THE ULTIMATE LIST OF 64 SNACK IDEAS FOR A GESTATIONAL DIABETES DIET

In the world of gestational diabetes, snacking isn't just a pastime; it's a secret weapon to keep those blood sugar levels in check. It's like having a mini adventure between meals, ensuring that sugar levels don't play the rollercoaster game of going from sky-high to rock bottom. These in-between treats, when chosen wisely, serve as the ultimate wingmen, preventing those sudden glucose plunges and ascents. Cheers to snacking, the silent superstar of gestational diabetes diets!

We've gathered a list of 64 snack ideas for a gestational diabetes diet. Let's go!

Savory snack options for gestational diabetes diet

1. Hummus with Veggie Sticks

• 2 tbsp hummus (for example, Sabra Classic Hummus): 2g protein, 5g carbs

• ½ carrot: 3g carbs

• ½ cucumber: 2g carbs

• ½ bell pepper: 0.5g protein, 3g carbs

2. Hummus-Stuffed Bell Peppers

• 4 tbsp hummus (for example, Sabra Classic Hummus): 4g protein, 10g carbs

• 1 bell pepper: 1g protein, 6g carbs

3. Hummus with Whole Wheat Pita

• 2 tbsp hummus (for example, Sabra Classic Hummus): 2g protein, 5g carbs

• Whole wheat pita (for example, ½ Joseph's Whole Wheat Pita Bread): 4g protein, 16g carbs

4. Roasted Chickpeas with Cherry Tomatoes

• ¼ cup chickpeas (preferably roasted): 6g protein, 10g carbs

• ½ cup cherry tomatoes: 1g protein, 6g carbs

5. Mozzarella and Tomato Skewers

• 3 Mozzarella balls (3 oz): 15g protein

• ½ cup cherry tomatoes: 1g protein, 6g carbs

• 1 tbsp pesto: ~ 1.5g protein, 1g carbs

6. Cucumber Cups with Tzatziki

• 4 tbsp Tzatziki: ~4g protein, 6g carbs

• 2 cucumber: 8g carbs

7. Deviled Eggs with Veggie Slices

• 2 eggs (boiled): 12g protein

• ½ carrot: 3g carbs

• ½ cucumber: 2g carbs

• ½ bell pepper: 0.5g protein, 3g carbs

8. Hard-Boiled Eggs with a Low-Carb or Whole Grain Toast

• 2 eggs (boiled): 12g protein

• 1 slice bread (for example, Dave’s Killer Bread Thin Sliced Powerseed): 12g carbs, 3g protein

9. Hard-Boiled Eggs with Whole Wheat Crackers

• 2 eggs (boiled): 12g protein

• 7 whole wheat crackers (for example, Ritz): 14g carbs

* Turn hard-boiled eggs into an egg salad by smashing them with a fork and adding 1-2 tbsp of mayo and a touch of mustard for extra flavor.

10. Egg Muffins with Spinach and Veggies

• 2 eggs (boiled): 12g protein

• ¼ cup Greek yogurt: 6g protein, 3g carbs

• ½-1 cup of spinach: 1g protein, 1g carbs

• ¼ onion: 2.5g carbs

• 1 tomato diced: 1g protein, 5g carbs

• ½ bell pepper: 0.5g protein, 3g carbs

11. Baked Zucchini Chips with Guacamole

• 1 medium zucchini: 2g protein, 6g carbs

• ½ avocado: 1.5g protein, 6g carbs

• 1 tbsp lime juice: 1g carbs

• 1 tbsp onion (diced): 1g carbs

• ½ tomato (diced): 0.5g protein, 2.5g carbs

• fresh cilantro (optional)

12. Red Pepper Slices with Guacamole

• 1 bell pepper: 1g protein, 6g carbs

• ½ avocado: 1.5g protein, 6g carbs

• 1 tbsp lime juice: 1g carbs

• 1 tbsp onion (diced): 1g carbs

• ½ tomato (diced): 0.5g protein, 2.5g carbs

• fresh cilantro (optional)

13. Cheese and Whole Wheat Crackers

• ½ cup cheese (for example cheddar): 14g protein

• 7 whole wheat crackers (for example, Ritz): 14g carbs

14. Parmesan Cheese Crisps and Berries

• ½ cup of grated Parmesan cheese (about 50g): 18-20g protein

• ½ cup strawberries: 6g carbs

• ½ cup blueberries: 10g carbs

15. Black Bean Salsa with Veggie Sticks

• 1/4 cup black beans (cooked). 4g protein, 10g carbs

• 1/4 tomato: 1g carbs

• 1 tbsp red onion: 1g carbs

• 1 tsp lime juice

• fresh cilantro (optional)

