Diabetes-Friendly Sweet Snacks for Your Sweet Tooth

While your tastebuds may wish for "sugar-sugar or honey-honey," your blood glucose levels may prefer to leave these sweets to The Archies!

If you're recently diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, or you struggle to kick your sugar cravings to the curb, check out these decadently delicious, low-sugar snack alternatives that keep your health goals on track while keeping your sweet tooth satisfied!

Frozen fruit ice cream alternative

Instead of screaming for ice cream, holler for "nice cream!"

Freeze a few bananas and then puree them in a food processor or blender until creamy. You can add in your favorite plain yogurt or non-dairy yogurt to add richness to the mixture.

Try other frozen fruits too

Then, channel your culinary creativity by experimenting with other frozen fruits, extracts, or unsweetened cocoa powder. If you like the toppings, add 1 tablespoon of unsweetened cocoa nibs, crushed nuts, or unsweetened coconut flakes.

If you made too much, pour the extras into popsicle molds for the next time a sweet craving strikes! Remember to stick to the right carb portion and add some nuts to balance the carbohydrates.

Substitute candy bars for protein bars

Crush those candy cravings with a low-sugar, high-protein bar with a few "real" ingredients like nuts and dates and little to no added sugar. Not only can sweetness soothe your tastebuds, but its protein and fiber content will get you through the midday snack cravings.

Enjoy rich dark chocolate

Not only is dark chocolate much lower in added sugars than milk chocolate, but it's also higher in actual cocoa—an antioxidant-rich ingredient.

To reap these must-have antioxidant benefits, sprinkle cacao nibs over low-fat yogurt, oatmeal, smoothie bowls, or overnight oats. Or enjoy 1-2 squares of the real deal with a 72% cacao bar. You can also make these tasty dark chocolate-covered berries.

Combine nuts and chocolate

Look for dark chocolate-covered nuts such as almonds or Brazil nuts as a sweet snack or decadent dessert. But be mindful that the calories of each tasty bite can add up quickly. So, keep portions under control by opting for single-serve baggies or placing your portion in a bowl to enjoy.

Top toast with nut buter

Spread the love for nut butter! Top a whole-grain toast or multigrain crackers with 1-2 tablespoons of your favorite all-natural, no-sugar-added nut butter. Then, add thinly sliced apples and a sprinkle of cinnamon or unsweetened coconut flakes for an oh-so-sweet snack.

Do it for the graham!

Spread your favorite all-natural, no-sugar-added nut butter, low-fat Greek yogurt, or part-skim ricotta cheese on a graham cracker square. Then, add fresh fruits or dark chocolate chips and top with a second graham cracker.

Enjoy frozen grapes

When a frozen treat lures you to your freezer, skip the pint of ice cream and befriend frozen grapes! Wash and dry fresh grapes, then pop them in your freezer. Enjoy the frozen grapes as a refreshing snack or satisfying dessert. Do yourself a favor and remember to remove the stem before freezing for a more enjoyable grape-popping experience!

Sweet and savory popcorn

Popcorn is a fiber-filled, whole-grain snack! Popcorn serves as a blank canvas for your tasty creativity—simply top plain popcorn with a sprinkle of cinnamon or cocoa powder. Then, for an extra punch of flavor, drizzle honey or melted dark chocolate to satisfy your tastebuds while keeping your health goals in check.