24+ Not So Classic Gestational Diabetes Snack Ideas for a Healthy Pregnancy

Looking for healthy, blood sugar-friendly snacks to help you manage gestational diabetes? You’re in the right place!

This guide features 24+ creative and satisfying snack ideas that go beyond the usual recommendations. You’ll find a mix of sweet and savory options, all designed to help you balance blood sugar levels, boost energy, and support a healthy pregnancy. Plus, we’ve included 11 classic GD-friendly snacks for even more variety.

Why Smart Snacking Matters for Gestational Diabetes

Managing gestational diabetes (GD) doesn’t mean giving up delicious snacks! The key is choosing foods that combine:

✔ Lean protein – Helps stabilize blood sugar and keeps you full longer
✔ Healthy fats – Slows digestion and prevents blood sugar spikes
✔ Fiber-rich, complex carbs – Provides steady energy without sudden glucose spikes

This balance ensures your snacks satisfy cravings, maintain steady blood sugar levels, and support your baby’s growth.

Key Takeaways

• Snacking is essential for steady blood sugar and meeting increased pregnancy calorie needs.

• Balancing macronutrients (complex carbs, protein, and healthy fats) helps prevent glucose spikes.

• Prepackaged snacks & bedtime snacks can be convenient while keeping blood sugar stable.

• Consulting a dietitian can provide personalized guidance for your GD-friendly diet.

Not-So-Classic Savory Gestational Diabetes-Friendly Snacks

If you're looking for savory snacks that are blood sugar-friendly and delicious, these creative low-carb, high-protein options will keep you satisfied while supporting balanced glucose levels. Here are some unique, easy-to-make ideas to shake up your snack routine:

Cottage Cheese, Egg & Cheese Biscuits

What You Need:

• 1/2 cup cottage cheese

• 1 egg

• 1/2 cup shredded cheese

• 1/2 cup almond flour

• 1/2 tsp baking powder

• Pinch of salt and pepper

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).

2. Mix all ingredients together in a bowl.

3. Spoon mixture into a muffin tin.

4. Bake for 15-20 minutes until golden.

Seaweed Snack & Tuna Rolls

What You Need:

• 1/2 can of tuna, drained

• 1 tbsp mayo

• 1 sheet roasted seaweed

• 1/2 tsp sesame oil

Instructions:

1. Mix tuna, mayo, and sesame oil in a bowl.

2. Spread the mixture onto the seaweed sheet.

3. Roll up and slice into bite-sized pieces.

Crispy Parmesan Brussels Sprouts

What You Need:

• 1 cup Brussels sprouts, halved

• 1/4 cup grated parmesan

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).

2. Toss Brussels sprouts with olive oil, salt, and pepper.

3. Roast for 20-25 minutes.

4. Sprinkle with parmesan and bake for 5 more minutes.

Baked Cheese Crisps

What You Need:

• 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or a blend)

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).

2. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

3. Spoon small heaps of cheese onto the sheet.

4. Bake for 5-7 minutes until golden and crispy.

Cheesy High-Protein Muffins

What You Need:

• 1 cup cottage cheese (28g protein, 6g carbs)

• 2 large eggs (12g protein)

• 1 egg white (4g protein)

• 1/2 cup grated cheddar cheese (14g protein, 1g carbs)

• 1/4 cup chopped bacon (6g protein) (optional)

• 1/2 cup almond flour (12g protein, 6g carbs)

• 1 tsp baking powder

• 1/4 cup finely chopped green onions (2g carbs)

• 1/4 tsp garlic powder

• 1/4 tsp onion powder

• 1/4 tsp salt

• 2 tbsp olive oil

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a muffin tin with paper liners or grease lightly.

