18 Diabetic-Friendly Comfort Food Recipes to Satisfy Your Cravings (2024)

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18 Diabetic-Friendly Comfort Food Recipes to Satisfy Your Cravings (1)Rachel SwalinUpdated: Oct. 12, 2022

    These recipes for classic comfort foods dish up their familiar flavors in a healthy way.

    Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken

    Of all the recipes I make in my slow-cooker, this is my favorite. If you like your BBQ sweet with a little spice, this will be your new favorite, too. Shared by Yvonne McKim, Vancouver, Washington.

    Get the recipe on TasteofHome.com

    Mini Apple Strudels

    Present strudel in a whole new way! Phyllo dough surrounds tender slices of apple in this version. One strudel is only 100 calories, so you can have dessert without any guilt. Recipe shared by the Taste of Home Test Kitchen. Check out these tasty diabetic recipes you’ll want to make over and over.

    Get the recipe on TasteofHome.com

    Creamy Chicken Rice Soup

    I came up with this thick flavorful soup while making some adjustments to a favorite stovetop chicken casserole. Recipe shared by Janice Mitchell, Aurora, Colorado.

    Get the recipe on TasteofHome.com

    Hamburger Noodle Casserole

    People have a hard time believing this homey and hearty casserole uses lighter ingredients. The taste is so rich and creamy. It’s agreat weeknight family entree! Recipe shared by Martha Henson, Winnsboro, Texas.

    Get the recipe on TasteofHome.com

    Gluten-Free Angel Food Cake

    My daughter can’t have gluten, and my husband is diabetic, so there are a lot of special-diet recipes in our house. This fruit-topped cake is often on the table. Recipe shared by Anne Wiebe, Gladstone, Manitoba.

    Get the recipe on TasteofHome.com

    Homemade Fish Sticks

    I’m a nutritionist and needed a healthy fish fix. Moist inside and crunchy outside, these fish sticks are great with oven fries or roasted veggies and low-fat homemade tartar sauce. Recipe shared by Jennifer Rowland, Elizabethtown, Kentucky.

    Get the recipe on TasteofHome.com

    Veggie Chowder

    Packed with potatoes, carrots and corn, this soup is a great healthy dinner choice. It’s not too heavy, so it also makes a nice light partner for a sandwich. Recipe shared by Vicki Kerr, Portland, Maine. Check out this vegetable all people with type-2 diabetes should be eating more of.

    Get the recipe on TasteofHome.com

    Rolled Buttermilk Biscuits

    I scribbled down this recipe when our family visited the Cooperstown Farm Museum more than 25 years ago. I must have gotten it right, because these biscuits turn out great every time. Recipe shared by Patricia Kile of Greentown, Pennsylvania.

    Get the recipe on TasteofHome.com

    Mexi-Mac Skillet

    My husband loves this recipe, and I love how simple it is to put together. Since you don’t need to pre-cook the noodles, it’s a time-saving dish. Recipe shared by Maurane Ramsey, Fort Wayne, Indiana. Here’s how to eat healthy at Mexican restaurants.

    Get the recipe on TasteofHome.com

    Italian Pork Stew

    Don’t skip the anchovy paste in this stew! It gives a good, salty flavor, but doesn’t taste fishy at all. Add a salad and crusty bread for an incredible meal. Recipe shared by Lynne German, Cumming, Georgia.

    Get the recipe on TasteofHome.com

    Frosted Mocha Cake

    The mixture of both sugar and sugar substitute helps keep the sweetness while still cutting calories and carbs. If you want to make the recipe even better for you, use reduced-fat whipped topping in the frosting. Recipe shared by the Taste of Home Test Kitchen.

    Get the recipe on TasteofHome.com

    Makeover Beef & Sausage Lasagna

    The original version of this dish was much higher in cholesterol and saturated fat. You’ll love this trimmed-down take. Recipe shared by Jacob Kitzman, Seattle, Washington.When you’re tired of making meals at home, try out these tastyrestaurant dishes that are great for people with diabetes.

    Get the recipe on TasteofHome.com

    Creole Jambalaya

    Jambalaya is a traditional Louisiana dish, coming from our Spanish and French culture. Rice is the main ingredient, with different meats or seafood mixed in. I particularly like this variation with shrimp and ham. Recipe shared by Ruby Williams, Bogalusa, Louisiana.

