Calories in Two Mini Reese's Cups - An Occasional Treat for Diabetes

Satisfying Your Sweet Tooth: Calories in Two Mini Reese's Cups

When you have diabetes, enjoying sweets while managing your blood sugar can seem next to impossible. However, there are ways to strategically work small treats like two mini Reese's cups into your eating plan.

Reese's peanut butter cups are a hugely popular candy. The classic chocolate and peanut butter combination provides flavors that many find hard to resist.

But are two mini Reese's cups okay in moderation for people with diabetes? And how many calories are actually in this petite portion of candy?

Calories in Two Mini Reese's Peanut Butter Cups

First, let's break down the nutrition information for two mini Reese's cups:

Calories: 110
Total fat: 6g
Saturated fat: 3.5g
Trans fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 5mg
Sodium: 50mg
Total carbs: 13g
Dietary fiber: 1g
Sugars: 9g
Added sugars: 8g
Protein: 2g

As you can see, two mini Reese's peanut butter cups contain 110 calories. The small serving provides 110 calories, primarily from fat and carbohydrates.

Effects of Mini Reese's Cups on Blood Sugar

For people with diabetes, the biggest concern when consuming any candy is the impact on blood sugar levels. Two mini Reese's cups contain 13 grams of total carbohydrates, 9 of them from sugar.

This influx of fast-acting carbohydrates can rapidly raise blood glucose levels. The exact blood sugar spike will vary depending on individual factors like insulin sensitivity.

Checking blood sugar before and after eating two mini Reese's cups can provide helpful data. Monitoring allows you to quantify your body's response to the treat.

Strategies for Balancing Your Sweet Tooth and Diabetes

Satisfying a craving for chocolate and peanut butter while managing diabetes may seem unlikely. But with smart strategies, enjoying the occasional small treat is possible.

Here are some tips for balancing your sweet tooth and diabetes:

Have two mini Reese's as an occasional treat - don't make it an everyday habit.
Pair it with protein - having it after a meal with protein and fat helps blunt the spike.
Account for the carbs - calculate the 13g carbs into your meal plan for the day.
Go for a walk afterward - light activity helps manage blood sugar response.
Drink water - staying hydrated supports stable blood glucose.
Consider your medication - may need to adjust insulin dose for added carbs.

Being mindful and strategic allows room for occasional indulgences like two mini Reese's cups, even with diabetes.

Healthy Snack Alternatives to Mini Reese's Cups

While an occasional small treat is unlikely to do much harm, daily candy habits can sabotage diabetes management. Here are some healthier snack alternatives to help satisfy your cravings:

Fresh fruit - apples, berries, banana, grapes.
Dried fruit - reasonable portions of raisins, cranberries, apricots.
Nuts - almonds, pistachios, walnuts.
Seeds - pumpkin, sunflower, flax seeds.
Yogurt - plain Greek yogurt with fresh fruit.
Cottage cheese - with tomato, avocado, or berries.
Nut butter - look for natural options with no added sugar.
Roasted chickpeas - sprinkle with your favorite spices.
Edamame - boil frozen edamame pods for an easy snack.
Hard boiled egg - pair with whole grain crackers.

These diabetes-friendly snacks provide nutrition without spiking blood sugar. Having fruit, nuts, or boiled eggs readily available makes it easier to bypass the mini Reese's cups.

Being Kind to Yourself While Managing Diabetes

Living with diabetes requires constant diligence in checking blood sugar, counting carbs, taking medication, exercising, etc. Understandably, this can take a toll mentally and emotionally.

Allowing the occasional small treat, whether it be two mini Reese's cups or a couple bites of cake at a party, provides comfort. The key is maintaining this as an occasional indulgence, not an everyday habit.

By partnering with your healthcare team to find the right balance, you can manage your diabetes effectively while also showing yourself kindness and compassion.

The Takeaway on Mini Reese's Cups and Diabetes

When consumed only occasionally and accounted for properly, having two mini Reese's peanut butter cups can be incorporated into an eating plan for someone with diabetes. Just 110 calories, this petite portion of candy satisfies a chocolate craving without completely derailing blood sugar management.

But regular candy consumption is ill-advised. Focus instead on a diet full of nourishing whole foods, with the occasional planned treat. With the right balance, you can keep your blood sugar stable while also enjoying a sweet indulgence.

FAQs

Are mini Reese's cups allowed on a diabetic diet?

Mini Reese's cups can be incorporated sparingly as an occasional treat. But they should not be a regular part of a diabetic diet due to their high sugar content.

How many mini Reese's cups can a diabetic eat in one sitting?

It's best to limit portions to 1-2 mini Reese's cups at a time, no more than a few times per week. Larger portions will cause bigger blood sugar spikes.

Should diabetics take insulin for mini Reese's cups?

It depends on your normal insulin regimen. Discuss with your doctor whether taking extra insulin to cover the carbohydrates in mini Reese's cups is advisable.

Can type 2 diabetics eat mini Reese's cups?

Type 2 diabetics can occasionally consume small portions of mini Reese's cups. But the sugar content makes them unsuitable as a regular snack.

Are mini Reese's cups gluten free?

No, regular Reese's peanut butter cups contain gluten ingredients. But some brands make gluten-free miniature peanut butter cups that are suitable for diabetics who require a gluten-free diet.

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.