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June 29, 2026

12 Diabetic Snacks To Try

Obioma Anyogu, NP

Medically reviewed by:
Obioma Anyogu, NP

It's important to note nutrition's role in managing diabetes.

If you or someone you know has diabetes, having a variety of diabetic snacks ready can make it easier to manage blood sugar while still enjoying flavorful, satisfying foods. Whether you have Type I or Type II diabetes, snacks can be balanced and mindful in terms of the impact that they have on blood sugar levels. Read this article to get 12 new snack ideas and to learn why each could be a good option for someone with diabetes.

How foods affect diabetes

To best understand how to choose snack options, it can be helpful to begin with an understanding of how food affects blood sugar and how this affects people with diabetes. There are three macronutrients: carbohydrates, fats and protein. The primary macronutrient that people with diabetes need to be considerate of is carbohydrates, as carbs are what impact blood sugar levels.1 While fats and proteins may slightly influence blood sugar levels (depending on the source), these types of foods are not likely to have a significant impact on blood sugar levels.

While many foods contain carbs, some sources of carbs found in the diet include:1

  • Fruits and vegetables
  • Grains (bread, rice, pastas, oats)
  • Beans
  • Sugar

While people with diabetes can consume carbs in moderation, it is best to eat them with a source of protein, fat and/or fiber to mediate the response that the carbohydrates have on your blood sugar to prevent big spikes and dips. The balanced diabetic snacks below will reflect these kinds of pairings.

#1: Tuna salad with crackers and veggies

Tuna salad is one of the most protein-rich diabetic snacks you can make in under five minutes. For a quick grab-and-go option, consider buying the tuna salad pre-made at many stores or delis.

This snack is helpful for people with diabetes because:

  • The tuna salad provides a lean protein source to help stabilize blood sugar levels and to keep you satisfied. It is also recommended to try to consume a serving of fish twice per week, if possible.2
  • The whole-grain crackers provide a carb source with some fiber, which is also helpful for stabilizing blood sugar levels.
  • The dipping veggies (like bell peppers or celery) provide a non-starchy carbohydrate source (which doesn’t spike blood sugar significantly) and give the body a hydrating antioxidant boost.

#2: Turkey roll-ups

Another easy snack for people with diabetes is turkey roll-ups. To make a turkey roll-up, simply take sliced turkey breast, a spread of choice (hummus, mustard, mayo), a slice of cheese and a crunchy veggie (cucumber, carrot, lettuce) and roll it up.

This snack is helpful for people with diabetes because it is low in carbs and:

  • The turkey provides a lean protein source that won’t spike blood sugar.
  • The spread offers some fat and flavor and should also not spike blood sugar if consumed in a moderate portion size (around two tablespoons).
  • The cheese provides some protein and fat without any carbs.3
  • The veggies provide some fiber and antioxidants.

#3: Whole-grain toast with eggs

Another quick snack is a slice of whole-grain toast with eggs. To make this even quicker, you can prep or buy hard-boiled eggs and put them on top of the toast. For spreads, you can use mashed avocado, butter, cream cheese or cottage cheese.

This snack is helpful for people with diabetes because :

  • The eggs provide a protein source that won’t spike blood sugar.
  • The spread offers some fat and flavor without spiking blood sugar.
  • The toast provides a slow-releasing form of carbohydrates that won’t spike blood sugar when paired appropriately with the protein and fat source.1

#4: Rice cake with peanut butter

A fourth quick snack idea is a rice cake with peanut butter. This snack is helpful for people with diabetes because:

  • The rice cake provides the slow-releasing carbs.
  • The peanut butter provides a healthy fat source that helps to stabilize blood sugar when paired with the rice cake. Nuts and nut butters are a rich source of unsaturated fats that help to provide satiety.1

#5: Greek yogurt with granola

Another easy snack idea is a mini parfait made with Greek yogurt and a low-sugar granola. To make this in a blood sugar-friendly manner, it is essential to consider:

  • The type of Greek yogurt you use. Choose unsweetened yogurt options and try adding flavor to them by using cinnamon or a handful of berries.
  • The type of granola you use. Choose granolas that are low in sugar and have a lower carb content. If you are using an oat-based granola (as opposed to a paleo granola), aim for a single serving (about ¼ to 1/3 cup). Alternatively, you can try a lower-carb granola that is more nut-based and potentially friendlier for blood sugar levels.