2. In a large bowl, whisk together cottage cheese, eggs, egg white, olive oil, and cheddar cheese until well combined.

3. In another bowl, mix almond flour, baking powder, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt.

4. Combine wet and dry ingredients, stirring until well incorporated.

5. Fold in green onions and chopped bacon (if using).

6. Scoop the batter into the muffin tin, filling each cup about ¾ full (makes 12 muffins).

7. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

8. Let cool in the tin for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack.

Curry Egg Salad Cucumber Bites

What You Need:

• 2 boiled eggs, chopped

• 2 tbsp mayo

• 1 tsp curry powder

• 1 cucumber, sliced

Instructions:

1. Mix chopped eggs with mayo and curry powder.

2. Spoon onto cucumber slices.

Cheesy Onion Rings

What You Need:

• 2 medium onions (~200g)

• 1 cup (240g) cottage cheese

• 1 egg

• 1/4 cup (20g) grated Parmesan

• Seasoning to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

2. In a blender or food processor, blend the egg, cottage cheese, and seasoning until smooth.

3. Slice the onions into rings.

4. Place 1 tablespoon of the blended mixture on the parchment paper for every onion slice.

5. Place an onion ring on top of each portion of the mixture, then sprinkle with grated Parmesan.

6. Bake for around 15 minutes, or until crispy and golden brown.

Cauliflower Rice Sushi

What You Need:

• 1/2 cup cauliflower rice, steamed

• 1 sheet nori (seaweed)

• 2 slices smoked salmon

• 1/4 avocado, sliced

• 2 tbsp cream cheese

Instructions:

1. Lay out the nori sheet and spread cauliflower rice evenly.

2. Add smoked salmon, avocado, and cream cheese.

3. Roll tightly and slice into pieces.

Zucchini & Cheese Fritters

What You Need:

• 1 zucchini, grated and dried

• 1/4 cup shredded cheese

• 1 egg

• 1 tbsp almond flour

• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Mix all ingredients in a bowl.

2. Form small patties and fry over medium heat for 2-3 minutes per side.

High-Protein Spinach & Cheese Biscuits

What You Need:

• 6 eggs

• 1/2 cup cottage cheese

• 2 cup spinach

• 1/2 cup onion, chopped

• 2 cloves of garlic, minced

• 3/4 cup almond flour

• 1/4 cup coconut flour

• 1 tsp baking powder

• 1/2 cup shredded cheese

• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

2. Sauté the onions, garlic, and spinach in a pan over medium heat until softened. Set aside to cool.

3. In a large bowl, whisk the eggs, then mix in the cottage cheese, spinach mixture, salt, and pepper.

4. Gently fold in the dry ingredients (almond flour, coconut flour, and baking powder) until combined. Let the batter rest for 5-10 minutes to thicken.

5. Scoop small portions of batter onto the prepared baking sheet and top with shredded cheese.

6. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the biscuits are golden brown and firm.

Popcorn Nachos

What You Need:

• 2 cups air-popped popcorn

• 1/4 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese

• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).

2. Spread popcorn onto an oven-safe dish.

3. Sprinkle shredded cheese evenly over the popcorn.

4. Bake for 5-7 minutes until the cheese is melted and gooey.

5. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Greek Yogurt with Olive Oil, Pistachios, & Lemon Zest

What You Need:

• 1 cup plain Greek yogurt (full-fat preferred)

• 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil

• 2 tbsp chopped pistachios

• 1 tsp lemon zest

• A pinch of sea salt

• Freshly cracked black pepper (optional)

Instructions:

1. Spoon Greek yogurt into a bowl.

2. Drizzle with olive oil.

3. Sprinkle pistachios, lemon zest, and seasonings on top.

Baked Avocado Egg Boats

What You Need:

• 1 ripe avocado

• 2 eggs

• 2 tbsp shredded cheese

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).