    Get the recipe on TasteofHome.com

    Zesty Horseradish Meat Loaf

    You’ll love this tasty, zippy meat loaf. Make sandwiches out of the leftovers to get double duty out of this delicious meal with a kick. Recipe shared by Nancy Zimmerman, Cape May Court House, New Jersey.

    Get the recipe on TasteofHome.com

    Banana Oatmeal Pancakes

    These pancakes have less sodium per serving than other pancakes made from mixes. Lower the sodium even further by stretching the mix with banana, oats, and walnuts. In our house we just sprinkle these with a little confectioners’ sugar, because the fruit is so sweet you don’t need syrup. Recipe shared by Patricia Swart, Galloway, New Jersey.Here are some helpfultricks for diabetes diet planning.

    Get the recipe on TasteofHome.com

    Tomato Soup with Cheese Tortellini

    Tortellini gives this garden-fresh tomato soup stick-to-your-ribs goodness. It’s a staple on my family’s table. Recipe shared by Susan Peck, Republic, Missouri. Check out the real reason some of us crave pasta so much.

    Get the recipe on TasteofHome.com

    Small Batch Brownies

    If the dessert just has to be chocolate, these rich fudgy brownies are a perfect solution for your family. And you can pretty them up with a dusting of powdered sugar. Recipe shared by the Taste of Home Test Kitchen.

    Get the recipe on TasteofHome.com

    Cheese Smashed Potatoes

    Who doesn’t like mashed potatoes? Try this slimmed-down dish with any entree. Recipe shared by Janet Homes, Surprise, Arizona. Here are 15 foods that people with diabetes can—and should—enjoy.

    Get the recipe on TasteofHome.com

    Originally Published: October 13, 2015

    Originally Published in Reader's Digest

    18 Diabetic-Friendly Comfort Food Recipes to Satisfy Your Cravings (2024)

    FAQs

    What is the best dessert for a diabetic to eat? ›

    Diabetes and Sweets
    • Fresh, seasonal fruit dipped in yogurt. ...
    • Low-carb coconut macaroons. ...
    • Angel food cake topped with sugar-free whipped cream. ...
    • Frozen grapes and frozen banana slices. ...
    • Grilled fruit topped with sugar-free whipped topping. ...
    • Sugar-free carrot cake. ...
    • Keto chocolate cake. ...
    • Mascarpone & pineapple cheesecake.
    Jan 23, 2024

    What foods can diabetics eat freely for lunch? ›

    With portion size in mind, a person with diabetes can include:
    • canned tuna, salmon or sardines.
    • low-salt deli meats, such as turkey and chicken.
    • hard-boiled eggs.
    • salads with a side dressing.
    • low-salt soups and chili.
    • whole fruit, such as apples and berries.
    • cottage cheese.
    • plain, unsweetened Greek yogurt.
    Apr 23, 2019

    What is the best food for diabetics to eat? ›

    Try to limit carbohydrates with added sugars or those with refined grains, such as white bread and white rice. Instead, eat carbohydrates from fruit, vegetables, whole grains, beans, and low-fat or nonfat milk.

    What kind of cake can a diabetic eat? ›

    Best Birthday Cake Alternatives for People Living With Diabetes
    • Keto Vanilla Cupcakes made with Splenda Monk Fruit Sweetener.
    • Chocolate Birthday Cake made with Splenda Stevia Jar Sweetener.
    • Confetti Birthday Cake made with Splenda Original Granulated Sweetener.
    • Classic Carrot Cake made with Splenda Sugar Blend.
    Sep 29, 2022

    What can a diabetic eat when craving sweets? ›

    8 sweet snacks safe for diabetics:
    • Cocoa nut butter. Cocoa powder is a great addition to your diet. ...
    • Chia pudding. Chia pudding is another great addition to your diet thanks to its numerous health benefits. ...
    • Apple & nut butter. ...
    • Dark chocolate.
    • Green yogurt.
    • Pears. ...
    • Oatmeal bites. ...
    • Fruit popsicles.
    Jun 1, 2022

    What dessert won't spike my blood sugar? ›

    Choosing the Best Dessert for Diabetes

    Some of Burgess' go-to desserts include Medjool dates stuffed with peanut butter, energy bites, chia seed pudding with toppings (like fruit, nuts and yogurt), desserts baked with protein powder, and nut butter-based desserts like these Almond Butter-Quinoa Blondies.