#6: Trail mix

Another quick and easy snack idea is trail mix. This snack is suitable for people with diabetes because:

  • It provides lots of nuts, which are a rich, healthy fat source.
  • It is customizable, allowing you to lower the carb content by making your own variety. Try buying a few different mixed nuts, sunflower seeds, air-popped popcorn and/or dark chocolate chips to put together your own variety of trail mix. Avoid store-prepared mixes that include dried fruits or candies. Dark chocolate can be enjoyed in moderation by people with diabetes and may help satisfy a sweet tooth with less sugar overload than milk chocolate varieties.4

#7: Cottage cheese + mix-ins

Another quick and easy snack idea is cottage cheese with mix-ins. This snack is great for people living with diabetes because:

  • The cottage cheese provides a source of protein and fat (fat content can vary depending on the type of cottage cheese chosen).
  • Mix-ins can depend on personal preference, but adding ½ cup of berries or crumbled whole grain crackers for a salty crunch are two easy options.

#8: Dried beans

Dried beans make an easy snack, available pre-packaged in many stores. Choose dried beans like edamame, chickpeas or lupini beans for a nutritious and easy snack option. This is an excellent snack for people with diabetes because:

  • Beans are a balanced carbohydrate source, meaning they contain enough fiber and protein to prevent a significant spike in blood sugar.
  • They are also a great source of vitamins and minerals.1
  • They are also easy to mix with other snacks like the do-it-yourself trail mix mentioned above.

#9: Cucumber boats with smoked salmon

Another easy low-carb snack idea for people with diabetes is cucumber boats topped with smoked salmon. To make this snack, slice the cucumber into rounds, top with cream cheese and smoked salmon strips. Bonus points for sprinkling everything but the bagel seasoning on top. This is an excellent snack for people with diabetes because:

  • The cucumbers provide a low-carb vegetable that packs in fiber and antioxidants.
  • The cream cheese provides a fat source.
  • The smoked salmon provides a protein source rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which are highly anti-inflammatory and beneficial for both the body and brain.1

#10: Smoothie

A smoothie can be a great and quick snack option with a bunch of different flavors and combination possibilities.

To make a low-carb, delicious smoothie, try blending:

  • ½ frozen banana
  • 1 tablespoon of peanut butter
  • ½ cup of unsweetened Greek yogurt
  • 1 tablespoon of cacao powder
  • Cinnamon

This smoothie recipe would be great for people with diabetes because:

  • The banana provides a carb source, but it is paired with adequate protein, fat and fiber to stabilize blood sugar.
  • The peanut butter provides a healthy fat source.
  • The Greek yogurt provides a protein source.
  • The cacao powder and cinnamon provide antioxidants and flavor.2

#11: Veggies with hummus

Vegetables with hummus are a quick, nutritious snack idea for people with diabetes. Try getting different dipping veggies to vary intake and include more antioxidants. Using the catchy slogan “eat the rainbow” for picking different colored veggies can be helpful. Try using bell peppers, celery, broccoli, carrots and radish.

This is an easy and helpful snack for people with diabetes because:

  • The veggies provide a high fiber and non-starchy carb source.
  • The hummus provides a fat and protein source.

#12: Dark chocolate with peanut butter

To end on a sweet and delicious note, sweet diabetic snacks like dark chocolate with peanut butter can help curb cravings while keeping sugar intake low..

This is a good snack for people with diabetes because:

  • The peanut butter and dark chocolate are primarily fat sources, with lower carb content. While dark chocolate may contain some carbs, choosing chocolate low in sugar and high in cacao can help you get the most benefits.2

It’s important to note nutrition’s role in managing diabetes. For example, the CMS fact sheet “Managing Diabetes: Coverage & Resources” notes that healthy eating is one of 10 steps for people living with diabetes and emphasizes meal planning and nutrition as key.5 What’s more, the CMS page on “Medical Nutrition Therapy Services” states that nutrition therapy (with dietitians or qualified nutrition professionals) is covered for people with diabetes.6

Together, these resources highlight that managing diabetes goes beyond medication, as it also involves understanding food choices and taking advantage of available nutrition services to support long-term health and stability.

References

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