Snack bars make a great portable, quick, and easy food option to munch on. When it comes to their ingredients, nutritional content, and intended purposes, they can vary widely.
Diabetic-friendly snack bars are the best energy-rich source for people with diabetes. Whether granola, protein, or energy bars, they help you overcome low blood sugar and prevent high spikes.
On top of that, they can give you energy and satisfy your sweet cravings at the same time! So, it’s a win-win situation.
Table of Contents
What Snack Bars Are Good for Diabetics?
When you decide to eat a snack that’s diabetes-friendly, you need to consider many things. This includes the composition of the product and the net calories. Your ideal choice is to get a protein bar with a balanced number of nutritional values.
Extend Bar is excellent for controlling blood sugar levels for nine hours. The bar is clinically proven. So, you can also add it to your meal plan to reduce your weight. Additionally, it helps lower the chances of low blood sugar and prevents high spikes.
Moreover, the product is caffeine-free and has a minimum total fat. It's ideal for type 2 and type 1 diabetes. Above all, it tastes great!
- The bar contains 11 grams of protein, no sugar, 5 grams of fiber per serving, 150 calories, 1 gram of net carbs, and low glycemic ingredients.
- Maintains blood sugars up to 9 hours
- Provides a good amount of energy
- Contains no sugar
- Gluten-free and low on carbs
- An overall healthy snack with exceptional flavors
- It can be a bit too small compared to its packaging
If you want to buy a fibrous snack bar, you must try the KIND bars. They're available in three flavors and contain healthy fats.
The blend of nuts and chocolate makes this bar the perfect choice for diabetics and people trying to lose weight. Such a product provides an efficient number of calories with no sugar to maintain moderate blood sugar levels.
Eating it, you'll experience a sweet and salty flavor with energy-rich total fat to satisfy your cravings. As such, it makes a great whole-grain breakfast bar.
- Made with low carbs, the bar has 5 g of sugar and 6 g of protein per serving. Plus, the combination of dark chocolate, nuts, and sea salt makes it a satisfying snack.
- Excellent source of fiber
- A low-sugar candy bar
- Gluten-free
- Zero grams of trans fats
- A healthy snack with a lovely blend of chocolates and nuts
- The bars are quite hard
Just The Cheese is a great option for a savory snack with cheese. These cheese bars give an excellent combination of protein and high energy for people with diabetes. Such a combo provides a healthy low-carb option to regulate and maintain blood sugar levels.
On top of that, they're delicious!
- The bar contains 100% natural cheese and is gluten-free. It also has 8 g of protein, 1 g of carbs, 0 g of trans fats, and 75 net calories.
- Pure and healthy ingredients
- Well-balanced for a meal replacement
- 100% cheese and salty bar
- Gluten-free
- The package is quite small for the price
The RXBAR breakfast bar contains whole ingredients, including egg whites, dates, nuts, and berries. As such, it can be the best breakfast, lunch, or pre-workout snack option. Taking a bar daily, you get the complete energy package.
Such a sugar-free and gluten-free option is ideal for people with diabetes.
- The RXBAR protein bar is gluten-free with a fiber content of 5 g and no added sugar. Plus, it has 12 g of protein per serving, obtained from egg whites, dates, and nuts. Furthermore, the calorie-rich option makes it suitable for athletes and diabetics.
- Gluten-free with no added sugar
- Tasty and energy-rich with whole grains
- Healthy source of protein
- Original flavors with 5 grams of fibers
- Diabetic-friendly and regulates blood glucose levels
- Not suitable for people with eggs or nuts allergies
Quest bars have a sweet and salty protein blend containing nine amino acids to provide energy. The product has no added sugar and has 21 g of protein to fulfill your body's needs.
The comprehensive and detailed dietary options make this low-carb bar favorable for people with diabetes. It’s also suitable for individuals going through a weight loss journey.
Overall, the Quest Nutrition protein bars taste and smell great. They contain various healthy nuts as well.
- The Quest Nutrition protein bar has 21 g of protein, 7 g of fiber, 4 g of net carbs, and 1 g of sugar.
- Rich in protein and low carb candy bar
- Keto-friendly and without sugar alcohols
- Diabetic-friendly
- Gluten-free and whole grain
- Regulates blood glucose levels
- Not suitable for those who don’t prefer stevia or erythritol
SlimFast has introduced a decent protein-rich peanut butter bar. The product is low in carbs and provides an adequate amount of energy. Yet, it's high in calories. So, you can have one whenever you need to get energy.
Conveniently, these bars contain no artificial flavors or colors. They can also satisfy your sugar cravings while being on a diet. Additionally, they're low in total fat and suitable for diabetics.
- The bar contains natural and beneficial ingredients, like milk protein, erythritol, cocoa butter, soy, and lecithin. On the other hand, it’s free of artificial flavors and gluten.
