Super Easy 85+ Low Glycemic Snacks: Perfect for On-the-Go and Stable Blood Sugar!

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Worried about spiking blood sugar? Feeling hungry after your low-carb meals? Or maybe those mid-day cravings for something sweet or savory just won’t go away?

Snacking doesn’t have to be stressful, boring or unhealthy.

In fact, with the right low glycemic snacks, you can satisfy your hunger, curb cravings, and keep your blood sugar stable—all while enjoying delicious, easy-to-prepare bites.

Whether you’re managing diabetes, gestational diabetes, or simply looking for healthier snacks, my little list of 75+ options has you covered.

Packed with flavor, nutrients, and variety, these low glycemic snacks are perfect for busy lifestyles and mindful eating. Ready to dive in? Let’s snack smart!

If you prefer something store-bought for convenience, you can check out my review on these 40 low-glycemic packaged snacks from Amazon!

What Are Low Glycemic Snacks?

Low glycemic snacks are basically foods that keep your blood sugar nice and steady.

They’re made with ingredients that have a low glycemic index (GI)—a scale from 0 to 100 that shows how fast carbs in food raise your blood sugar.

Here’s a breakdown of GI ranges:

• Low GI: 0–55 (e.g., nuts, Greek yogurt, and most non-starchy vegetables)
• Medium GI: 56–69 (e.g., sweet potatoes, whole-grain bread)
• High GI: 70+ (e.g., white bread, sugary snacks)

Low GI foods have a score of 55 or less, making them ideal for balanced energy and preventing sugar crashes.

To make things easier for you, I’ve created a glycemic index list of over 650 foods (detailed article here)—from veggies and fruits to seasonings, proteins, and everyday foods and beverages. Yes, 650 foods!

Factors That Influence the GI of Snacks

Now we know it’s important to choose low glycemic snacks, but the glycemic index isn’t set in stone—it can vary based on several factors.

I learned this the hard way. I used to think dark chocolate, with its GI of 23, was the perfect snack.

But when I took a closer look at the label, I discovered added sugar lurking in the ingredients!

That small oversight taught me the importance of always double-checking my snacks.

Learning about these factors has made me more careful with my snack choices.

It’s always a good idea to read the fine print on the labels!

Related: 40 healthy store-bought snacks for diabetics – including Greek yogurt, chocolate-covered almonds, air-popped popcorn, string cheese, sugar-free Jello, and more!

Top 85+ Low Glycemic Snacks for Diabetics

What are good low GI snacks?

Sweet Snacks

1. Greek yogurt with chia seeds and a drizzle of honey
2. Apple slices with almond butter
3. Cottage cheese with mixed berries
4. Dark chocolate (70% cocoa or higher)
5. Banana slices with peanut butter
6. Low-sugar granola with almond milk
7. Chia seed pudding with a sprinkle of cinnamon
8. Small peach with Greek yogurt
9. Whole-grain rice cakes with almond butter and sliced strawberries
10. 1 oz dark chocolate-covered almonds
11. 1 cup of mixed berries
12. Small handful of trail mix (unsweetened)
13. Half an avocado with salsa (mildly sweet)
14. 2 tbsp peanut butter with jicama sticks
15. Radishes with cream cheese (with a drizzle of honey)
16. Small pear with ricotta cheese
17. 1 slice of dark rye bread with a smear of sweetened Greek yogurt
18. Plain kefir with a sprinkle of cinnamon
19. 1 oz walnuts with a handful of raisins
20. Small handful of sunflower seeds and dried cranberries
21. Zucchini chips (baked with cinnamon and stevia)
22. Roasted pumpkin seeds with a hint of brown sugar
23. Steamed sweet potato slices with almond butter
24. 1 hard-boiled egg with a drizzle of honey mustard
25. Celery with low-fat whipped cream cheese and raisins (“ants on a log”)

Savory Snacks

1. Cucumber slices with hummus
2. Baby carrots with guacamole
3. Cherry tomatoes with mozzarella
4. Whole-grain crackers with cheese
5. Avocado on whole-wheat toast
6. Sliced turkey with avocado roll-ups
7. 1 cup air-popped popcorn with a sprinkle of nutritional yeast
8. Edamame (steamed or boiled)
9. Handful of roasted chickpeas
10. Sliced bell peppers with tzatziki
11. Olives and feta cheese
12. Guacamole with whole-grain tortilla chips
13. Beef jerky (2 oz) with baby carrots
14. Pickles with a slice of cheese
15. Low-fat string cheese
16. Roasted seaweed snacks
17. 2 boiled eggs with a handful of spinach
18. Cottage cheese with cucumber slices
19. Small avocado sprinkled with lemon and salt
20. Cauliflower florets with guacamole
21. Steamed broccoli with tahini dip
22. Hard-boiled eggs with paprika and a pinch of salt
23. Celery sticks with peanut butter
24. Radishes with cream cheese (savory style)
25. Small handful of black olives with a sprinkle of oregano