• jalapeño (optional)

• ½ carrot sticks: 3g carbs

• ½ cucumber sticks: 2g carbs

• ½ bell pepper sticks: 0.5g protein, 3g carbs

16. Cheese and Low-Carb or Whole Grain Bread

• ½ cup cheese (for example cheddar): 14g protein

• 1 slice bread (for example, Dave’s Killer Bread Thin Sliced Powerseed): 12g carbs, 3g protein

17. Avocado and Low-Carb or Whole Grain Bread

• ½ avocado: 1.5g protein, 6g carbs

• 1 slice bread (for example, Dave’s Killer Bread Thin Sliced Powerseed): 12g carbs, 3g protein

18. Salmon and Cream Cheese Toast

• 2oz/56g salmon: 12g protein

• 2 tbsp cream cheese: 2g protein, 2g carbs

• fresh dill (optional)

• 1 slice bread (for example, Dave’s Killer Bread Thin Sliced Powerseed): 12g carbs, 3g protein

19. Turkey and Cheese Cucumber Subs

• 2 oz turkey (sliced): 14g protein

• 1 oz cheese (sliced): 7g protein

• 1 cucumber (hallowed): 4g carbs

• 2 tbsp cream cheese: 2g protein, 2g carbs (for spreading, substitute with mayo if desired)

20. Turkey and Cheese Roll-Ups

• 2 oz turkey (sliced): 14g protein

• 1 oz cheese (sliced): 7g protein

• 2 tbsp cream cheese: 2g protein, 2g carbs (for spreading)

* Pair with some carbs, for example berries or ½ apple

21. Turkey and Avocado Roll-Ups

• 3 oz turkey (sliced): 21g protein

• 1 avocado: 3g protein, 12g carbs

22. Turkey Roll-Ups with a Low-Carb or Whole Wheat Tortilla

• 3 oz turkey (sliced): 21g protein

• 2 tbsp cream cheese: 2g protein, 2g carbs (for spreading, substitute with mayo if desired)

• 1 tortilla (for example, Mission Carb Balance Soft Taco Whole Wheat): 5g protein, 18g carbs

23. Turkey and Avocado Wrap

• 2 oz turkey (sliced): 14g protein

• ½ avocado (smashed): 1.5g protein, 6g carbs

• 1 tortilla (for example, Mission Carb Balance Soft Taco Whole Wheat): 5g protein, 18g carbs

* add-ons: spinach, pickles, olives, capers, herbs, red onion

24. Egg Salad Lettuce Wraps

• 2 eggs (boiled): 12g protein

• 1-2 tbsp mayo

• 1 tsp mustard

• lettuce leaves for wrapping

* Pair with some carbs, for example 7 whole wheat crackers (for example Ritz): 14g carbs

25. Chicken Salad Lettuce Wraps

• 3 oz rotisserie chicken (shredded): 21g protein

• 1 celery stalk (diced): 1g carbs

• ½ green apple (diced): 12g carbs

• 2 tbsp chopped walnuts: 2g protein, 2g carbs

• ¼ cup Greek yogurt: 6g protein, 3g carbs

• lettuce leaves for wrapping

26. Tuna Salad on Whole Grain Crackers

• 2 small cans of tuna (4 oz/112g): 22g protein

• 1 pickle: 1g protein, 2g carbs

• 2 tbsp Greek yogurt: 4g protein, 2g carbs

• fresh dill (optional)

• 7 whole wheat crackers (for example Ritz): 14g carbs

27. Quinoa Salad with Feta

• ¼ cup cooked quinoa: 2g protein, 10g carbs

• ½ cup cherry tomatoes: 1g protein, 6g carbs

• 5 olives (sliced): 1g carbs

• ½ bell pepper (sliced): 0.5g protein, 3g carbs

• 4 tbsp Feta cheese (crumbled): 4g protein, 2g carbs

• 1 tbsp pesto: ~ 1.5g protein, 1g carbs

28. Salmon Salad with Low-Carb Tortilla Chips

• 3.5 oz salmon: 23g protein

• ½ avocado: 1.5g protein, 6g carbs

• 1 tbsp red onion: 1g carbs

• 1 tbsp lemon juice: 1g carbs

• 1 tortilla cut into chips and baked until crispy (for example, Mission Carb Balance Soft Taco Whole Wheat): 5g protein, 18g carbs

