Holiday Season Picks for Gestational Diabetes 2024: Festive Foods to Try
The truth is – managing gestational diabetes doesn’t mean you have to miss out on holiday indulgence. There’s no "off-limit" list of foods (aside from the usual pregnancy no-nos like unpasteurized products, raw meat, excessive caffeine, and alcohol). It’s all about finding balance and practicing portion control.
Still, it’s a challenge, especially during the festive season when everything is surrounded by irresistible treats. Your blood sugar might handle a cookie after a balanced dinner or a candy alongside a protein-packed snack—but what if you’re craving something extra? Something you don’t need to pair with cheese or nut butter?
That’s where these carb-conscious seasonal products come in! We’ve rounded up the best holiday-inspired picks to help you celebrate the season mindfully.
Drinks to Celebrate the Season
Premier Protein Shake, Limited Edition Winter Mint Chocolate
A festive blend of mint and chocolate, this shake packs 30g of protein and just 5g of carbs. It's a winter classic, perfect for a quick and satisfying holiday treat.
Premier Protein Shake, Limited Edition Root Beer Float
A nostalgic favorite with a seasonal twist, though the root beer flavor is subtle! This shake provides 30g of protein and only 4g of carbs.
Lakanto Sugar-Free Peppermint Drinking Chocolate
A rich peppermint hot chocolate with no added sugar—perfect for cozy winter evenings. One serving has 1g of protein and 14g of carbs.
Sparkling Festive Sips
Sparkling Ice, Cranberry Frost Sparkling Water
A zero-sugar sparkling water with a crisp cranberry flavor—perfectly balanced between tart and sweet. Ideal for holiday parties or as a refreshing treat.
Jordan’s Skinny Mixes Syrups, Spiced Cranberry Flavor Infusion
This sugar-free cranberry syrup adds a festive touch to sparkling water for a simple mocktail or can be used in hot beverages like coffee or tea for a cozy winter drink.
Holiday Coffees, Syrups and Creamers
Quest Nutrition Protein Shake Peppermint Mocha
A ready-to-drink shake that combines peppermint and mocha flavors for a festive boost. Each shake provides 10g of protein and 6g of carbs, with 200mg of caffeine—right at the daily limit for pregnant women.
Chobani Peppermint Mocha Creamer
Rich and creamy with the perfect balance of chocolate and peppermint, this creamer is made from natural ingredients. One tablespoon adds 5g of carbs to your coffee.
Nestle Coffee Mate Zero Sugar Peppermint Mocha Liquid
A sugar-free way to infuse your coffee with holiday flavors. Each tablespoon contains just 2g of carbs, making it a great low-carb option.
Chobani Eggnog Oatmilk
A dairy-free, creamy alternative for eggnog lovers. Use it in coffee, lattes, or even desserts. One ½ cup serving has 1g of protein and 13g of carbs.
Califia Farms - Almond Milk Seasonal Holiday Nog
Another dairy-free eggnog option, this almond milk nog is ideal for lightening festive drinks. One ½ cup serving contains 9g of carbs.
Jordan’s Skinny Syrups Sugar-Free Coffee Syrup, Gingerbread Latte Flavor
Add a zero-carb gingerbread twist to your coffee.
Jordan’s Skinny Syrups Sugar-Free Coffee Syrup, Eggnog Flavor Drink Mix
Add the classic eggnog taste without sugar or carbs.
Starbucks Ground Coffee, Peppermint Mocha Naturally Flavored Coffee, Limited Edition Holiday Coffee
For anyone not into flavored syrups or creamers but still looking for a festive holiday cup, this Starbucks blend is just for you. It reminds you of a thin mint cookie, exactly what you'd expect.
Crazy Cups Flavored Ground Eggnog Coffee, Caramel Eggnog Coffee
Available in both caffeinated and decaf, these blends offer a subtle eggnog flavor with a hint of caramel.
Crazy Cups Flavored Ground Decaf Christmas Coffee, Decaffeinated Holiday Spice Coffee
A caffeine-free option with warm holiday spices, perfect for a cozy winter day (or night).
Protein Powders
Orgain Organic Vegan Protein Powder, Peppermint Hot Cocoa Holiday Flavor
A vegan-friendly blend of rich chocolate and refreshing peppermint, this powder is perfect for holiday shakes, smoothies, and even baked goods. The peppermint flavor is mild with a slightly artificial note but mixes well for a festive treat.
Protein: 21g per serving
Carbs: 15g per serving
Truvani Mint Chocolate Protein Powder
This clean, plant-based protein delivers a smooth, rich mint chocolate flavor without any additives or fillers. It blends beautifully for shakes or recipes, offering a silky texture and indulgent taste that fits perfectly into a balanced diet.
Protein: 20g per serving
Carbs: 7g per serving
Just Ingredients Protein Powders (Vanilla Peppermint, Chocolate Peppermint, Eggnog, Chocolate Orange)
With natural, high-quality ingredients, this line of festive flavors has something for every palate. Whether you prefer creamy Vanilla Peppermint or bold Chocolate Orange, these powders bring the holiday spirit to every shake or smoothie.
Protein: 22–24g per serving (1 scoop)
Carbs: 3–8g per serving (varies by flavor)
Snacks with a Festive Twist
Boom Chicka Pop White Chocolate & Peppermint Flavored Kettle Corn
A crunchy treat for popcorn lovers, bringing the festive flavors of white chocolate and peppermint to life. Keep in mind that it contains a fair amount of added sugar, so enjoy it in moderation, pair it with a protein source, and be mindful of portion sizes.
For a DIY option, toss plain air-popped popcorn with a sprinkle of unsweetened cocoa powder for a hint of chocolate flavor, then drizzle with sugar-free white chocolate syrup. Mix gently to coat evenly for a festive, lower-sugar alternative!
