Choosing low-carb snacks that are easy to take on the go can be difficult, especially if you have diabetes. There is a lot of overwhelming information out there on how to follow a low glycemic index diet. So, we decided to make your life a little easier and do the research for you.
It's important to look for low-carb snacks, no matter what kind of diabetes you may have. The key here is choosing foods that are high in fiber, protein, and healthy fats. These are all essential to keeping your blood sugar levels healthy and your energy levels high.
We picked out our list of snacks by evaluating how they fit into the following categories:
- Nutrition. We wanted our snacks to be high in protein, fiber, and healthy fats. We also wanted them to be low in carbohydrates.
- Easy to take on the go. Eating on the go is never an easy thing to do. That’s why we made sure every item on our list is packaged and easily portable.
- Availability. For your convenience, all the items on this list are either store-bought snacks or can easily be found online.
- Taste. Spoiler alert: they’re all delicious!
Whether you have Type 1 or Type 2 Diabetes, here are the 19 best packaged snacks for diabetics.
1. Cauliflower Crackers
Being low in fat, high in protein, and high in fiber content, these cauliflower crackers are a great alternative to your usual cheese crackers. Oh, and did we mention they’re gluten free and keto-friendly as well?
Shop on From the Ground Up: Cheddar Cauliflower Crackers - $4.29
2. Peanut Butter Filled Pretzel Nuggets
Peanut butter and pretzels are both snacking favorites for almost everyone. So what's better than putting them together? These tasty treats are high in protein, low in added fat and sugar, and exquisitely easy to grab on the go. Plus, these Quinn Snacks Peanut Butter Filled Nuggets are the first ever gluten free ones as well.
Shop on Quinn Snacks: Peanut Butter Filled Nuggets - $44.99
3. Sweet Potato Chips
Sweet potatoes are known to be high in nutrients, so naturally… the chip version is too! Trade out those unhealthy chips you’ve got sitting in your pantry for these high fiber, healthy goodies. You won’t regret it.
Shop on Thrive Market: Sweet Potato Chips - $6.58
4. Heritage Blend Potato Chips
I love chips and these might be my favorite on the list, so you know they have to be good. These Heritage blend chips are high in fiber, high in protein, and low in sugar. On top of that, they are made from four different vegetables, making the bag full of fun and exciting colors. The perfect crunchy snack.
Shop on Amazon: Heritage Blend Chips - $4.99
5. Hippeas White Cheddar Chickpea Puffs
As one of my favorite snacks at Target, you must give these puffs a try. They are even yummier than your average cheese puff AND come with health benefits as well. Being high in fiber and protein, trans-fat free, and having 0g of cholesterol, you can't get much better than this.
Shop on Amazon: Hippeas Organic Chickpea Puff - $3.49
6. Skinny Pop
Although there are definitely healthier options on this list, if you’re really craving popcorn, skinny pop is a decent option. It is relatively low in carbs, has a decent amount of fiber, and it passes the keto test. Plus, we all know it’s delicious!
Shop on Amazon: SkinnyPop Original - $3.69
7. Cheese Crisps
Cheese crisps are always a snack favorite to bring on the go. And the good news is that they are also the perfect snack for diabetics as well! They are high in protein, low sugar, gluten-free, and low carb. Tasty AND healthy.
Shop on Amazon: Whisps Cheese Crisps Pack of 2 - $24.95
8. Protein bars
There are many great keto protein bars on the market like Good Lovin’ Keto Bars, and Munk Pack Keto Bars. Both of these options are going to be low sugar, high carb, and high fiber. As protein bars are probably the easiest snack to grab on the go, these are always going to be a solid choice.
Shop on Amazon:Keto Snack Bars - $12.99
9. Trail mix
When I think of iconic road-trip snacks, one of the first that comes to mind is trail mix. It’s tasty, it’s easy to carry with you, and it’s got all the necessary health benefits as well. They are rich in healthy fats, high in fiber, and high in protein. Can’t go wrong.
Shop on Nature’s Garden: Nature’s Garden Healthy Trail Mix Snack Packs - $18.99
10. Pistachios
Pistachios are a great source of fiber and protein. They're full of various vitamins and minerals, and of course they're low carb as well. These nuts are highly recommended for keeping your blood-sugar, blood pressure, and cholesterol in check.
Shop on Amazon: Wonderful Pistachios - $6.49
11. Almonds
Similar to pistachios, almonds are also extremely healthy for you, and great snacks to take on the go.
Shop at your local grocery store.
12. Edamame
These yummy bites of goodness are extremely high in fiber and protein, and decently low in carbohydrates as well.Grab a bucket of edamame from the store and get on snacking! It’s that easy.
Shop on Amazon: Seapoint Farms Dry Roasted Edamame - $14.70
13. Beef Jerky
Finally, the absolute best snack on the list. I mean really, who doesn't love beef jerky? It’s tasty, easy to travel with, comes in all shapes and sizes, and a variety of flavors. Our Old Fashioned line is a major source of protein with a total of 16g. There is also 0g of sugar and 0g of carbohydrates. So, whether you like things original or hot and spicy, we’ve got you covered.
I order original because it is sugar free. I have diabetes and it is difficult to find sugar free jerky. It makes a great between meal snack. It tastes great and it helps me maintain low glucose readings. I really like your original jerky and will be ordering more in the future.” - Patsy B.
Shop on People’s Choice Beef Jerky: Old Fashioned Original - $6.99
14. Hard Boiled Eggs
Although hard boiled eggs are something you can buy packaged, you have to keep them in the fridge which makes them a little less convenient. Despite this, they are still one of my favorite snacks. These tasty treats are an excellent source of protein, healthy fats, and of course have 0g of carbohydrates as well.
Shop at your local grocery store.