29. Cottage Cheese with Roasted Peppers

• ½ cup cottage cheese: 14g protein, 3g carbs

• 3.5 oz roasted peppers: 1g protein, 6g carbs

• 2 tbsp sunflower seeds: 4g protein, 4g carbs

30. Cottage Cheese with Avocado

• ½ cup cottage cheese: 14g protein, 3g carbs

• 1 avocado: 3g protein, 12g carbs

• herbs

31. Rice Cake with Smashed Avocado and Egg

• 2 rice cakes: ~ 14g carbs

• ½ avocado: 1.5g protein, 6g carbs

• 2 eggs (fried): 12g protein

32. Edamame

• 1 cup edamame (shelled): 18g protein, 14g carbs

33. Peanut Butter Celery Boats

• 3 tbsp peanut butter: 12g protein, 9g carbs

• 3 celery stalks: 1g protein, 3g carbs

34. Peanut Butter with Pickles

• 3 tbsp peanut butter: 12g protein, 9g carbs

• 3 pickles: 3g protein, 6g carbs

35. Pork Rinds with Cream Cheese

• 1 oz pork rinds: 17g protein

• 2 tbsp cream cheese: 2g protein, 2g carbs (for dipping)

* Pair with some carbs, for example berries or ½ apple

36. Pork Rinds with Baba Ganoush (eggplant-based dip)

• 1 oz pork rinds: 17g protein

• 1 medium eggplant: 2g protein, 10g carbs

• 1 tbsp tahini: 3g protein, 3g carbs

• 1 clove garlic: 1g carbs

• 1 tbsp lemon juice: 1g carbs

• olive oil, salt, pepper to taste

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Poke holes in the eggplant with a fork and place it on a baking sheet. Roast for about 30-40 minutes, until the skin is charred and the flesh is soft. Let it cool. Once cool, scoop out the flesh of the eggplant and place it in a bowl. Add tahini, minced garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Use a fork or a food processor to blend until smooth.

Sweet snack options for gestational diabetes diet

37. Apple Slices with Peanut Butter

• ½ green apple (sliced): 12g carbs

• 2 tbsp peanut butter: 8g protein, 6g carbs

38. Apple Slices with Almond Butter

• ½ green apple (sliced): 12g carbs

• 2 tbsp almond butter: 8g protein, 6g carbs

39. Berries and Almonds

• 1 cup strawberries: 12g carbs

• 10 almonds: 2.5g protein, 3g carbs

40. Greek Yogurt with Strawberries and Chia Seeds

• ½ cup Greek yogurt: 12g protein, 6g carbs

• ½ cup strawberries: 6g carbs

• 1 tbsp chia seeds: 3g protein, 5g carbs

41. Yogurt and Berry Smoothie

• ½ cup Greek yogurt: 12g protein, 6g carbs

• ½ cup unsweetened almond milk: 1g protein, 1g carbs

• ½ cup strawberries: 6g carbs

• 1 tbsp peanut butter: 4g protein, 3g carbs

• spinach (optional)

• ice cubes (optional)

42. Yogurt Parfait with Granola

• 1 cup Greek yogurt: 24g protein, 12g carbs

• ½ cup fresh mixed berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries): 6-10g carbs

• 1/3 cup keto granola (for example, NuTrail Nut Granola Cereal, Honey Nut): 4g protein, 9g carbs

• 1 tbsp chia seeds: 3g protein, 5g carbs

In a serving glass or bowl, layer ½ cup Greek yogurt as the base, add ¼ cup fresh berries on top and sprinkle part of granola over the berries. Add another layer of ½ cup Greek yogurt, followed by the rest of the berries. Top with the remaining granola and sprinkle with chia seeds for an added boost of fiber and protein.

43. Almond Energy Balls

• 1 cup almonds (ground or almond flour): 24g protein, 20g carbs

• 3 tbsp almond butter: 12g protein, 9g carbs

• 2 tbsp chia seeds: 6g protein, 10g carbs

• 2 tsp shredded coconut (toasted): 2g of carbs

• 1 tbsp honey: 17g carbs (or sub with sugar-free syrup: 0g carbs)

• 2 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder: 2g protein, 6g carbs

• 1 tsp vanilla extract (optional)

In a food processor, combine ground almonds, almond butter, chia seeds, shredded coconut, sweetener, and cocoa powder. Blend until smooth and sticky enough to form into balls. Scoop out a tablespoon of the mixture and roll into a ball. Optionally, roll the energy balls in additional shredded coconut or cocoa powder. Refrigerate for 20-30 minutes to allow them to firm up. Store in an airtight container in the fridge.

