The Type 1 Life

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15 Best Snacks for Type 1 Diabetic Children

Snacks are an important part of every diabetic’s day, but it’s important to make sure they are blood-sugar friendly snacks. When we create blood-sugar friendly snacks and meals, we can help prevent blood sugar spikes and keep our blood sugars at a more consistent level throughout the day. Not every snack is going to be perfect, but we do our best!

Snacks are something we talk about inside The Type 1 Life, be sure to check it out!

Snacks for Type 1 Diabetics

Greek yogurt with berries and a handful of nuts

Greek yogurt has more protein than regular yogurt, which makes this snack more protein-packed. You could also swap nuts to add in peanut butter or almond butter. If you go the nut butter route, you could turn this snack into a smoothie for an on-the-go option.

Dark chocolate peanut butter chocolate squares

According to dietitian Kim Rose, dark chocolate contains polyphenols, naturally occurring compounds with antioxidant properties. The polyphenols in dark chocolate may improve insulin sensitivity which is a major PLUS for blood sugar balance.

Combine 4-6 oz 100% cocoa dark chocolate, coconut oil, protein powder, nut butter of any choice, blueberries or strawberries, and unsweetened coconut shreds. Get the full recipe here.

Cottage cheese with apple slices

Cottage cheese has 25 grams of protein per cup, so again, a great protein-rich snack! Apple slices aren’t the only thing you can pair with cottage cheese…. try any fruit, or even crackers!

Turkey and cheese roll-ups with avocado

Charcuterie, anyone? This snack could be made and altered in so many ways. Turkey or ham, different cheeses, with some crackers or bread, or even in a lettuce wrap. For an easier option, Lunchables are a nice travel option.

Homemade trail mix with nuts, seeds, and dried fruit

Trail mix is an easy win, because it can be customized to whatever you want it to be (and it’s an easy way to clean out your pantry). If you want to add in a little sweetness, you can try a few chocolate chips or sugar-free chocolate chips.

Edamame with sea salt and sesame oil

Edamame is a fun snack, especially if you buy it still in the shells. Kids can have fun “popping” it out of the shell as they eat their snack. Edamame is also a great addition to salads or stir-fry!

Low-sugar protein bars with nuts and seeds

There are so many protein bars on the market now, so if you need a snack on the go, these are a great option. Power Crunch Bars are my favorite as they aren’t as high-carb as many other bars.

Almond butter with celery sticks and raisins

Ants on a log, anyone? Who knew a fun snack could be such a blood sugar-friendly snack, too? For a slightly sweeter treat, you can swap the raisings for sugar-free chocolate chips.

Grilled chicken skewers with vegetables

While chicken and vegetables might seem more like a meal than a snack, a smaller portion size would make a great snack! Again, this could be very customizable with different seasonings, vegetables, and meat.

Apple slices with almond butter and cinnamon

Apples and dip are a yummy and very well-balanced snack. Plus, they are a delicious and easy-to-prepare option for a quick snack or as part of a balanced meal.

Deviled eggs with smoked paprika

Hard-boiled eggs or deviled eggs can make a good, protein-rich snack. But, it can be difficult to transport and it may not be a snack you want to eat at school or work. But, it can be a good option at home!

Homemade beef jerky

Making homemade beef jerky is surprisingly easy, and can be done with just a few simple ingredients and a dehydrator or oven. Plus, by making it at home, you can control the quality of the meat and the ingredients used, ensuring a healthier and more flavorful snack.

Protein balls

If protein bars aren’t your jam, try making some protein balls! These are usually made with oatmeal, nut butter, and a few other simple ingredients that make them simple to make, and a nice little (protein-rich) treat!

Hummus and vegetables

Hummus is made from chickpeas, which are a good source of protein and fiber. Pairing it with veggie sticks such as carrots, cucumbers, and bell peppers adds extra nutrients and crunch.

Egg bites with vegetables

Bake mini frittatas in a muffin tin with spinach, feta cheese, and eggs for a high-protein, low-carb snack that is also easy to grab on the go.

These snacks are fairly balanced in their macronutrients and can help regulate your blood sugar levels. However, it's important to remember that everyone's blood sugar response to food is unique, so it's important to monitor your individual response and adjust accordingly.

The fat content in your snacks can be especially helpful in slowing your blood sugar spikes. While protein is helpful to pair with your carbs, sometimes protein can cause a bit of a spike, too.