10 Healthy Snacks with Gestational Diabetes (Below 15g Carb)

Finding the right snacks when managing gestational diabetes can feel challenging. The goal is to choose foods that keep you full and satisfied while also keeping your blood sugar levels stable. The key is to balance carbohydrates with protein and healthy fats. This combination helps slow down the absorption of sugar, preventing those sudden spikes and crashes.

This list provides 10 practical, easy-to-prepare snack ideas that all fall below 15 grams of carbohydrates. They are designed to be nutrient-dense and genuinely helpful for your daily routine.

1. Creamy Greek Yogurt with Berries

This snack is a classic for a reason. The plain Greek yogurt provides a significant protein boost, which is excellent for satiety and blood sugar control.³ The berries add a touch of sweetness and valuable fiber without contributing too many carbohydrates.

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup (about 100g) plain, unsweetened Greek yogurt (full-fat or 2%)
• 1/4 cup (about 35g) fresh or frozen mixed berries (like raspberries or strawberries)

How to Make

1. Spoon the Greek yogurt into a small bowl.
2. Top with the fresh or frozen berries.
3. If using frozen berries, you can let them thaw for a few minutes or enjoy them frozen for a different texture.

Nutrition Facts (Approximate)

Nutrient	Amount
Carbohydrates	9g
Protein	12g
Fat	5g (for 2% yogurt)
Fiber	2g

2. Hard-Boiled Egg with Everything Seasoning

A hard-boiled egg is a perfect, portable, low-carb snack. It’s almost pure protein and fat, which has a minimal impact on blood sugar. Adding a sprinkle of “everything bagel” seasoning provides flavor and crunch with virtually no extra carbs.⁴

Ingredients

• 1 large hard-boiled egg
• 1/2 teaspoon “everything bagel” seasoning

How to Make

1. Peel the hard-boiled egg.
2. Slice it in half or eat it whole.
3. Sprinkle with the “everything bagel” seasoning.

Nutrition Facts (Approximate)

Nutrient	Amount
Carbohydrates	1g
Protein	6g
Fat	5g
Fiber	<1g

3. Apple Slices with Natural Peanut Butter

The key to enjoying fruit is pairing it with a strong protein or fat source. Peanut butter provides healthy fats that slow down the digestion of the apple’s natural sugars. Portion control is important here, so sticking to half a small apple keeps the carbs well within range.

Ingredients

• 1/2 small apple (like a Gala or Granny Smith)
• 1 tablespoon natural peanut butter (check the label for no added sugar)

How to Make

1. Wash and slice half of the small apple.
2. Measure out one level tablespoon of peanut butter.
3. Dip the apple slices in the peanut butter.

Nutrition Facts (Approximate)

Nutrient	Amount
Carbohydrates	10g
Protein	4g
Fat	8g
Fiber	3g

4. Cottage Cheese with Cherry Tomatoes

Cottage cheese is another protein powerhouse.⁵ Its high protein content makes it very filling. Pairing it with a few non-starchy vegetables like cherry tomatoes adds flavor, vitamins, and a bit of fiber.

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup (about 110g) 4% milkfat cottage cheese
• 4-5 cherry tomatoes, halved
• Pinch of black pepper (optional)

How to Make

1. Spoon the cottage cheese into a bowl.
2. Top with the halved cherry tomatoes.
3. Add a sprinkle of black pepper for extra flavor if desired.

Nutrition Facts (Approximate)

Nutrient	Amount
Carbohydrates	8g
Protein	14g
Fat	5g
Fiber	1g

5. Cucumber Slices with Hummus

This is a refreshing and hydrating snack. Cucumbers are a non-starchy vegetable with very few carbs.⁶ The hummus provides healthy fats and fiber from the chickpeas.⁷ Just be mindful of the portion size for the hummus, as its carbs can add up.

Ingredients

• 1 cup cucumber slices
• 2 tablespoons classic hummus

How to Make

1. Wash and slice the cucumber.
2. Measure two level tablespoons of hummus into a small dish.
3. Use the cucumber slices for dipping.

Nutrition Facts (Approximate)

Nutrient	Amount
Carbohydrates	9g
Protein	2g
Fat	5g
Fiber	3g

6. String Cheese with Whole-Grain Crackers

This snack offers a satisfying crunch and is easy to pack. The string cheese provides protein and fat.⁸ The key is selecting a high-fiber, whole-grain cracker and sticking to a small portion to keep the carbohydrate count low.