2. Slice avocado in half and remove some flesh to make space for eggs.

3. Crack an egg into each half, sprinkle with cheese, and bake for 15-20 minutes.

Not-So-Classic Sweet GD-Friendly Snacks

Avocado-Chocolate Mousse

What You Need:

• 2 ripe avocados

• 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder

• 1/4 cup dark chocolate(70% or higher), melted

• 1/2 cup unsweetened almond milk

Optional: 1 tbsp sweetener

Instructions:

1. Blend all ingredients together until smooth and creamy.

2. Chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes before serving.

3. Optional: Top with crushed nuts or coconut flakes.

Pumpkin Pie Chia Pudding with Protein Powder

What You Need:

• 1/2 cup pumpkin purée

• 2 tbsp chia seeds

• 1 cup unsweetened almond milk

• 1 tsp pumpkin pie spice

• 1 scoop vanilla protein powder

• 1 tbsp pumpkin seeds

Instructions:

1. Blend all ingredients together in a bowl until smooth.

2. Let sit in the fridge for at least 2 hours or overnight to thicken.

3. Sprinkle pumpkin seeds on top before serving.

4. Enjoy as a filling snack.

Chocolate-Veggie Muffins

What You Need:

• 1 cup grated zucchini

• 1 cup grated carrot

• 1 cup fresh spinach

• 1 banana

• 2 eggs

• 1/2 cup full-fat Greek yogurt

• 1/4 cup maple syrup

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

• 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder

• 3/4 cup coconut flour

• 1/2 cup almond flour

• 1 tsp baking powder

• 1 tsp baking soda

• Pinch of salt

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).

2. Blend spinach, banana, eggs, yogurt, maple syrup, and vanilla extract.

3. Stir in grated zucchini and carrot.

4. Mix dry ingredients separately, then combine with wet ingredients.

5. Divide into muffin tins and bake for 20-25 minutes.

High-Protein Chocolate Pudding (with hard-boiled eggs)

What You Need:

• 6 hard-boiled eggs

• 1/2 cup unsweetened almond milk

• 2 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder

• Sweetener to taste

• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract

• A pinch of cinnamon

Optional: 1 tbsp nut butter

Instructions:

1. Blend all ingredients together until completely smooth.

2. Chill in the fridge before serving.

3. Optional: Top with crushed nuts or cacao nibs.

Cream Cheese-Coconut Fat Bombs

What you need:

• 4 oz cream cheese, softened

• 1/2 cup unsweetened shredded coconut

• 2 tbsp coconut oil, melted

• 1 tbsp vanilla extract

• 1-2 tbsp low-carb sweetener

• Pinch of sea salt

Instructions:

1. In a bowl, mix together the cream cheese, shredded coconut, melted coconut oil, vanilla extract, sweetener, and salt until smooth.

2. Scoop the mixture into small silicone molds or shape into balls.

3. Freeze for at least 2 hours until firm.

4. Remove from molds and store in the freezer.

Peach Cottage Cheese Ice Cream

What you need:

• 1 cup full-fat cottage cheese

• 1 peach

• 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon

• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract

• Optional: 1 tbsp low-carb sweetener

Instructions:

1. Blend all ingredients in a high-speed blender or food processor until smooth and creamy.

2. Pour the mixture into a shallow container and freeze for at least 3 hours, stirring every 30 minutes for the first 2 hours to prevent ice crystals.

3. Once frozen, scoop and serve. Optionally top with extra cinnamon or chopped almonds.

Whipped Ricotta-Strawberry Dip

What you need:

• 1 cup whole milk ricotta cheese

• 1/2 cup heavy cream

• 1/4 cup fresh strawberries, diced

• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract

Optional: sweetener to taste

Instructions:

1. In a mixing bowl, whip together the ricotta cheese and heavy cream using an electric mixer until fluffy and smooth.

2. Stir in the sweetener and vanilla extract.

3. Gently fold in smashed (use a fork) strawberries for a burst of fresh flavor.

4. Serve with extra berries for dipping!

Low-Carb Cookie Dough Bites

What you need:

• 1 cup almond flour

• 1/4 cup sugar-free chocolate chips

• 1/4 cup peanut butter or almond butter

• 2 tbsp coconut oil, melted

• 2 tbsp low-carb sweetener

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions:

1. In a bowl, combine the almond flour, chocolate chips, peanut butter, melted coconut oil, sweetener, and vanilla extract.

