Best Snacks for Diabetics

Finding the best snacks for diabetics that satisfy cravings without throwing your blood sugar off track can feel impossible. Too many “healthy” options are loaded with hidden sugars or processed ingredients that cause the same spikes you’re trying to avoid.

Whether you’re managing diabetes on the go or just trying to eat smarter between meals, it helps to know which foods actually support steady energy. That’s why we created this guide highlighting the best diabetic snacks. 

From simple staples like nuts, cheese sticks, and hummus to on-the-go favorites like Greek yogurt and tuna packs, there are countless choices - but none better than our meat chips here at Carnivore Snax. 

These are the best no-carb snacks you have at your disposal, packed with just healthy fats and protein from real meat and salt. They taste amazing, too - like a meat pasty. Light and crispy before turning into melt-in-your-mouth goodness.

This is the kind of snack you can trust no matter where your day takes you. Shop now and taste the difference firsthand - you’ll see why so many diabetics come back for more!

“Tried Carnivore Snax and was immediately impressed with the quality and flavor. I really applaud the lack of chemicals, additives, colorants, preservatives and the all the junk found in so many other bands. There are two ingredients - meat and salt - that's it!” - Nicc

“I was skeptical about purchasing these snacks, because they are a little pricey; however I'm glad I did. The quality is exceptional, I don't have to worry about chemicals & other artificials & they taste amazing.” - Lauren

“You can't get anything better to fuel you while also feeling satisfied. This is a staple food item in my bag, car, office, home. I always travel with a bag and I always eat the Ribeye.” - Jackie

What to Look for in the Best Diabetic Snacks 

The best snacks for diabetics are more than just “low sugar.” Think balance, not restriction. The right mix of nutrients can help you stay full longer, manage cravings, and avoid those sudden blood sugar crashes that derail your day. Here’s what to look for in the best diabetic snacks:

• Balanced Macronutrients: You need protein, fat, and complex carbs. This balance slows digestion and gives your body a gradual glucose release, helping stabilize blood sugar over time. 
• Low Glycemic Index (GI) and Glycemic Load: Foods with a low GI digest slower and cause smaller blood sugar rises. Beans, lentils, eggs, and meats all score low, while refined carbs like crackers or pastries hit high.
• Fiber and Protein: Both slow digestion and curb hunger. Look for snacks naturally high in these - vegetables with hummus, Greek yogurt, or Carnivore Snax for zero-carb protein that keeps you full without the crash.
• Watch the Hidden Ingredients: “Low-fat” and “diet” snacks often hide sugars, syrups, or starches that work against your goals. Read labels closely. Less is more when it comes to ingredients you can trust.
• Portability and Shelf Stability: Diabetic-friendly snacks need to travel well - no refrigeration, melting, or mess. This helps you stay fueled anywhere without resorting to vending-machine sugar bombs.
• Smart Sodium and Electrolyte Balance: Salt isn’t the enemy, especially if you’re eating clean and cutting carbs. Sodium helps maintain hydration and nerve function, but ultra-processed snacks tend to pack too much. 

Remember, even the best snacks for diabetics add up fast. Make sure you’re enjoying in moderation. Without any further ado, let’s get into the best diabetic snacks below! 

What are the Best Snacks for Diabetics On-the-Go?

Snacks need to strike a balance between energy, satisfaction, and blood sugar stability when managing diabetes. The challenge is, most convenience snacks are carb-heavy or packed with hidden sugars that make you crash an hour later.

Whether you’re at work, traveling, or heading to the gym, it helps to have something you can trust to keep hunger at bay and glucose levels steady without needing refrigeration or prep. That’s why our carnivore chips are the best snacks for diabetics. 

Carnivore Snax: The Ultimate Low-Carb Snack

Diabetics who want clean, portable, and blood sugar–friendly fuel can count on Carnivore Snax to deliver, every time. Each bag consists of just two ingredients: regeneratively raised meat and salt. That’s it. So, you get pure protein and fat for long-lasting energy without a gram of carbs.

Unlike jerky, which often hides sugars or preservatives, these meat chips are air-dried to crisp perfection, delivering crunch without compromise. They’re often called “meat pastries” because they quickly start melting in the mouth, giving way to natural yet tantalizing flavors.

Each cut brings something different to the table:

• Pork Chips: Savory and crunchy, offering variety when you want something beyond beef.
• Brisket Chips: Deep, smoky flavor with balanced fat and protein for hours of steady energy.
• Ribeye Chips: Naturally marbled, buttery, and satisfying, perfect when you want something that feels indulgent yet keeps glucose flat.
• Steak Chips: Lean, classic, and crisp for pre-workout or long commutes.
• Lamb Chips: Distinct and rich, delivering flavor complexity few “healthy” snacks can match.

They’re shelf-stable, clean, and packable, fitting easily into a glove box, gym bag, or carry-on. No sugar, preservatives, carbs, or blood sugar rollercoaster. Just real food that fuels you wherever the day leads. Keep Carnivore Snax on hand and snack smarter, anywhere!

Cheese Sticks and Hard Cheeses

Cheese is one of the most reliable snacks for diabetics. It’s naturally low in carbs, rich in protein, and high in satisfying fat. String cheese, cheddar cubes, or aged gouda keep you full without spiking blood sugar. Hard cheeses travel well and don’t require refrigeration for a few hours.

Just watch sodium if you’re eating multiple servings per day, and stick with natural, full-fat varieties rather than processed slices. Pairing cheese with a few nuts or cucumber rounds gives you the perfect balance of salt, crunch, and satiety.