44. Cottage Cheese with Pineapple and Cinnamon

• ½ cup cottage cheese: 14g protein, 3g carbs

• ½ cup fresh pineapple chunks: 11g carbs

• cinnamon

45. Cottage Cheese with Peach

• ½ cup cottage cheese: 14g protein, 3g carbs

• 1 peach: 1g protein, 12g carbs

46. Cottage Cheese with Berries

• ½ cup cottage cheese: 14g protein, 3g carbs

• ½ cup strawberries: 6g carbs

• ¼ cup blueberries: 5g carbs

47. Chia Seed Pudding

• 3 tbsp chia seeds: 9g protein, 15g carbs

• 1 cup almond milk: 1g protein, 1g carbs

• 1 tbsp peanut butter: 4g protein, 3g carbs

* add 1/3 cup raspberries: 5g carbs

* add ½ cup strawberries: 6g carbs

48. Apple Slices with Peanut Butter and Chocolate Dip

• ½ green apple (sliced): 12g carbs

• 1 tbsp peanut butter: 4g protein, 3g carbs

• 1 piece of dark chocolate (melted and mixed with peanut butter): ~ 1g protein, 6g carbs

49. Almond Butter and Chia Seed Toast

• 1 slice bread (for example, Dave’s Killer Bread Thin Sliced Powerseed): 12g carbs, 3g protein

• 1 tbsp almond butter: 4g protein, 3g carbs

• 1 tsp chia seeds: 1g carbs

50. Full-Fat Ice Cream with Olive Oil and Toasted Almonds

• ½ cup full-fat ice-cream: ~2-3g protein, 15-20g carbs

• drizzle of olive oil

• 1 tbsp chopped almonds: 1g protein, 2g carbs

Sweet-and-savory snack options for gestational diabetes diet

51. Rice Cake and Nut Butter

• 2 rice cakes: ~ 14g carbs

• 2 tbsp nut butter: 8g protein, 6g carbs

52. Nuts and Seeds Trail Mix

• 10 almonds (raw or roasted): 2.5g protein, 3g carbs

• 10 walnuts (raw or roasted): 5g protein, 4g carbs

• 2 tbsp sunflower seeds: 3g protein, 4g carbs

• 1 tbsp pumpkin seeds: 2g protein, 2g carbs

• 2 tbsp dried cranberries: 6g carbs

53. Popcorn and Cheese

• 2 cups popcorn: 2g protein, 10g carbs

• ½ cup cheese (for example cheddar): 14g protein

54. Roasted Almonds and Dark Chocolate

• 10 almonds: 2.5g protein, 3g carbs

• 2 pieces of dark chocolate: ~ 2g protein, 12g carbs

55. Roasted Chickpeas with Cinnamon (or any other desired spice)

• 1/3 cup chickpeas (preferably roasted): 8g protein, 13g carbs

• cinnamon

• drizzle of oil

56. Cheese and Apple Stackers

• ½ cup cheese (for example cheddar): 14g protein

• ½ green apple: 12g carbs

57. Hard Cheese and Grapes

• ½ cup hard cheese: 14g protein

• 15 grapes: 15g carbs

Store-bought snack options for gestational diabetes diet

58. Protein Shakes

Our favorites: Core Power Fairlife 26g Protein Milk Shake and Atkins Chai Tea Latte Protein Shake

59. Nature Valley Chewy Bars

We love them all, so here’s our pick: Snack Variety Pack

60. Power Crunch Protein Wafer Bars

Our favorite: French Vanilla Creme Wafer Bar

61. KIND Bars

Our favorite: Caramel Almond & Sea Salt Bar

62. Yasso Frozen Greek Yogurt Bars

Our favorite: Fudge Brownie Greek Yogurt Bar

63. Flavored Almonds

Our favorite: Blue Diamond Bold Salt 'n Vinegar Almonds

64. Roasted Edamame

Our favorite: The Only Bean Crunchy Roasted Edamame (Sriracha)

Enjoy these flavorful combinations on your gestational diabetes journey but remember to monitor portions and consult with your healthcare professional for personalized advice. Keep in mind that our bodies respond differently, so it's essential to choose snacks that work well for you and align with your unique dietary needs. 

Snack away, mama-to-be! 🍏 🥦 🥑