- Perfect to regular blood sugars
- High on protein and fibers
- Can easily replace two meals
- Clinically proven
- It’s not the lowest-calorie option and might be a bit too salty for some
Doctor's CarbRite cinnamon bun low-carb protein bars are keto-friendly and low-carb. This makes them perfect for people who want to reduce their weight.
The product has enough protein, providing you with a complete meal. With such snacks available, you don't have to sacrifice sweet foods.
- Made with whey protein content and a sugar-free white coating, these cinnamon buns have 1 g of net carbs. Being rich in protein makes them a fantastic option for people with diabetes or those following a keto diet.
- Gluten-free, sugar-free, and no sugar alcohols
- Energy efficient
- Affordable price
- Keto-friendly
- Excellent source of energy
- It can leave a bit of a funny aftertaste
ONE protein bars are ideal for people who love a good snack with amazing taste. The product comes in various flavors to deliver maximum variety.
The balanced protein and sugar content help maintain blood sugar levels, especially for people with diabetes. Having one bar a day, you can satisfy your sweet tooth without consuming too many calories.
- The bar is a best-seller with 20 g of protein per serving and 1 g of sugar. It has a whey protein blend and concentrates with organic ingredients. On top of that, it's also high in fiber.
- Contains milk and soy
- Has almonds as a protein and energy source
- Gluten-free
- Makes a great breakfast bar
- Size is small as compared to the price
As the name suggests, Pure Protein can be a reliable option to provide you with fatty proteins. The energy these bars receive is efficient for carrying out normal routine body functions. They’re ideal to consume before and after going to the gym.
Pure Protein bars are a spectacular source of dietary carbs and protein. This makes them work terrifically as meal replacements.
- The bars are available in three flavors, containing chocolates, nuts, less than 3 g of sugar, and 20 g of protein per serving.
- Gluten-free and low-sugar
- A healthy snack that’s high in protein
- Superb energy source
- Taste like a candy bar
- Improves strength and muscle build
- The bar size is a bit small
Glucerna is one of the authenticated snack bar brands for people with diabetes. Their products come with Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits.
Glucerna protein bars are primarily available in two flavors: crispy oats & nuts and dark chocolates & almonds. A single bar contains a pure blend of protein with energy-efficient qualities.
Made to provide a slow release of carbohydrates, Glucerna bars help maintain blood sugar levels and prevent high spikes. Above all, they taste great and add to your meal plan.
- The Glucerna bar is a combination of natural and pure substances, having 10 g of protein per serving, 160 calories, and 4 g of sugar with moderate total fat.
- Maintains blood sugar levels
- Perfect bars for diabetics
- Comes in two flavors with chocolate and sea salt
- Recommended by doctors
- Healthier than liquid glucose
- It may be expensive for some
That's It Fruit snack bars are superb for those who love buying organic and natural food ingredients when grocery shopping. One product package contains 20 bars with a blend of bananas, mangos, strawberries, blueberries, and figs.
These bars have no added sugar. Plus, their protein content is natural and comprehensive to deliver great energy. You get a whole meal package, including dried fruit, with such a product.
All in all, That's It Natural fruit bars are perfect for satisfying your cravings.
- If you’re not a big fan of nuts, you must try this fruit bar because of its natural flavor and non-GMO composition. It contains no added sugar content or artificial flavors. With 10 g of protein per zero-carb count, you can surely enjoy a big bite of this energy-rich fruit bar.
- Fruit snack without nuts
- Non-GMO and no added sugar
- Organic and natural ingredients
- Fresh and healthy to maintain blood glucose levels
- It may be too sweet because of all the fruit
What Type of Sweet Snacks Can Diabetics Eat?
People with diabetes always (and should) try to consume products with a low glycemic index, low sugar, or no sugar at all. However, this doesn’t mean they can’t enjoy a sweet bite. They just need to make mindful choices that won’t cause spikes in their blood sugar levels.
So, when you crave something sweet and delicious, it’s better to go for a diabetic-friendly snack. From fresh fruits to nuts and seeds, the options are endless. Luckily, you can also find types of candy bars that make a great on-the-go snack.
That said, you have to always consider an energy-efficient and protein-rich option in your quest to find the best snack bar for diabetics. That’s because not only should such food provide you with energy, but it should also maintain your blood sugar levels.
Are Protein Bars Good for Diabetics?
Protein snack bars are ideal, with an accurate blend of protein, fibers, and carbohydrates. On top of that, they don’t contain added sugar or artificial flavors.
Fortunately, various snack bar brands provide amazing products to serve diabetic individuals best. From gluten-free and non-GMO to organic, natural sources and with healthy fats, they can be a spectacular snack option.
In all cases, when choosing a protein bar to snack on, try to:
- Pay attention to the amount of sugar, carbohydrates, dietary fiber, protein content, and total fat the bar contains
- Opt for bars sweetened with sugar substitutes, like stevia or erythritol
- Choose bars with whole, minimally processed ingredients
- Avoid the types containing artificial additives or preservatives
- Be mindful of the portion size you consume
The Buyer’s Guide for the Best Diabetic Snack Bar
It’s always challenging to buy a diabetic-friendly snack. You have to keep an eye on the carbs and make sure it’s energy-rich. Luckily, the above-listed products fulfill these criteria and meet your demands for low-carb options.
