Are Yasso Frozen Greek Yogurt Bars A Healthy Choice For Diabetics?

Are Yasso Bars Good for Diabetics?

For those living with diabetes, enjoying sweet treats in moderation can be part of a healthy diet, but it's important to make choices that don't cause spikes in blood sugar. Yasso bars, a popular brand of frozen Greek yogurt bars, advertise themselves as a healthier alternative to more traditional ice cream bars. But are Yasso bars a good option for people with diabetes? Here's a closer look at how they may fit into a diabetic diet.

The Benefits of Yasso Bars for Diabetics

There are a few reasons why Yasso bars may be a better choice than ice cream or other frozen desserts for people with diabetes:

• Lower in sugar - Yasso bars are sweetened with sugar alcohols like erythritol and contain 7-9g of sugar per bar, versus 14-24g in traditional ice cream bars.
• Higher in protein - With 7-8g of protein per bar, Yasso can help keep blood sugar stable.
• Lower in carbohydrates - With around 18-21 net carbs per bar, they are a better option than ice cream bars with 30+ carbs.
• Lower in calories - Ranging from 80-100 calories per bar, Yasso bars are lower in calories than many frosty treats.
• No artificial sweeteners - Sweetened with sugar alcohols from natural sources, not artificial sweeteners.

The combination of fewer grams of sugar, more protein, and fewer net carbs can help prevent blood sugar spikes that are common after eating high-carb sugary foods. The lower calorie count can also help with weight management, which goes hand-in-hand with diabetes management.

Potential Downsides of Yasso Bars

However, there are some potential downsides for diabetics to keep in mind with Yasso bars:

• Sugar alcohols can still impact blood sugar - Though not as much as regular sugar, sugar alcohols like erythritol may still cause slight increases in blood glucose.
• Higher fat content - With 5-6g of fat per bar, the fat content is higher than some other frozen dessert options.
• Easy to overeat - The bars are small but tasty, so it's easy to want to eat more than one serving which increases carb/sugar intake.
• Not enough fiber - With only around 1g of fiber per bar, they don't provide much blood sugar regulating fiber.
• Can cause GI upset - Some people have GI issues with sugar alcohols if eating too much.

Tips for Incorporating Yasso Bars Into a Diabetic Diet

If you want to enjoy Yasso bars as an occasional treat with diabetes, here are some tips to do it as healthfully as possible:

• Stick to one bar - Portion control is key, so avoid overindulging.
• Pair with protein/fiber - Eat your bar along with a source of protein and fiber like nuts or whole grains to further regulate blood sugar response.
• Check blood sugar - Monitor your blood glucose before and after eating a bar to see individual response.
• Account for carbs - Work the carbs from a bar into your daily meal plan and adjust other carb intake accordingly.
• Only eat occasionally - Frozen treats shouldn't be an everyday food for diabetes management.

Testing your own blood sugar response is important, as sugar alcohols impact people differently. Some diabetics may be able to enjoy a Yasso bar without any spike in blood sugar, while others could see rises in the range of 15-30mg/dl. Paying attention to your body's response is key.

How Yasso Bars Compare to Other Popular Frozen Treats

To put the carb, sugar and fiber content of Yasso bars into context, here's how they compare to some other popular frozen dessert options:

Frozen Treat	Net Carbs	Sugar	Protein	Fiber
Yasso Greek Yogurt Bar	18-21g	7-9g	7-8g	1g
Halo Top Ice Cream (1/2 cup)	12-20g	4-12g	2-6g	2-4g
No Sugar Added Fudgsicle	15g	0g	3g	0g
Skinny Cow Ice Cream Sandwich	25g	16g	3g	0g
So Delicious Dairy Free Bar	19-24g	9-13g	0-2g	1-4g

As you can see, Yasso bars tend to be lower in sugar than traditional ice cream bars, but not as low sugar as some no sugar added options. Their protein and net carb content is mid-range. Whether they fit into your diet depends on your personal carb allowance and blood sugar goals.

The Bottom Line

When chosen mindfully and eaten in moderation, Yasso Greek yogurt bars can be a good occasional treat option for many people with diabetes. Their lower sugar content, heavier protein, and fewer carbs than standard ice cream can help prevent blood sugar spikes. However, the sugar alcohol sweeteners can still impact blood glucose levels, so it's important to be aware of your own response. Enjoying the bars as part of a balanced diabetic diet, while still prioritizing healthier choices like fresh fruits and vegetables, can allow you to satisfy sweet cravings in a smarter way. As with any food, it comes down to being a conscious consumer and finding what fits your nutrition needs and taste preferences.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.