4 Diabetes-Friendly Grocery Picks
Managing Type 1 diabetes or Type 2 diabetes can make grocery shopping feel complicated.
However, it doesn’t have to be overwhelming. A registered diabetes dietitian and certified diabetes educator recently shared four practical and affordable grocery items from Safeway that are excellent choices for people living with diabetes. These items help maintain balanced blood sugar levels and provide key nutrients without complicated meal prep.
Whether someone is working with a type 1 diabetes dietitian, a type 2 diabetes dietitian, or a general diabetes educator, these foods are reliable staples that fit well into a diabetes-friendly lifestyle.
1. Walnuts: A Heart-Healthy, Low-Carb Snack
Nutritionally, walnuts provide:
- Almost no carbohydrates
- About 5 grams of protein per serving
- Healthy fats that help maintain stable blood sugar levels
They can easily be added to salads, mixed into oatmeal, or eaten as a simple snack. This makes them a favorite option among both T1D dietitians and T2D dietitians for clients looking for nutrient-dense, low-carb foods.
2. Healthy Request Chunky Chicken Noodle Soup: A Balanced Canned Food Option
Though canned soups often get a bad reputation for high sodium, the Healthy Request Chunky Chicken Noodle Soup stands out as an exception and a surprisingly balanced choice recommended by diabetes professionals.
Key highlights of this soup include:
- 16 grams of protein per can
- Only 27 grams of carbohydrates with some fiber
- A strong source of potassium and a moderate amount of sodium
This combination makes it an excellent option for electrolyte replenishment, which is important for people managing blood sugar and hydration. Both type 1 diabetes dietitians and type 2 diabetes dietitians appreciate this soup as a quick, nutritious meal or snack that won’t cause large blood sugar spikes.
3. Individual Almond or Peanut Butter Packets: Perfect for Travel and Blood Sugar Stability
Single-serve packets of almond or peanut butter are highly recommended by diabetes educators for people who need a convenient, portable snack that helps stabilize blood sugar levels.
These packets provide:
- A good balance of protein and fat
- Minimal carbohydrates
They are especially useful for preventing a rebound low blood sugar after treating a hypoglycemic episode or during long periods of physical activity. This snack is often included in meal plans developed by dietitians as an easy way to keep blood glucose steady while on the go.
4. Reduced Fat Feta Cheese: Flavorful and Blood Sugar Friendly
Its nutritional benefits include:
- 5 grams of protein per serving
- Only 3 grams of fat
- Negligible effect on blood glucose levels
Feta cheese is commonly used in salads, Mediterranean dishes, and Greek recipes. It adds rich flavor without causing blood sugar fluctuations and making it a favorite.
Why These Foods Matter for People with Diabetes
For individuals living with Type 1 diabetes or Type 2 diabetes, building a shopping list that supports stable blood sugar and overall health is crucial. These four Safeway finds provide accessible, affordable, and balanced nutrition options that can fit easily into daily life.
It is often suggested incorporating foods like walnuts, balanced canned soups, nut butter packets, and reduced fat cheese to improve both nutrition and blood sugar control. Whether someone is newly diagnosed or managing diabetes long-term, these foods offer a simple way to make grocery shopping less stressful and more effective.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right foods is an important step for managing diabetes effectively. These Safeway groceries are practical, delicious, and widely recommended by diabetes educators alike.
People living with diabetes are encouraged to try these items and see how they fit into their personal meal plans. Sharing favorite finds with a diabetes educator can also help create tailored strategies for healthy eating.