2. Stir everything together until you have a dough-like consistency.

3. Roll the dough into small bite-sized balls.

4. Chill in the refrigerator for 1 hour or until firm.

Chocolate Avocado Truffles

What you need:

• 1 ripe avocado

• 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder

• 2 tbsp low-carb sweetener

• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract

• Pinch of salt

• 2 tbsp almond flour (for better texture)

Optional: Melted dark chocolate for coating

Instructions:

1. Mash the avocado until completely smooth. Stir in the cocoa powder, sweetener, vanilla, salt, and almond flour until a thick, dough-like consistency forms.

2. Roll the mixture into small balls and place them on a lined tray.

3. For an extra chocolatey touch, dip them in melted dark chocolate.

4. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving.

Chocolate Peanut Butter Truffles

What you need:

• 1 cup full-fat cottage cheese

• 1/2 cup peanut butter

• 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder

• 2 tbsp low-carb sweetener

• Pinch of salt

• Dark chocolate for dipping

Instructions:

1. Blend the cottage cheese, peanut butter, cocoa powder, sweetener, and salt until smooth.

2. Roll the mixture into small truffle-sized balls.

3. Melt the dark chocolate and dip each truffle, coating evenly.

4. Place on a lined tray and refrigerate until firm, about 30 minutes.

Coconut-Chia Popsicles with Lemon Zest

What you need:

• 1 can (13.5 oz) full-fat coconut milk

• 2 tbsp chia seeds

• 1-2 tbsp low-carb sweetener

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

• Zest of 1 lemon

Optional: 1-2 tbsp lemon juice, 1/4 cup shredded unsweetened coconut

Instructions:

1. In a mixing bowl, combine the coconut milk, chia seeds, sweetener, vanilla extract, coconut extract (if using), lemon zest, and lemon juice (optional). Stir well to combine.

2. Let the mixture sit for about 5 minutes and then stir again to ensure the chia seeds don’t clump together.

3. If you want a bit of texture, add the shredded coconut to the mixture and stir it in.

4. Pour the mixture into popsicle molds and insert sticks.

5. Freeze for 4-6 hours or until completely solid.

6. Run warm water over the outside of the molds for a few seconds to easily release the popsicles.

Additionally, some classic gestational diabetes-friendly snack combinations:

Greek Yogurt with Mixed Berries

• What you need: ½ cup plain Greek yogurt, ¼ cup mixed berries, 1 tsp chia seeds

• Layer Greek yogurt with fresh berries and chia seeds for fiber and omega-3s.

Apple Slices with Almond Butter

• What you need: 1 medium apple, 1 tbsp almond butter

• Slice apples and top them with almond butter for a naturally sweet, protein-packed snack.

Cottage Cheese with Fresh Strawberries

• What you need: ½ cup cottage cheese, ½ cup fresh strawberries

• A simple and satisfying combination of cottage cheese and strawberries.

Cottage Cheese with Tomato and Cucumber

• What you need: ½ cup cottage cheese, ½ tomato, ¼ cucumber, salt, pinch of black pepper

• A savory twist on cottage cheese, paired with tomato, cucumber, and generous pinch of black pepper

Chia Pudding

• What you need: 2 tbsp chia seeds, ⅔ cup unsweetened almond milk, ½ tsp vanilla extract

• Mix chia seeds with almond milk and vanilla, then refrigerate overnight for a creamy snack. Add-ons: nuts, nut butters, seeds, a few berries.

Frozen Yogurt Bark

• What you need: 1 cup plain Greek yogurt, 1 tbsp nuts, 1 tbsp seeds, ¼-½ cup berries

• Spread Greek yogurt on a baking sheet, top with nuts, seeds, and berries, then freeze.

Rice Cakes with Nut Butter

• What you need: 1-2 rice cakes (check label for carb count), 1-2 tbsp almond butter

• Spread almond butter on a rice cake for a light and satisfying snack.

Trail Mix

• What you need: ⅛ cup unsweetened dried fruit, ¼ cup nuts, 1-2 tbsp seeds

• A grab-and-go mix of dried fruit, nuts, and seeds.