In all cases, there are a few considerations to keep in mind while choosing the right snack bar.
1. Composition and Consistency
Protein bars fit for a person with diabetes must contain low carbs and high protein. Some bars are rich in nuts, while others come with the organic essence of fruits and plant-based protein. This gives you many options when it comes to flavor.
Additionally, most snack bars have tons of fiber to fight GIT-associated problems. Therefore, you won’t feel heavy or uncomfortable eating such types of snack bars.
As for consistency, some snack bars can have an overall dry texture. That’s because they use natural components to bind the ingredients together. If that’s a turn-off for you, you may want to try various kinds to find the right one.
All in all, non-GMO and organic products are best to buy and consume without any worries.
2. Nutritional Value
The nutritional value of the protein bars must be ideal for providing you with a precise amount of energy. Nuts and fruits are a good source of organic energy, and their nutritional value is much higher than other ingredients.
Moreover, the pure blend of chocolate, nuts, fruits, and vanilla is always ideal for type 2 diabetes. They’re also tasty and ideal for people who have sugar cravings and are equally suitable for those who want to reduce weight.
Thus, if you want to eat less during your meals, consider trying one of the snacks listed above.
What Is the Best Nighttime Snack for a Diabetic?
Before going to bed, try having a high-fiber, low-fat snack. Such kind of food keeps your blood sugar levels perfect and prevents the release of too much glucose into the bloodstream. As such, you become less likely to have low or high blood sugar during sleep.
Overall, it’s always a great idea to create a night routine and learn more about what your blood sugar should be at bedtime.
On the whole, among the best choices for a nighttime snack are:
- Greek yogurt and berries
- Nuts and seeds
- Cheese and whole grain crackers
- Chia pudding
- A healthy snack bar
Can People with Diabetes Snack Between Meals?
Yes, they can. In fact, doing so can be beneficial as it helps prevent extreme hunger and provides a steady source of energy throughout the day.
Everything that contains no sugars, low or no carbohydrates, and is low in fat makes a fantastic snack for diabetics. Besides a healthy snack bar, you can always eat one of the following snacks between your main meals.
- Hard-boiled eggs
- Celery sticks with hummus
- Roasted chickpeas
- Nuts
- Baby carrots, cherry tomatoes, or cucumber slices
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best granola bars for diabetics?
Deciding the best kind of granola bars requires considering factors like total carbs, fiber content, protein, and the type of sweeteners used. Some of the best options include:
- MadeGood Chocolate Chip Granola Bars and Bites
- Happy Belly Protein Chewy Bars
- Cascadian Farms No Added Sugar Granola Bars
Are KIND bars good for diabetics?
KIND bars can be a suitable snack option for individuals with diabetes. Known for using whole ingredients, nuts, and seeds, KIND bars can provide balanced nutrition. Yet, it’s crucial to choose carefully and consider your dietary plan.
What is the best breakfast bar for diabetics?
The best breakfast bars for people with diabetes are those with a balance of protein and healthy fats. They give you a kickstart to begin your day without consuming high calories.Try one of the following:
- KIND Breakfast Protein Bars
- Nature Valley Cinnamon Brown Sugar Soft-Baked Oatmeal Squares
- Kashi Honey Almond Flax Chewy Granola Bars
Are Nature Valley granola bars good for diabetics?
Just like most granola bars, Nature Valley can be a good snack option for people with diabetes. Yet, it’s essential to be mindful of what you eat and consider the ingredients as well as portion size.
Conclusion
Now that you’ve gone through a complete list of the best snack bars for diabetics, making a decision should be easy. Remember, it’s essential to prioritize bars that are low in added sugars and high in fiber. They should also contain a balance of protein and healthy fats.
By paying attention to the nutritional content and ingredient list, you can find a snack bar to satisfy your taste buds. Not only that, but you can make informed choices regarding your diabetic management goals.
Lastly, don’t overlook the importance of monitoring your blood sugar levels regularly. Enjoy your quick and satisfying diabetic-friendly snack bar.
Sources
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I read your piece, Ely Fornoville, on diabetic snack bars and found it quite insightful. I’ve been incorporating more protein bars into my diet to manage energy levels during workouts. It’s fascinating to see how specific compositions can make a bar more suitable for diabetics. I believe understanding the nutritional content is key to making informed choices, particularly regarding sugar alcohols and fiber content. It’s empowering to see options that cater to those needing to manage blood sugar levels without sacrificing taste or convenience.
so i just got told i got diabetes and im tryin to fix my eatin. saw ur article, ely fornoville, about snack bars but whats the real best one for someone like me? also, can i really trust them labels on snack bars? thanks for the help
Sally, always check the sugar and carb content even if they say diabetic-friendly. And yeah, some brands are trustworthy, just do a bit of digging