    What sandwich meat is good for diabetics? ›

    Beef: USDA Select or Choice grades trimmed of fat such as round, sirloin, flank steak, tenderloin, roast (rib, chuck, rump); steak (T-bone, porterhouse, cubed); ground round. Pork: Lean pork such as fresh ham, canned, cured, or boiled ham, Canadian bacon, tenderloin, center loin chop. Lamb: Roast, chop or leg.

    What are the three meals for diabetics? ›

    Eating a carbohydrate-rich breakfast followed by a substantial lunch and a small dinner — the so-called "three-meal diet" (3Mdiet) — promotes weight loss and significantly improves glucose control in type 2 diabetes, a randomized, controlled trial suggests.

    What can diabetics eat that won't raise their sugar? ›

    Anyone with diabetes might be surprised to learn certain foods minimally impact sugar levels, including:
    • Carrots. ...
    • High-fiber grains. ...
    • Bran cereal. ...
    • Potatoes. ...
    • Cottage cheese. ...
    • Lentils. ...
    • Strawberries and raspberries.
    May 3, 2023

    What are the 5 worst foods for blood sugar? ›

    Top foods and drinks to avoid with diabetes
    • Whole milk. ...
    • Hot dogs. ...
    • Pre-packaged lunch meat. ...
    • Sweetened cereals. ...
    • Regular pancake syrup. ...
    • Sherbet. ...
    • Loaded baked potatoes. A plain baked potato is a relatively healthy food choice. ...
    • Fried foods. Deep-fried food such as French fries and fried chicken are not healthy choices.
    Sep 4, 2023

    What drink lowers blood sugar? ›

    Summary. No single drink can lower your blood sugar. But drinks with little or no sugar are good replacements for sugary drinks like sodas, energy drinks, and flavored coffees. Also, research suggests that green tea, milk, and kefir may help you control your blood sugar in the longer term.

    How many eggs a day can a diabetic have? ›

    How Many Eggs Can People With Type 2 Diabetes Eat? Both research and health experts indicate that individuals living with type 2 diabetes, or at risk of developing type 2 diabetes, can include between 6 - 12 eggs per week as part of an overall healthy diet. So you can enjoy up to 2 eggs, 6 times a week.

    Is there any dessert a diabetic can eat? ›

    All types of dessert foods can be incorporated into diets for people with diabetes. "Combining carbohydrates with protein and fat, as well as choosing higher fiber carbohydrate sources, can produce a more modest rise in glucose that is easier to match to the body's natural insulin or medications," says Kirptich.

    What kind of angel food cake can a diabetic eat? ›

    This Orange Dream Angel Food Cake is great for diabetics because the orange adds additional sweetness using healthy sugars, and while still keeping the sugar level of the cake very low. This is great because a person with diabetes can't have a frosted cake, and the orange adds flavor without making it less healthy.

    Is peanut butter good for diabetic? ›

    Peanut butter contains essential nutrients, and it can be part of a healthful diet when a person has diabetes. However, it is important to eat it in moderation, as it contains a lot of calories. People should also make sure their brand of peanut butter is not high in added sugar, salt, or fat.

    What is the healthiest dessert you can eat? ›

    Healthier Desserts
    • Oat Apple Crisp. 5/12. ...
    • Fruit and Cheese. 6/12. ...
    • Chocolate-Covered Frozen Bananas. 7/12. ...
    • Nut Bar. 8/12. ...
    • Poached Pears. 9/12. ...
    • Sweetened Popcorn. 10/12. ...
    • Chocolate Milk. 11/12. ...
    • Frozen Yogurt Bars. 12/12. Brands vary, but it's possible to get that creamy, sweet goodness for just 80 calories per bar.
    Dec 1, 2022

    What desserts should diabetics avoid? ›

    The combination of flour, sugar, and dairy found in most high-carb desserts can contribute to blood sugar spikes, making diabetes harder to manage. For example, a single serving of strawberry cheesecake may contain more than 30 grams of carbohydrates.

    What can a diabetic eat at a bakery? ›

    8 baked foods that a person with diabetes may eat
    • Low sugar chocolate chip cookies made with milk and honey.
    • Gluten-free chocolate avocado muffins made with almond flour.
    • Low sugar peanut butter fruit dip.
    • Peanut butter cookies.
    • Whole-wheat orange cake.
    • Dark chocolate.
    • Gelatin desserts.
    May 3, 2022

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