Ingredients

• 1 low-moisture, part-skim mozzarella string cheese stick
• 4-5 whole-grain crackers (look for a brand with simple ingredients, like Triscuits)

How to Make

1. Unwrap the string cheese.
2. Count out the portion of crackers.
3. Enjoy paired together.

Nutrition Facts (Approximate)

Nutrient	Amount
Carbohydrates	12g
Protein	9g
Fat	8g
Fiber	2g

7. Half Avocado with Sea Salt

An avocado is packed with healthy monounsaturated fats and fiber, both of which are excellent for managing blood sugar.⁹ The high fiber content means its “net carb” count is very low. A little sea salt enhances its naturally creamy flavor.

Ingredients

• 1/2 medium avocado
• Pinch of coarse sea salt

How to Make

1. Slice a medium avocado in half and remove the pit.
2. Sprinkle the flesh of one half with a small pinch of sea salt.
3. Eat directly out of the skin with a spoon. (Store the other half with the pit in, covered, for later).

Nutrition Facts (Approximate)

Nutrient	Amount
Carbohydrates	9g
Protein	2g
Fat	15g
Fiber	7g

8. Tuna Salad Cucumber Boats

This is a crunchy, savory, and protein-heavy snack. By swapping bread for cucumber, you get a hydrating, low-carb vehicle for a flavorful tuna salad. The protein and fat from the tuna and mayonnaise will keep you full for hours.

Ingredients

• 1/2 small cucumber
• 2-3 ounces canned tuna (in water, drained)
• 1 tablespoon mayonnaise
• Pinch of salt and pepper

How to Make

1. In a small bowl, mix the drained tuna, mayonnaise, salt, and pepper.
2. Wash the cucumber and slice it in half lengthwise.
3. Use a spoon to scoop out the seeds, creating a “boat.”
4. Fill the cucumber boat with the tuna salad.

Nutrition Facts (Approximate)

Nutrient	Amount
Carbohydrates	4g
Protein	15g
Fat	10g
Fiber	1g

9. Small Handful of Mixed Nuts

Nuts are a simple and effective gestational diabetes snack.¹⁰ They require no preparation and are a great source of healthy fats, fiber, and protein. Almonds and walnuts are particularly good choices. A 1/4 cup serving keeps the carbs low.

Ingredients

• 1/4 cup (about 1 oz or 28g) raw, unsalted mixed nuts (like almonds and walnuts)¹¹

How to Make

1. Measure out a 1/4 cup portion of the nuts.
2. This is a great snack to portion into small bags ahead of time.

Nutrition Facts (Approximate)

Nutrient	Amount
Carbohydrates	6g
Protein	6g
Fat	14g
Fiber	3g

10. Single-Serve Peanut Butter Protein Ball

When you’re craving something sweet, this no-bake protein ball can help. It’s balanced with fat, fiber, and protein. Making a single-serve portion helps with control, and the chia seeds add a fantastic fiber boost to slow sugar absorption.

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon natural peanut butter (no sugar added)
• 2 teaspoons almond flour
• 1 teaspoon chia seeds

How to Make

1. In a small bowl, combine the peanut butter, almond flour, and chia seeds.
2. Mix with a spoon or your hands until a stiff “dough” forms.
3. Roll the mixture between your palms to form one single ball.
4. You can eat it immediately or chill it for 10 minutes.

Nutrition Facts (Approximate)

Nutrient	Amount
Carbohydrates	6g
Protein	5g
Fat	9g
Fiber	3g

Frequently Asked Questions

Why 15 grams of carbohydrates for a snack?

For many women with gestational diabetes, a snack containing around 15 grams of carbohydrates is the “sweet spot.” It’s enough to provide your body with energy without being so much that it significantly raises your blood sugar. It’s a common target recommended by dietitians, but you should always follow the specific guidance given to you by your healthcare team.

When is the best time to snack with gestational diabetes?

Snacking is often used to bridge the long gap between meals, such as mid-morning, mid-afternoon, and before bed. A bedtime snack that includes protein and fat is particularly important for many women to help prevent high fasting blood sugar in the morning.12

Should I only focus on carbs?

No, in fact, the opposite is true. While you are counting carbs, the most important part of a gestational diabetes snack is the balance. A snack of 15g of carbs from a cookie will affect your blood sugar very differently than 15g of carbs from an apple with peanut butter. Always pair your carbohydrate with a source of protein and/or healthy fat.

Conclusion

Managing gestational diabetes requires a new way of thinking about food, especially snacks.¹³ The key is to move away from carb-heavy packaged goods and toward whole-food combinations. By focusing on pairing a small, high-fiber carbohydrate with a quality source of protein and fat, you can create countless satisfying snacks. These 10 ideas are a great starting point to help you feel your best while keeping your blood sugar in check.

As always, it is best to monitor your own blood sugar levels after trying a new snack to see how your body responds. Always follow the personalized advice of your doctor or registered dietitian.