Roasted Chickpeas

• What you need: ½ cup roasted chickpeas with olive oil and spices

• Crunchy roasted chickpeas make for a satisfying and protein-rich snack.

Hummus with Whole Grain Crackers

• What you need: 3 tbsp hummus, 4-6 whole grain crackers

• Fiber-rich crackers paired with creamy hummus.

Celery Sticks with Peanut Butter

• What you need: 3 celery sticks, 1 tbsp peanut butter

• Crunchy celery paired with creamy peanut butter.

Healthy Snacking Tips for Gestational Diabetes

Maintaining a consistent meal and snack schedule is essential for managing gestational diabetes and keeping blood sugar levels stable. Spacing out snacks every two to three hours is highly recommended to prevent significant dips in blood glucose. Aim for snacks containing 15-30g of carbohydrates, which is generally recommended for managing blood sugar levels. However, it's important to follow the specific guidelines provided by your healthcare provider, as individual needs may vary based on your health, activity level, and pregnancy stage. Your provider can help you determine the right carb intake for your unique situation to keep your blood sugar stable and support a healthy pregnancy

When selecting snacks, it’s important to focus on a balance of carbohydrates, protein, and healthy fats to maintain stable blood sugar levels. Healthy snacks help control hunger between meals while ensuring you’re getting the essential nutrients during pregnancy.

Combining complex carbohydrates with protein and healthy fats in your snacks is a great strategy for moderating blood sugar spikes. These balanced snacks promote consistent energy and support optimal nutrition for both you and your baby.

Prepackaged Snack Options for Convenience

For busy pregnant women managing gestational diabetes, prepackaged gestational diabetes snacks can offer a convenient solution. When selecting prepackaged snacks, check the nutrition label for carbohydrates, protein, fiber, and added sugars.

Great classical gestational diabetes snacks that are convient to buy from any supermarket include small boxes of nuts, a piece of low-GI fruit (read our blog for 7 best fruit for gestational diabetes), cheese, low-sugar protein bars, or protein shakes. But what if we're looking for something fun to jazz up those classics? Keep reading. Managing gestational diabetes doesn’t mean you have to stick to boring or traditional snack options. If you're looking for convenient, prepackaged snacks that are blood sugar-friendly yet a bit unconventional, here are some great choices:

Not-So-Classical Prepackaged Snack Options for a Gestational Diabetes Diet

Savory & Umami Options

• Lupini Beans Snack Packs – High in protein and fiber, with minimal carbs.

  For example: BRAMI Lupini Beans

• Roasted Edamame – Crunchy, satisfying, and packed with plant-based protein.

  For example: The Only Bean Crunchy Roasted Edamame Beans

• Cheese Crisps or Parmesan Whisps – A low-carb, high-protein alternative to chips.

  For example: Whisps Cheese Crisps and ParmCrisps

• Freeze-Dried Cheese Bites – A crunchy, salty-sweet snack with protein and antioxidants.

  For example: Moon Cheese

• Seaweed Snacks with Avocado or Cheese – A nutrient-dense, umami-rich treat, but eat in moderation due to iodine content.

  For example: gimMe Seaweed Snacks. Come in different flavors!

• Boiled Peanuts (in the shell, pre-packaged) – A fun, protein-rich snack with a unique texture. If you want more antioxidants & lower fat, boiled peanuts are a great option, but watch the sodium content!

  For example: Peanut Patch Boiled Peanuts

• Mushroom Chips – Crunchy and savory snack with protein and healthy fats. Be aware of high sodium content.

  For example: Vigorous Mountains Mushroom Chips

• Marinated Artichoke Hearts (Single-Serve Packs) – Fiber-rich, tangy, and full of gut-friendly prebiotics.

• Sundried Tomato or Olive Snack Packs – A flavorful, nutrient-dense option that satisfies salty cravings.

• Lentil Chips – Crunchy and protein-packed snack, nutrient-dense alternative to traditional chips.

  For example: Kibo Lentil Chips

• Chickpea Puffs – Light, airy, and full of flavor, these puffs are a great source of plant-based protein and fiber.

