Hi mamas!
Planning a baby shower and looking for baby shower food that feels fun and won’t mess with your blood sugar levels? You’re in the right place. Below are 11 crowd-pleasing ideas for gestational diabetes baby shower food that are more likely to keep glucose levels steady (and help reduce blood sugar spikes).
Quick reminder: every body is different, and managing gestational diabetes can look a little different for each of us. Always follow your healthcare provider’s guidance (and if you have access to a registered dietitian, even better!).
When you’re choosing snacks at a baby shower, aim for:
Non-starchy veggies first (fiber)
A protein rich snack (protein)
A little carb paired with protein/fat (not “naked carbs”)
Plenty of water (skip sugary drinks)
That combo supports a healthy pregnancy, helps with insulin resistance, and can lower the chance of big blood glucose swings.
A colorful veggie tray with a creamy dip is always a win.
Why it works: Fiber helps slow digestion and can reduce blood sugar spikes.
Quick recipe:
Cucumber, celery, cherry tomatoes, bell pepper slices
Dip: ½ cup greek yogurt + lemon juice + garlic + herbs + a drizzle of olive oil
Hummus is a party staple—and it’s super GD-friendly when paired smartly.
Why it works: Chickpeas bring fiber + protein, which helps keep blood sugar steadier.
Quick recipe:
1 can chickpeas, 1 tbsp tahini, garlic, lemon juice, olive oil
Blend until smooth
Serve with veggie sticks or a few whole-grain crackers
Ooey, cozy, and surprisingly doable with gestational diabetes.
Why it works: Cheese is high in protein and fat, which slows carb absorption.
Quick recipe:
1 cup shredded Swiss cheese, ¼ cup milk, garlic
Melt on low until smooth
Serve with broccoli and cauliflower flowers, cherry tomatoes, pickles, olives, and small cubes of whole grain bread
Nachos can absolutely be part of a GD-friendly baby shower—it’s all about the base + toppings.
Why it works: Protein + fiber help slow digestion and support steadier blood sugar.
Quick recipe:
Low carb tortillas baked into chips (or a small portion of whole-grain chips)
Pan-fried ground meat (turkey, chicken, beef)
Diced tomatoes, onions, peppers
Top with lots of cheese + sour cream (or sub with Greek yogurt) + guacamole
These look “party” but are secretly simple.
Why it works: Low carb, and you can pack in protein.
Quick recipe:
Mushrooms + filling: cream cheese (or mashed chickpeas) + herbs (add bacon for additional protein and flavor)
Bake at 375°F for ~15 minutes
A true classic—and one of the easiest wins for gestational diabetes.
Why it works: High protein, very low carb, and super filling.
Quick recipe:
3 hard-boiled eggs
Mix yolks with greek yogurt or mayo, mustard, paprika
Fill whites (hello, deviled eggs!)
Want deviled eggs with a twist? Try our creative version with fried onions and walnuts (recipe #4)!
Meatballs are easy finger food and a great way to get protein in.
Why it works: Protein helps blunt blood glucose rises.
Quick recipe:
Lean turkey/chicken/beef meatballs (or lentil-based)
Bake at 375°F for ~20 minutes
Serve with a sugar-free sauce or low-carb sauce (check label for added sugar and total carbohydrates)
Optional: try a spicy dip with nut butter + sriracha for a satay vibe.
Guac brings the healthy fats that help keep you satisfied.
Why it works: Healthy fats + fiber can help stabilize blood sugar.
Quick recipe:
1 avocado + lime + garlic + salt
Serve with a small portion of whole wheat tortilla chips
Air-popped popcorn can be a great low-key snack.
Why it works: Whole grain + fiber = satisfying in a smaller portion.
Quick recipe:
3 cups air-popped popcorn
Season with cinnamon… or parmesan (hello, parmesan crisps energy)... or nutritional yeast
Pretty, fresh, and naturally lower-carb.
Why it works: Protein + fat from mozzarella, low carb from tomatoes.
Quick recipe:
Cherry tomatoes + mozzarella balls + basil
Drizzle with balsamic + olive oil
Light, crunchy, and super customizable.
Why it works: Lots of non-starchy veggies; add protein to keep it balanced.
Quick recipe:
Rice paper + bell pepper + cucumber + tofu
Add grilled chicken or shrimp
Dip: peanut-lime sauce (if store-bought, check label for total carbohydrates or DIY)
A baby shower is a reason to celebrate. Truly. And one day of celebration won’t undo all the hard work you’ve been doing to keep your blood sugar steady.
The goal isn’t “perfect.” It’s balanced.
So if you want dessert: have it. Just try your best to keep portions reasonable, pair it with protein or healthy fats, and stay a little active if you can (even a short walk or a few laps around the party). Your blood sugar levels will thank you—and you might even be surprised by how well it goes.
Also: with gestational diabetes, there aren’t “off-limit” foods (besides the usual pregnancy no-gos). It’s more about being mindful, keeping things balanced, and learning through a bit of trial and error. Every pregnancy is unique, and what works for one mama won’t always work for another.
That said… there are lots of “better for you” options that still feel like sweet treats.
Dark chocolate-coated almonds (or DIY: melt dark chocolate, toss in almonds, chill)
Spice-rubbed nuts: roasted/toasted nuts tossed with cinnamon + a pinch of salt (or cocoa + cinnamon for a “choco” vibe)
Berry skewers + dip: skewer fresh berries and serve with a dip made from greek yogurt or cottage cheese blended with nut butter + a little sweetener (optional: add unsweetened cocoa)
Mini parfaits: greek yogurt + mixed berries + chia seeds + slivered almonds + a tiny splash of vanilla extract
Drinks can sneak in a lot of sugar, so this is one of the easiest places to keep things GD-friendly without anyone feeling like they’re missing out.
A few GD-friendly options:
Water or sparkling water (add lemon/lime, mint, or berries)
Unsweetened iced tea
Coffee with milk (watch sweeteners)
Mocktails made with sparkling water + citrus + herbs (skip syrups)
More ideas here: Gestational diabetes drinks beside water
And if these ideas aren’t quite enough, we put together the ultimate party guide with 54 GD-friendly snacks, mains, and desserts—plus practical tips for managing gestational diabetes at parties.
If you’re planning baby shower food for someone with gestational diabetes, aim for:
2–3 protein options
2 veggie options
1 complex carb option
1 dessert option that’s portion-friendly and preferably high in protein
That’s usually the easiest way to create GD-friendly options without making anyone feel “singled out.”
1. Can I eat sweets at a baby shower if I have gestational diabetes?
Yes—just aim for moderation and pairing. Combine sweet treats with protein or healthy fats (nuts, cheese, greek yogurt) to help reduce blood sugar spikes.
2. How many carbs should I eat at a party?
Stick to your usual targets (often 30–60g per meal and 15–30g per snack, depending on your provider). Don’t skip meals beforehand—this can backfire and lead to bigger swings in blood glucose.
3. Are fruit platters okay?
Yes. Fruit (preferably low glycemic) can fit into a balanced diet—especially berries. Pair fruit with protein (nuts, cheese, cottage cheese) to help keep blood sugar steadier.
4. Should I check my blood sugar after eating at a party?
If you’re actively monitoring, yes. Checking 1–2 hours after your first bite helps you see how your body responds—especially if you tried something new.
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