Boiled Eggs

Few snacks are as nutrient-dense or convenient as boiled eggs. You get protein, fat, and key vitamins without any sugar. They digest slowly, too, so you can control hunger and smooth out blood sugar levels between meals.

Try batch-cooking them ahead of time and keeping them in the fridge. You can add a little salt, pepper, or everything bagel seasoning for quick flavor. The only downside is their smell, so keep them sealed if you’re snacking in public. Otherwise, they’re some of the best diabetic snacks!

Nuts and Seeds

Almonds, walnuts, pecans, and sunflower seeds are diabetic staples for good reason: they deliver steady energy, healthy fats, and trace minerals without raising glucose. Just a handful can take the edge off hunger and help curb cravings.

We recommend raw or lightly roasted. Skip the honey-glazed or flavored mixes that sneak in sugar. Portion control matters since calories add up quickly, too.

Greek Yogurt (Plain, Full-Fat)

Plain, full-fat Greek yogurt delivers protein and probiotics without unnecessary carbs. It’s thicker and more filling than regular yogurt to help keep blood sugar steady for hours. It’s also a great evening snack because protein helps regulate overnight glucose.

Choose unsweetened varieties and add your own flavor with cinnamon, nuts, or a few berries for texture and taste. Avoid low-fat versions, because they tend to compensate with added sugars that work against blood sugar goals.

Nut Butter Packets

Nuts are some of the best diabetic snacks, so it should come as no surprise that nut butter is up there as well! These are some of the best snacks for diabetics on the go. Almond or peanut butter provides healthy fats and a small dose of protein that slows digestion.

Look for brands that contain only nuts and salt. Watch out for those with palm oil or added sugar. You can squeeze a packet straight from the pouch or spread it on celery, apple slices, or a low-carb wrap for quick, sustained fuel. 

Vegetable Sticks with Hummus

Crunchy veggies like bell peppers, cucumbers, or celery paired with hummus make an ideal low-glycemic snack. You get fiber, water, and minerals from the vegetables plus a small boost of protein and healthy fat from chickpeas and olive oil.

The combination slows digestion and prevents blood sugar fluctuations while satisfying cravings for something savory. Pre-pack single servings in small containers or buy individual hummus cups for grab-and-go convenience.

Low-Carb Protein Bars

Protein bars can be hit or miss for diabetics, so take this recommendation with a grain of salt. They can be the best snacks for diabetics on the go, if you know what to look for. Many contain more sugar than a candy bar!

The good ones, however, provide convenient, balanced nutrition with protein, fiber, and little to no added sugar. Look for bars sweetened with stevia or monk fruit, and aim for those with at least 10-15 grams of protein and under 5 grams of net carbs.

We think it’s better to be safe than sorry, so stick with Carnivore Snax as the #1 alternative to protein bars. You get more protein per serving with none of the junk. They taste better, too!

Tuna or Salmon Packets

Tuna and salmon packets are lightweight, shelf-stable, and packed with lean protein and omega-3 fats. They help support heart health while keeping glucose levels steady.

Tear one open at work or on the trail, no can opener required. Choose options packed in water or olive oil instead of flavored sauces, which often hide added sugars. 

You can eat them plain, mix with avocado or mustard, or pair with whole-grain crackers for a balanced snack that’s satisfying and simple. Like boiled eggs, you just have to plan ahead for the stench!

Berries and Cottage Cheese

Berries are one of the few fruits that work beautifully for diabetics craving something sweet. They’re high in fiber and antioxidants but low in sugar. Stick with strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries, and portion them modestly - just a handful goes a long way. 

We think these can be the best diabetic snacks, especially when paired with a protein like cottage cheese. The dairy protein helps blunt glucose response, keeping levels steady while still letting you enjoy a dessert-like flavor.

What Snacks Should Diabetics Avoid?

We’ve touched on the best snacks for diabetics. But what are some snacks you should stay away from if you’re managing diabetes? You’d be surprised just how problematic some seemingly harmless snacks are for diabetics. These are the worst offenders:

• Sugary and Refined Snacks: The quick sugars in candy, pastries, granola bars, and flavored yogurts hits your bloodstream fast. Even “natural” sweeteners like honey or agave can have the same effect.
• High-Carb Processed Foods: Chips, crackers, and white bread snacks digest rapidly and convert to glucose almost immediately. These empty carbs energize for a moment, then leave you crashing and hungry.
• Dried Fruit with Added Sugar: While plain dried fruit can fit into moderation,  most packaged versions are coated with syrup or juice concentrates. They’re concentrated sugar bombs that are easy to overeat.
• Sugary Drinks and Smoothies: Juices and bottled smoothies might look nutritious, but most have hidden sugar and no fiber. Stick to water, sparkling water, or unsweetened teas instead.
• Fat-Free or “Diet” Snacks: These often replace fat with extra carbs or artificial sweeteners that can still affect insulin response and hunger. Always read labels. Less processing usually means a better choice.

The best approach is to keep things simple. Whole foods like meat chips, nuts, cheese, and fresh produce will always outperform anything designed in a lab. So, get the best diabetic snacks at Carnivore Snax today!

Parting Thoughts on the Best Packaged Snacks for Diabetics

Managing diabetes doesn’t mean giving up snacks. You just need to do your due diligence and choose smartly. The best snacks for diabetics balance protein, fat, and fiber to keep blood sugar stable while keeping you satisfied between meals.

Whether you’re on the carnivore diet for diabetes or just looking for the best high-protein snacks, you can’t beat the meaty goodness waiting to be discovered at Carnivore Snax. 

They’re the best hunting snacks, the best golf snacks, the best kayaking snacks, you name it. There’s never a wrong time to enjoy our meat chips. Don’t just take our word for it, though - taste the difference yourself today!