  For example: Hippeas Chickpea Puffs

• Sprouted Pumpkin or Sunflower Seeds – A powerhouse of protein, magnesium, and healthy fats.

  For example Go Raw Organic Spouted Pumpkin and Sunflower Seeds

• All Seed Savory Crisps – Crispy, savory, and packed with healthy seeds, these crisps offer a delicious and nutritious snack with a boost of fiber and protein.

  For example: Ella's Flats Everything All Seed Savory Crisps

Sweet & Unexpected Treats

• Nut Butter Packets – Creamy and rich in healthy fats for a satisfying treat.

  For example: Artisana Organics Raw Cashew Butter

• Roasted Cocoa Nibs with Nuts – A crunchy, slightly bitter-sweet option that feels indulgent but is low in carbs.

  For example: Navitas Organics Cacao Nibs

• Yogurt-Covered Almonds – A creamy, crunchy treat with protein and healthy fats for a satisfying snack.

  For example: SkinnyDipped Lemon Bliss Yogurt Covered Almonds

• Beet Chips – A naturally sweet, fiber-rich alternative to classic chips. Pair with protein.

  For example: Heaven & Earth Beet Chips

• Unsweetened Coconut Chips – A fun, crunchy combo of healthy fats and antioxidants.

  For example: Dang Foods Toasted Coconut Chips. Come in different flavors!

Avoid or Double-Check

🚫 Unpasteurized Dairy or Cheese Products – If the cheese crisps or yogurt are not pasteurized, avoid them.
🚫 Excessive Iodine (Seaweed Snacks) – Fine in moderation, but too much iodine can affect thyroid function.
🚫 Very High-Sodium Processed Snacks – Some pork rinds, jerky, and marinated snacks can be overly salty, which may contribute to swelling or blood pressure issues.

Final Thoughts

Maintaining healthy blood sugar levels during pregnancy is essential for both you and your baby. Snacking is an important part of this process, helping to keep your blood sugar stable between meals. However, snacks don’t always need to be the classic options you often see, like cheese and crackers or apple with peanut butter. Pregnancy should still be fun, and there are plenty of unique, tasty snack ideas to choose from that are both satisfying and healthy. Remember, working with a dietitian can offer personalized guidance to help you navigate your dietary needs. Embrace these creative snacking habits to keep your pregnancy both nourishing and fun for you and your baby, and don’t forget to share your snack ideas with other mamas on the same path on the HIgedi app.

FAQ: Snacks & Gestational Diabetes

1. Why is snacking important for managing gestational diabetes?

Snacking is crucial for managing gestational diabetes because it helps stabilize blood sugar levels while meeting your increased calorie and nutrient needs. Regular snacks can also prevent energy dips throughout the day, making you feel more balanced and energized.

2. What should a balanced snack for gestational diabetes include?

A balanced snack should include complex carbohydrates, lean protein, and healthy fats to help stabilize blood sugar. However, everyone's needs are different—some need more protein, some need more carbs, and some need a balanced mix. Finding the right ratio for your body is key!

3. Can you suggest some easy on-the go snacks to for gestational diabetes?

Absolutely! Some quick and easy snacks include:
✔ Mixed nuts with 1-2 pieces of dark chocolate
✔ Veggie sticks with a hummus cup
✔ Hard-boiled eggs with a serving of low-GI fruit

For even more on-the-go snack ideas, head to our guide for Gestational Diabetes Snacks On-the-Go!

4. What are some good bedtime snacks for managing morning blood sugar levels?

Bedtime snacks are highly individual—some people need more protein, while others benefit from more carbohydrates or a balanced mix. The key is to experiment and track your levels to find what works best for you.

Some GD-friendly bedtime snack ideas include:
✔ Greek yogurt with berries and chia seeds – A good mix of protein and carbs
✔ An apple with mozzarella – Balanced and satisfying
✔ Celery sticks with peanut butter – Protein and healthy fats for stable blood sugar

For a deeper dive into bedtime snacks, check out our blog post about Best Bedtime Snacks for Gestational Diabetes.