The Best Diabetes-Friendly Snack Bars, According to a Dietitian
You don’t have to sacrifice convenience to keep your blood sugar in check.
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Finding the right snack bar when you’re managing blood sugar can be tricky. So many options are packed with sugar, low in fiber or leave you hungry an hour later. But when a bar has the right balance of nutrients — namely fiber, protein and healthy fats — it can help keep your blood sugar more stable and keep you feeling full. Fiber slows down digestion, protein helps with satiety and muscle repair, and healthy fats provide long-lasting energy. Together, they help prevent those quick spikes and crashes that can happen with more carb-heavy snacks.
I looked for bars with minimal added sugar and a nutrient profile that supports blood sugar balance — without sacrificing flavor. Whether you need something to hold you over between meals or want an easy on-the-go option, these five snack bars are diabetes-friendly and honestly just great choices for anyone looking for a more satisfying snack.
This bar nails that salty-sweet combo with 12 grams of protein and just seven grams of sugar. The mix of peanuts, soy protein isolate and a touch of honey keeps it satisfying without causing a major spike. I love that it has a nice crunch and the fat in the peanuts work to keep you satisfied longer.
With only a handful of ingredients (dates, egg whites, cashews), RXBARs are a go-to when I want something simple but filling. The bars have five grams of fiber, 12 grams of protein and no added sugar, thanks to the natural sweetness from dates. It’s a bit chewy, so pair it with water.
These bars taste like a cross between a cereal bar and a candy bar — but with 10 grams of protein to help keep blood sugar steady. Made with peanuts, soy and brown rice protein, they’ve got a soft, chewy base with a little crunch for texture. The peanut butter and dark chocolate combo makes them feel like a treat, but their protein content helps slow digestion. A great option for when you want something satisfying and sweet without the crash.
Packed with 10 grams of protein per bar, these chewy granola bars offer a satisfying balance of peanut butter and dark chocolate flavors. The mix of protein from soy and peanuts helps with satiety, making them a great option for a mid-morning snack or a post-workout pick-me-up. With only five grams of added sugar, they provide a sweet treat without the blood sugar spike.
For a nut-free option, these bars are made with sunflower and pumpkin seeds, oats and banana puree. They’re soft-baked and have three grams of fiber, with a subtle sweetness from fruit and maple syrup. The texture is comforting and nostalgic, like a homemade baked good — but with a better balance for blood sugar.
Okay, technically not a bar, but hear me out — these single-serving beef sticks contain zero sugar and are packed with protein. They’re a savory, shelf-stable option that’s perfect when you’re craving something salty and satisfying. I recommend pairing with a piece of fruit or a handful of nuts to round out the snack.
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