter Bites

Jules

Mix no-sugar-added peanut butter, milk powder, unsweetened coconut flakes, oats, ground cinnamon, wheat germ, and apple juice concentrate, then roll the mixture into one-inch balls. Store in the fridge for a sweet, satisfying snack that's free of refined sugars.

What Is the Difference Between Sugar Free, No Sugar Added, and Unsweetened?

Creamy Black Bean Hummus without Tahini

A bowl of black bean hummus topped with colorful peppers, served with fresh broccoli on the side

Buckwheat Queen

By skipping the traditional tahini (sesame paste), this black bean hummus becomes lighter and equally delicious. A splash of sesame oil adds depth, while lime juice, jalapeño, garlic, cumin, paprika, and cayenne pepper bring a bold and spicy kick to the dip.

Zesty Mexican Jicama Snack

LauraF

"I discovered this recipe during a trip to Mexico. It's a perfect snack—crunchy, flavorful, and incredibly healthy. My kids love making it too," says home cook caztoindy. This easy three-ingredient treat takes only 10 minutes to prepare.

Simple One-Ingredient Sorbet

Dinogo

For those managing diabetes, the Mayo Clinic recommends that a single serving of fruit should contain approximately 15 grams of carbohydrates. For our One-Ingredient Sorbet, you can enjoy one serving by using 1 1/4 cups of whole strawberries or half a banana.

Savory Cheesy Kale Chips

Baked kale chips topped with a sprinkle of nutritional yeast, served on a white plate

mspindy

For a satisfying crunch without the carbs, kale chips are the way to go. Nutritional yeast gives them a cheesy flavor, but without the added saturated fat. "Super tasty! The whole family loves these!" says home cook Sarah.

Classic Fresh Tomato Salsa

bd.weld

Add a burst of tomatoes to your snack time with this fresh, zesty salsa. Pair it with chips that meet these criteria: baked (not kettle-cooked or fried), whole grain (or stone-ground), and made with heart-healthy oils like sunflower or safflower.

Spicy Curried Hummus

Kitchen Kitty

Thanks to the low glycemic index (GI) of chickpeas and the antioxidant-packed turmeric in curry powder, this Curried Hummus is an excellent choice for those managing diabetes, says recipe contributor Ben S. Home cook JMCCREAR adds, "A must-try for entertaining or as a healthy lunch or appetizer for the whole family."

Frozen Chocolate Banana Pops

Bananas on skewers coated in frozen chocolate and sprinkled with nuts

MyNutriCounter

Frozen banana halves dipped in low-sugar or sugar-free chocolate, then rolled in your favorite nuts and seeds, create a satisfyingly sweet treat. One banana half counts as a single serving of fruit.

Simple Guacamole

A bowl of guacamole surrounded by fresh onions and tomato

Simple Guacamole KGora

While avocados are high in fat, it's the healthy fat your body craves. They're also a great source of fiber. Mash them into our Easy Guacamole for a party or scale down the recipe for a solo snack. Enjoy 1/4 cup per serving.

Crispy Dry-Roasted Chickpeas

Seasoned dry-roasted chickpeas served in a white and blue bowl

paula45870

"Roasting these chickpeas without any oil or salt allows them to crisp up perfectly. It's important to let them cool in the oven to get that extra crunch. Season with a teaspoon of your favorite spices: sea salt, pepper, garlic powder, chili powder, chipotle, cayenne, curry powder, lemon pepper, or whatever you like," says home cook ChefV.

Crispy Baked Sweet Potato Coins

Buckwheat Queen

Sweet potatoes rank lower on the glycemic index (GI) compared to white potatoes, which means they digest more slowly and help prevent blood sugar spikes. This makes them a healthier choice for chips. Plus, our Baked Sweet Potato Coins use cooking spray instead of oil, reducing both fat and calories.

Spicy Mexican Mango

Slices of mango and cucumber topped with a spicy seasoning

Karla Marie Dombrock

Balance the sweetness of ripe mango with a kick of chili powder and the tang of fresh lemon. This recipe makes two diabetes-friendly servings, each about 1/2 cup.

Fresh Basil Pesto Hummus

A vibrant green hummus dip infused with basil and pesto, served alongside crunchy bell peppers and celery sticks

alani0304

Traditional pesto can be heavy on calories due to the oil and cheese, but blending fresh basil, garlic, and a touch of olive oil with chickpeas creates a creamy, fiber-rich spread that captures the essence of pesto without the extra calories.

Spiced Pumpkin Seeds

A bowl of seasoned pumpkin seeds shaped like a ghost

bd.weld

Toss pumpkin seeds (pepitas) with olive oil, chili powder, tamari sauce, garlic powder, and a pinch of salt for a flavor explosion that will make you wonder how you ever lived without this snack.