Diabetic snacks: A revolution in the health industry

According to WHO, India is home to the world’s second highest number of diabetic patients, with an estimated 77 million people above the age of 18 years are suffering from diabetes (type 2) and nearly 25 million are prediabetics (at a higher risk of developing diabetes in near future.) To make things worse, 50% of people are unaware of their diabetic status, which puts them at risk from health complications that can arise if they aren’t treated on time. 

The drastic rise in diabetes in India has prompted a major shift in the health and wellness industry in India, with many companies coming up with solutions for tackling diabetes in India, which include low carb, gluten-free, and keto snacks. Adopting a healthy diabetic eating plan can make a huge difference for people and thankfully these days having diabetes doesn’t mean that you have to forego your favorite snacks.

Which Foods can Diabetics eat?

Diabetics usually feel hungrier than others and as a result they have to be extra careful about what food they consume. At the same time it’s not advisable to go hungry to make sure you aren’t consuming a lot of snacks. But before we talk about what are some healthy eating options for diabetics, let’s understand what kind of food can diabetics eat freely.

The most important thing to keep in mind for Diabetics is to keep blood glucose level in control and the more the carbs that are consumed, higher will be the blood glucose level. There isn’t a specific meal or diet plan that works best for everyone but if you are a diabetic, it’s preferable to consume a meal that includes fruits and non-starchy vegetables, high-quality protein, healthy fats, legumes. A low glycemic index diet is usually recommended for diabetics as it helps to reduce blood sugar levels, lowers the risk of heart diseases and type 2 diabetes and also results in weight loss.

Why Diabetic Snacks are a Revolution?

Diabetic snacks are specially formulated to meet the dietary needs of people with diabetes and they are low in carbohydrates, sugar-free, and are often gluten-free, making them a healthier alternative to traditional snacks. By consuming diabetic snacks, people with diabetes can better manage their blood sugar levels and reduce their risk of health complications. 

Diabetic snacks are also revolutionizing the way we think about snacking. Instead of reaching for unhealthy junk food, people with diabetes now have access to a wide range of tasty and nutritious snack options. This shift towards healthier snacking is not only benefiting people with diabetes but also encouraging everyone to make better food choices.

Which Ingredients are Used in Diabetic Snacks?

Diabetic snacks are made with low glycemic index (GI) ingredients, which means they are slowly absorbed and have a minimal impact on blood sugar levels. Some common low GI ingredients used in diabetic snacks include:

Nuts and seeds:

 Almonds, walnuts, chia seeds, and flax seeds are all low in carbs and high in healthy fats and fiber.

Whole grains: 

Oats, quinoa, and brown rice are complex carbohydrates that provide slow-release energy without causing blood sugar spikes.

•Sugar substitutes: 

Stevia, erythritol, and xylitol are natural sugar substitutes that add sweetness without the added carbs and calories.

•Healthy fats: 

Avocado, olive oil, and coconut oil are all healthy fats that can help regulate blood sugar levels and keep you feeling full.

By combining these ingredients, diabetic snack manufacturers are able to create delicious and nutritious snacks that are safe for people with diabetes to consume.

Top Indian Brands that Sell Diabetic Friendly Snacks

Looking at the high prevalence of diabetes in India several companies have started producing diabetic snacks to meet the growing demand. These days diabetics don’t have to worry about giving up on their favourite snacks as there are ample diabetes friendly snacking options available online.Two notable and leading brands are DiabeSmart and Lo! Foods, both of which have been launched by Bajo Foods to provide healthy and delicious food options to Indians. 

DiabeSmart:

DiabeSmart offers a range of diabetic-friendly products, including low GI rice, atta, and snacks. Their products are designed to help people with diabetes achieve up to 70% sugar control. Some of their popular snack options include sugar-free almond and jeera cookies.

Lo! Foods

Lo! Foods specializes in low-carb and keto-friendly snacks. While not specifically marketed as diabetic snacks, their products are suitable for people with diabetes due to their low carb content. Lo! Foods offers a variety of snacks, including keto namkeen, cookies, and chocolates.They have pioneered low carb desi food that suits the Indian palette. They are currently the largest Low Carb Cloud Kitchen Brand in India.

BeatO

BeatO is India’s largest diabetes solutions platform that is used by over 25 lakh people. They provide a comprehensive diabetes care program and monitoring  and they also have their range of diabetic snacks.

Other notable mentions:

Omay Foods

Rivera Foods

Rewynd

Evolve Snacks

Best Indian Snacks for Diabetics

Now that we have an idea about what type of food is suitable for diabetics, and the top brands that sell diabetic snacks, let’s get into the fun part! Here are some of the most popular Diabetic snacks available online and also the ones that you can prepare at home.

Moonglet

Moonglet is a popular Indian snack that is made using Moong Dal and vegetables and it’s rich in proteins and is a gluten free snack and vegan recipe. 

Baked Bhujiya

Bhujiya is one of the most popular snacks in India and the diabetics can also now enjoy it without any guilt as these low glycemic index baked bhujiyas are prepared using Chickpea flour (Besan), spices like turmeric, cumin, coriander, which are known for anti-inflammatory properties and heart-healthy oils like sunflower oil. These are high in proteins and also provide a range of essential nutrients like vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.

Sugar-free Almond biscuits

Sugar-free biscuits are the perfect evening snacks and they help diabetics enjoy the snacks that they love without having to worry if they are healthy or not. These sugar-free Almond biscuits have a low glycemic index and contain no added sugars. This makes them a diabetic-friendly and it won’t cause spikes in blood sugar levels.

Buy: Sugar-free Almond biscuits

Sprouts Salad

Sprouts Salad is a healthy snacking option for diabetics and it helps in weight loss as well. This easy to make salad is prepared using freshly sprouted moong dal, chopped vegetables, which makes it an ideal snack to include in diabetic diet.

Watch: Sprouts Salad Recipe

Oats Dosa

Oats based snacks are recommended for diabetics as they have magnesium, fiber which helps enhance the insulin response and also helps to reduce postprandial blood sugar. This diabetic- friendly Oats Dosa recipe is very easy to prepare.

Watch: Oats Dosa Recipe

Keto Chocolate

Keto Chocolates are the best solution for diabetics who want to eat guilt-free and healthy chocolates. These chocolates are prepared using low carb ingredients and natural sweeteners and they contain just 0.8 gm net carbohydrates, 0.7 gm fibers and 0.5 gm protein. These keto chocolates are diabetic friendly and they don’t result in spikes in blood sugar. 

Methi Thepla Khakhra

Methi Thepla Khakhra is filled with fibers and vitamins and it’s good for diabetics as it helps steady blood sugar levels. It’s roasted and not fried and is a perfect on the go snack that is also good for your heart.

Buy: Methi Thepla Khakhra

Roasted Chana Garlic

Roasted Chana is a desi snack that is delicious and is a yummy alternative for snacking. It is suitable for diabetics and is low in calories, high in fibers, gluten free and helps in reducing cholesterol. 

Diabetic snacks in India have undergone a transformation from bland options to delicious products that help you in maintaining a healthy lifestyle while enjoying your favorite snacks. Brands like Diabesmart and Lo! Foods are leading the charge by providing a large variety of low carb, gluten-free, keto-friendly, and low glycemic index snacks. As the market keeps on growing, diabetics can expect an even wider range of tasty and nutritious snacks that help them manage their condition effectively.

AsiaBizToday