Skinny Dipped Dark Chocolate Peppermint Almonds
Whole roasted almonds coated in a thin layer of dark chocolate and finished with a refreshing peppermint touch. With 4g of protein and just 11g of carbs per serving (about 18 almonds), they’re a festive favorite.
Blue Diamond Almonds, Peppermint Cocoa Holiday Snack Nuts
Another nutty holiday snack featuring the festive flavors of peppermint and cocoa—perfect for seasonal snacking. One serving (about 28 almonds) provides 5g of protein and only 9g of carbs.
HighKey Gluten-Free Ginger Spice Cookies
These gluten-free ginger spice cookies offer a delightful ginger zing with warming holiday spices. Each serving (about 8 cookies) provides 3g of protein and 14g of carbs.
Loacker Quadratini Gingerbread Wafer Cookies
These crispy gingerbread wafers feature at least 30% less sugar than most leading wafer cookies, making them a lighter choice for the holidays. A serving (about 8 cookies) contains 2g of protein and 18g of carbs.
Protein Bars
Quest Nutrition Peppermint Bark Protein Bar
With 21g of protein and 23g of carbs (including 12g of fiber and 7g of sugar alcohols), this bar is a festive and satisfying snack for busy days or holiday errands on the go!
No Cow Protein Bars, Gingerbread
A vegan option that captures the holiday spirit with its gingerbread flavor. Each bar provides 20g of protein and 27g of carbs (14g of fiber and 7g of sugar alcohols).
ONE Protein Bars, Cinnamon Roll
While not a limited-edition holiday flavor, the warm cinnamon notes fit perfectly with seasonal vibes. Each bar has 20g of protein and 23g of carbs (5g fiber and 6g sugar alcohols).
Rxbar, Gingerbread Protein Bar
Made with wholesome ingredients like egg whites, nuts, dates, and warm spices, this bar delivers 12g of protein and 24g of carbs (including 5g fiber). A simple and natural choice.
FITCRUNCH Snack Size Protein Bars, Cinnamon Twist
Another cinnamon flavor that makes our list—and we believe it's an all-year-round keeper! Each bar contains 16g of protein and only 14g of carbs (including 1g of fiber and 8g of sugar alcohols). It's a great treat that's perfect for the holiday season, with a cinnamon taste that is pleasantly balanced and not overpowering.
Barebells Peppermint Bark Protein Bar
One of the top holiday picks! This bar features a creamy vanilla nougat center topped with peppermint candy frosting. Each bar packs 20g of protein and 20g of carbs (2g fiber and 7g sugar alcohols). A festive, indulgent treat.
Barebells Vegan Protein Bars, Hazelnut & Nougat
Though not a classic holiday flavor, the festive green packaging and rich hazelnut nougat flavor bring seasonal vibes. Each bar contains 20g of plant-based protein and 27g of carbs (7g fiber and 6g sugar alcohols). A great vegan-friendly holiday snack!
Holiday Baking and Pantry Staples
Ground Up Cashew and Coconut Nut Butter - Salted Eggnog
Spread holiday joy with this creamy salted eggnog-flavored cashew and coconut nut butter. Perfect on a rice cake, stirred into yogurt, added to muffin batter, or enjoyed straight from the jar! One serving (2 tbsp) packs 5g of protein and 9g of carbs, making it both festive and satisfying.
Lily’s White Chocolate Style Peppermint Baking Chips
These sugar-free baking chips are a must-have for festive cookies, brownies, or even a cozy hot cocoa. Sugar-free that doesn't taste like sugar-free. One serving (about 33 chips) contains 1g of protein and 9g of carbs. A holiday baking essential!
Three Wishes Gingerbread Protein Breakfast Cereal
Crunchy and full of warm gingerbread spices, this gluten-free cereal is a festive choice for the season. One serving (1 cup) provides 8g of protein and 20g of carbs. Enjoy it with unsweetened almond milk or plain Greek yogurt.
Note: Cereal isn’t for everyone, so be sure to measure your portion and test your blood sugar tolerance.
Yogurts and Creamy Treats
Chobani Spiced Holiday Nog Greek Yogurt
Rich, creamy, and full of holiday cheer, this Greek yogurt captures the cozy flavors of spiced nog while packing 11g of protein and 15g of carbs per serving. Made with only natural ingredients, it’s a perfect festive snack to keep you satisfied.
365 Organic Gingerbread Greek Yogurt Bars
A convenient, protein-rich snack bar that combines the tangy goodness of Greek yogurt with the festive warmth of gingerbread spices. Each bar provides 4g of protein and 15g of carbs.
Chobani Less Sugar Low-Fat Greek Yogurt, Madagascar Vanilla Cinnamon
Not officially a holiday edition, but the Madagascar vanilla and subtle cinnamon flavors make it perfect for this time of year. This creamy and smooth yogurt is low in sugar, offering 12g of protein and just 10g of carbs per serving—a festive and satisfying snack for any time of day.
Siggi’s High Protein Plant-Based Blend, Vanilla Cinnamon
Another not an official seasonal flavor, but a great fit for the holidays. This thick and creamy non-dairy option provides 10g of protein and 12g of carbs per serving. Made with just 12 simple ingredients, its warm cinnamon notes make it a perfect treat for the season.
The festive season is full of delicious temptations, but with these seasonal picks, you can enjoy the holidays while keeping your health in check. From protein-packed shakes to flavorful snacks and festive drinks, there’s something for everyone. Managing gestational diabetes doesn’t mean missing out—it means finding joy in balance and choosing options that work for you.
Cheers to a mindful, merry, and flavorful holiday season! 🎄