Finding the Best Protein & Energy Bars for People with Diabetes

Choosing the Best Energy Bars for Diabetics

Having quick, portable snacks on hand is key for people with diabetes to help maintain steady blood sugar levels throughout the day. Energy bars can be a nutritious option when chosen carefully. The best energy bars for diabetics are high in protein and fiber, which help slow digestion and prevent spikes in blood glucose.

Benefits of Energy Bars for Diabetics

Well-balanced energy bars offer diabetics several advantages:

• Portability for on-the-go snacking
• Nutrient density in a small serving size
• Curb hunger between meals
• Sustained energy from protein and complex carbs
• Low glycemic index to prevent blood sugar crashes
• Fewer carbs than other conventional snacks
• No preparation required

What to Look for in Diabetes-Friendly Bars

When evaluating energy bar nutrition labels, look for bars that offer:

• At least 3g protein
• At least 3g fiber
• Less than 15g total carbohydrates
• Less than 8g sugar
• Low glycemic index
• No trans fats or hydrogenated oils

Ingredients to Avoid

Steer clear of bars containing:

• High fructose corn syrup
• Maltitol or sugar alcohols ending in "-ol"
• Saturated or trans fats
• Excessive added sugars

The Best Energy Bar Brands for Diabetics

These energy bar brands craft delicious flavors using diabetes-friendly ingredients:

RXBAR

RXBARs contain just a few whole food ingredients like egg whites, fruits, and nuts. With 12g protein, 5g fiber and no added sugar, they help control blood sugar.

GoMacro

Vegan and made with hearty macro-nutrients, GoMacro bars provide sustained energy. They offer protein from plant-based sources like pea protein alongside healthy fats.

NuGo Slim

With 18g protein and only 1g sugar, NuGo Slim bars promote lean muscle growth while curbing carb cravings. They are also gluten-free.

ThinkThin

ThinkThin crafts indulgent tasting bars with 10g protein and 3g sugar. They use natural sugar substitutes to keep carb counts low.

One Protein Bars

One bars contain 20g protein with just 1g sugar for a satisfying snack minus the blood sugar spike. They also offer probiotics for gut health.

8 Top Picks of Energy Bars for Diabetics

1. RXBAR Blueberry

Made with just six ingredients including egg whites, dates, and blueberries, this bar provides 12g protein and 5g fiber without any added sugar.

2. GoMacro Macrobar Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip

Packing 11g plant-based protein and 0g added sugar, this bar offers nice macro-nutrient balance from ingredients like brown rice protein and peanut butter chips.

3. NuGo Slim Crunchy Peanut Butter

With a whopping 18g protein from whey protein isolate and soluble corn fiber, this gluten-free bar helps build lean muscle and control hunger.

4. ThinkThin High Protein Hot Cocoa

This decadent option made with cocoa and natural sweeteners has 10g protein and only 3g sugar to satisfy cravings without the crash.

5. One Birthday Cake Bar

Celebrate guilt-free with 20g protein, only 1g sugar, and festive sprinkles baked into this protein-packed bar.

6. Lenny & Larry’s Complete Cookie Oatmeal Raisin

A homemade bakery taste with 12g protein and 5g fiber makes this a nutritious choice for vegan and non-vegan diabetics alike.

7. Quest Nutrition Hero Bar Blueberry Cobbler

Just 1g of sugar per serving and added chromium help maintain healthy blood glucose levels with this high protein blueberry bar.

8. No Cow Bar Chocolate Fudge Brownie

Non-GMO plant-based protein provides a hearty 21g per serving, and these vegan bars stay soft and fudgy thanks to allulose.

Tips for Incorporating Energy Bars into a Diabetes Diet

Pair with Protein

Eat bars alongside protein sources like nuts, eggs or dairy for sustained energy and blood sugar management.

Watch Portions

Stick to single serving sizes instead of multiple bars to keep carb counts in check.

Balance with Meals

Make sure to also eat balanced meals with lean protein, high-fiber carbs and healthy fats.

Discuss with Your Dietitian

Consult your healthcare provider or registered dietitian about specific bars that fit into your eating plan.

Mind Your Timing

Time snacks for when blood sugar starts declining to maintain optimal levels.

Pair with Activity

Eat a snack bar before or after exercise to help manage blood glucose.

Drink Fluids

Consume bars with water or unsweetened drinks rather than sugary beverages.

Check Your Blood Sugar

Monitor your blood glucose before and after eating an energy bar to assess effects.

Recipes for Homemade Energy Bars for Diabetics

You can also make tasty, diabetes-friendly energy bars at home.

Chocolate Cherry Protein Bars

Ingredients: Dates, oats, whey protein, unsweetened cocoa powder, almond milk, cherries, almond butter, chia seeds, cinnamon

Nutty Apple Pie Bars

Ingredients: Oats, almond butter, applesauce, cinnamon, chopped walnuts, raisins, almond milk, vanilla

Crunchy PB & J Bars

Ingredients: Oats, peanut butter, strawberries, honey, flaxseed, chia seeds, vanilla protein powder

Blueberry Lemon Coconut Bars

Ingredients: Oats, lemon juice, shredded coconut, blueberries, Greek yogurt, honey, lemon zest

Storing Energy Bars for Freshness

Follow these tips to keep pre-packaged or homemade bars fresh:

• Store unopened bars in a cool, dry pantry away from heat and light.
• Once opened, keep bars tightly sealed in original packaging or airtight bags.
• For homemade bars, store in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
• Freeze bars for up to 3 months to extend freshness.
• Avoid temperature fluctuations by keeping bars in the refrigerator or freezer.
• If bars become dried out, microwave 10-15 seconds to restore moisture and texture.

Incorporating Energy Bars into a Balanced Diabetes Diet

When eaten in moderation alongside balanced meals, energy bars can be part of an effective diabetes diet. Keep these nutrition tips in mind:

• Eat bars to curb hunger between meals, not replace meals.
• Aim for less than 15g carbs and at least 3g protein and fiber per bar.
• Pair bars with protein foods like nuts or Greek yogurt.
• Limit yourself to one or two bars per day maximum.
• Time snacks around activity and medication.
• Always carry bars with you for blood sugar emergencies.
• Drink water and watch caffeine intake.
• Check your blood sugar levels regularly.

With the right ingredients and careful carb counting, energy bars can be a nutritious diabetes snack staple.

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.