High-Protein Snacks

1. Hard-boiled eggs – 6 grams of protein each.
2. Greek yogurt (plain, non-fat) – ¾ cup has around 12 grams of protein; top with nuts or seeds for extra crunch.
3. Cottage cheese with pineapple – ½ cup offers 14 grams of protein.
4. Edamame (steamed) – ½ cup pods provides 8 grams of plant-based protein.
5. Sliced turkey roll-ups
6. Beef jerky – 2 ounces contain around 20 grams of protein.
7. Roasted chickpeas – ⅓ cup provides 4 grams of plant protein.
8. Protein smoothie – Blend unsweetened almond milk, protein powder, and frozen berries for a quick 25+ gram boost.
9. Canned tuna – A single 3-ounce can delivers 20 grams of protein; enjoy with 2 whole-grain crackers.
10. Low-fat string cheese – Each stick contains about 6-8 grams of protein.
11. Hard-boiled egg and spinach combo
12. Cottage cheese and almond butter – 18-20 grams of protein per serving.
13. Chicken salad lettuce wraps
14. Scrambled eggs with cheese – 12-15 grams of protein per serving.
15. Lentil salad – ⅓ cup offers 6 grams of plant-based protein.
16. Smoked salmon on whole-grain bread – 20 grams of protein.
17. Hummus with veggie sticks – ⅓ cup provides 4 grams of protein.
18. Tofu bites – Bake or air fry 3 oz for 12-15 grams of protein.
19. Roasted pumpkin seeds – 7 grams of protein and plenty of magnesium.
20. Parmesan crisps – 10 grams of protein per ounce.
21. Egg muffins – 10-12 grams of protein each.
22. Chia pudding with protein powder – 15-20 grams of protein, depending on the powder used.
23. Tempeh slices – 3 ounces packs 15 grams of protein.
24. Cottage cheese with sunflower seeds
25. Mini tuna patties – Mix tuna, eggs, and breadcrumbs, then pan-fry for a 20+ gram snack option.

Zero-Carb (or Near-Zero) Snacks

1. Hard-boiled eggs
2. Cheese slices
3. Beef jerky
4. Cucumber slices
5. Olives
6. Avocado slices
7. Pork rinds
8. Smoked salmon
9. Tuna in olive oil
10. Bacon strips
11. Hard salami
12. Grilled shrimp
13. Deviled eggs
14. Roasted seaweed snacks
15. String cheese
16. Pickles
17. Grilled chicken strips
18. Pepperoni slices
19. Boiled crawfish
20. Sardines.
21. Almond butter fat bombs
22. Bone broth
23. Fried tofu cubes
24. Scrambled eggs
25. Grilled halloumi cheese

Tips for Planning and Prepping Low GI Snacks

I found that keeping my snacking routine simple was key. I filled my fridge with 70% dark chocolate (nothing else) and made it a point to limit myself to just a few squares a day. You can too!

By following these tips, you’ll always have healthy, satisfying low-GI snacks on hand!

1. Batch Prep for Convenience
   • Spend a little time prepping snacks in bulk, like hard-boiled eggs, roasted chickpeas, or sliced veggies with hummus.
2. Portion Control
   • Even low-GI snacks can spike blood sugar if you eat too much.
   • Pre-portion your snacks in advance using small containers or snack-sized bags.
3. Keep Snacks Simple
   • Low-GI snacks don’t need to be complicated. Choose easy combos like Greek yogurt with chia seeds or a small handful of almonds for a quick, balanced snack.
4. Fill Your Fridge with Healthy Snacks
   • Make it easy to make healthy choices by stocking your fridge with grab-and-go snacks.
   • When healthy snacks are readily available, you’re less likely to reach for unhealthy options when hunger strikes.
5. Prep for Cravings
   • If you know you tend to crave something sweet or savory, plan ahead.
   • For sweet cravings, go for a small piece of dark chocolate (70% cocoa or higher). For savory, try roasted nuts or a hard-boiled egg with spinach.

Final Thought

Low-glycemic snacks are a game-changer for keeping your energy steady, managing hunger, and supporting balanced blood sugar levels.

Whether you’re looking for sweet or savory options, the key is choosing snacks that align with your nutritional needs and lifestyle.

With the right planning, creativity, and timing, you can turn simple snacks into satisfying mini-meals that fuel your day.

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