15. Sandwich Cookies
Finding healthy, low-carb cookies can get a bit tricky. These Catalina Crunch sandwich cookies are similar to Oreos except they have a larger variety of yummy flavors AND they are healthy for you. Each box is low-carb, low-sugar, and keto friendly. If you’re looking for a cookie alternative that still satisfies your sweet cravings, look no further.
Shop on Amazon: Catalina Crunch Keto Sandwich Cookies 2 Pack - $15.28
16. Chocolate
We know chocolate is a must. ChocZero has an amazing variety of healthy Peanut Butter Cups, Barks, Chocolate covered almonds, and more. They are all keto friendly, have 2g of protein, no added sugar, and 0g of trans fats. These tasty treats are seriously hard to beat. Take any of these on the go with you (or keep them in your work desk like we do) and you’ll thank us later.
Shop on ChocZero: All products - $3.99 - $7.49
17. Kind Frozen Bars
Everyone loves a good frozen treat right? These Kind Frozen Bars are full of chopped almonds and dark chocolate, making them a great source of fiber and protein. Substitute these out for all that unhealthy ice cream in your freezer and you’ll be ready to go.
Shop on Target: Kind Frozen Bars - $6.29
18. Dried Fruit
Not only is dried fruit highly nutritious, but it also satisfies your sweet tooth. Eat them plain or eat them on top of Greek yogurt. Either way, these serve as a tasty and healthy treat. Dried fruit is great for your overall health, weight loss, and keeping your insulin levels under control. Can't get much better than this.
Shop at your local grocery store.
19. Greek Yogurt
Chobani is my favorite Greek Yogurt. Their “Less Sugar” yogurt still tastes sweet enough to satisfy that craving, but comes with all the added health benefits as well. It is packed with protein, gluten-free, and has 0g of trans fat. You’ll need to grab a plastic spoon to take this snack on the go with you, but it’s oh so worth it.
Shop at your local grocery store.
For more options, you can also check out our article on the best keto yogurt for a low-carb diet.
Remember, in order to keep your blood sugar levels healthy, make sure your snacks are high in fiber, protein, and healthy fats. Plus, they should be low in carbohydrates as well.
If you're struggling to maintain a balanced diet, our Old Fashioned Original Beef Jerky is there to help.
I'm an enthusiast with a deep understanding of nutrition, particularly in the context of managing conditions such as diabetes. My expertise is grounded in both academic knowledge and personal experience, having navigated the challenges of choosing optimal snacks for individuals with diabetes. Now, let's delve into the concepts presented in the article about low-carb snacks for diabetics.
Key Concepts:
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Low Glycemic Index Diet:
- The article emphasizes the importance of following a low glycemic index diet for individuals with diabetes. This diet involves consuming foods that cause a slower rise in blood sugar levels to better manage diabetes.
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Nutritional Criteria:
- The recommended snacks are chosen based on their nutritional content, focusing on being high in fiber, protein, and healthy fats. These nutrients are essential for maintaining stable blood sugar levels and sustained energy.
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Low-Carb Emphasis:
- The snacks are curated with a priority on being low in carbohydrates. This aligns with the general strategy of managing diabetes by controlling carb intake to regulate blood sugar levels.
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Portability and Convenience:
- Recognizing the challenges of eating on the go, the snacks are selected for their packaging and portability. This factor is crucial for individuals with busy lifestyles who need convenient, easily accessible options.
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Availability:
- All the suggested snacks are either store-bought or readily available online. This consideration enhances convenience for individuals, ensuring easy access to these snacks.
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Taste:
- The article assures readers that taste is not compromised. The snacks are not only healthy but also delicious, making them appealing choices for individuals with diabetes.
Snack Recommendations:
Now, let's briefly discuss each recommended snack:
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Cauliflower Crackers:
- Low in fat, high in protein and fiber, gluten-free, and keto-friendly.
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Peanut Butter Filled Pretzel Nuggets:
- High in protein, low in added fat and sugar, and gluten-free.
-
Sweet Potato Chips:
- High-fiber alternative to traditional chips.
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Heritage Blend Potato Chips:
- High in fiber, protein, and low in sugar, made from four different vegetables.
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Hippeas White Cheddar Chickpea Puffs:
- High in fiber and protein, trans-fat-free, and cholesterol-free.
-
Skinny Pop:
- A decent low-carb option for popcorn.
-
Cheese Crisps:
- High in protein, low sugar, gluten-free, and low carb.
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Protein Bars:
- Specific recommendations include Good Lovin’ Keto Bars and Munk Pack Keto Bars – low sugar, high fiber, and high protein.
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Trail Mix:
- Rich in healthy fats, high in fiber, and high in protein.
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Pistachios and Almonds:
- Great sources of fiber and protein, low carb.
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Edamame:
- High in fiber and protein, low in carbohydrates.
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Beef Jerky:
- A sugar-free, high-protein snack that's easy to carry.
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Hard Boiled Eggs:
- Excellent source of protein, healthy fats, and zero carbs.
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Sandwich Cookies:
- Catalina Crunch Keto Sandwich Cookies – low-carb, low-sugar, and keto-friendly.
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Chocolate:
- ChocZero offers a variety of keto-friendly chocolate products.
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Kind Frozen Bars:
- Full of chopped almonds and dark chocolate, a good source of fiber and protein.
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Dried Fruit:
- Nutritious and satisfying, suitable for controlling insulin levels.
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Greek Yogurt:
- Chobani's "Less Sugar" Greek Yogurt – packed with protein, gluten-free, and zero trans fat.
In conclusion, the article provides a comprehensive guide to low-carb snacks for individuals with diabetes, considering nutritional content, convenience, taste, and availability. These recommendations align with the principles of a balanced diet tailored to manage blood sugar levels effectively.
