What I Wish I Knew About Snacks and Blood Sugar
Aug 26, 2025
What I Wish I Knew About Snacks and Blood Sugar
When I was first learning how to manage my blood sugar, snacks were… tricky. I thought “healthy” meant granola bars, fruit smoothies, or low-fat crackers. But every time I grabbed one of those, my blood sugar would shoot up, then crash.
Here’s what I wish I knew back then:
- Snacks aren’t just about calories - they’re about balance. A snack with only carbs (like crackers or fruit) will usually spike you. Pairing it with protein or fat slows things down. Example: Apple slices with peanut butter, or Greek yogurt with berries.
- Timing matters. If you’re snacking right after a meal because you’re still hungry, that might be a sign your last meal didn’t have enough protein, fiber, or healthy fat.
- Your “safe” snacks might not be safe for you. What works for your friend or that influencer on Instagram might not work for your body. A CGM or regular checks can help you see what’s really happening.
- It’s not about never eating carbs. It’s about making them work for you. Sometimes just adding a handful of nuts or a cheese stick can completely change your blood sugar response.
The big takeaway?
The “best” snack is the one that works with your body, keeps you satisfied, and keeps your numbers steady - not just what’s labeled healthy.
If you want more snack ideas (the kind that actually help with blood sugar), you’ll love Blood Sugar Club. We share easy snack recipes, shopping lists, and tips from our RDs every week.
