12 Blood Sugar-Friendly Snacks with Fruit

Reviewed by Dietitian Jessica Ball, M.S., RD

Fruit can absolutely have a place in a blood sugar-friendly eating pattern, especially when it’s paired with ingredients that help make for a satisfying snack. From energy balls to muffins, these recipes combine fruit with foods like nuts, yogurt and whole grains for balanced and delicious snacks you’ll look forward to. Plus, each recipe aligns with a blood sugar-friendly eating pattern, with moderate amounts of carbohydrates and calories and limits on saturated fat and sodium to support heart health. Whether you need an afternoon snack or something to tide you over between meals, recipes like our Banana-Blueberry Protein Muffins and Strawberry-Chocolate Greek Yogurt Bark are great ways to add fruit to your routine.

01 of 12

Pistachio & Peach Toast

This breakfast is great when you have leftover ricotta cheese–plus it comes together in just 5 minutes.

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02 of 12

Lemon-Strawberry Energy Balls

Credit: Photographer: Ali Redmond.
Credit: Photographer: Ali Redmond.

Bright, chewy and naturally sweet, these no-bake energy balls are a refreshing way to power through your day. A coating of crushed freeze-dried strawberries adds color, flavor and a delicate crunch. Keep a batch on hand for an easy snack on the go.

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03 of 12

Lemon Drop Energy Balls

Credit: Photographer: Greg Dupree, Food Stylist: Chelsea Zimmer, Prop Stylist: Christina Daley.
Credit: Photographer: Greg Dupree, Food Stylist: Chelsea Zimmer, Prop Stylist: Christina Daley.

These no-sugar-added lemon drop energy balls are a zesty little pick-me-up you’ll actually look forward to snacking on. Naturally sweetened with Medjool dates and packed with oats, cashews and hemp seeds, they deliver fiber and plant-based protein in every bite. They’re perfect for stashing in the fridge for a quick grab-and-go snack.

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04 of 12

Banana-Blueberry Protein Muffins

Credit: Photographer: Fred Hardy, Food Stylist: Jennifer Wendorf, Prop Stylist: Julia Bayliss
Credit: Photographer: Fred Hardy, Food Stylist: Jennifer Wendorf, Prop Stylist: Julia Bayliss

These super-moist and tender muffins get a protein boost with the addition of cottage cheese and peanut butter. The banana, which adds natural sweetness, doesn’t overpower the flavor of the blueberries. Frozen blueberries work just as well as fresh. For a different twist, try raspberries or chopped apple.

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05 of 12

Lemon-Strawberry Frozen Yogurt Bites

Credit: Photographer: Greg Dupree, Food Stylist: Chelsea Zimmer, Prop Stylist: Christina Daley.
Credit: Photographer: Greg Dupree, Food Stylist: Chelsea Zimmer, Prop Stylist: Christina Daley.

These lemon-strawberry yogurt bites are the ultimate frozen snack, and they’re made without added sugar. Juicy strawberries are coated in tangy yogurt kissed with vanilla, lemon zest and a hint of warm spice before being dusted with a powdery layer of crushed freeze-dried strawberries.

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06 of 12

Strawberry-Chocolate Greek Yogurt Bark

Greek yogurt gets studded with fresh strawberries and chocolate chips and then frozen so you can break it into chunks just like chocolate bark (but healthier!). This colorful snack is perfect for kids and adults alike.

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07 of 12

Cranberry-Almond Energy Balls

Credit: Ali Redmond
Credit: Ali Redmond

These energy balls are the perfect make-ahead snack. Filled with cranberries, almonds, oats and dates, these energy balls come together in minutes. Maple syrup and tahini help bind everything together while adding a touch of sweetness and bitterness.

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08 of 12

Banana-Oat Muffins

Whip up a batch of these diabetic-friendly Banana-Oat Muffins for a quick and easy snack or add them to complete a balanced breakfast. These muffins can be eaten over several days or frozen and enjoyed for up to a month.

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09 of 12

Fruit Energy Balls

Make a big batch of these no-bake energy balls to keep on hand when hunger strikes or you need a healthy pick-me-up.

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10 of 12

Mango Fruit Leather

This no-sugar-added fruit snack is a healthy treat kids and adults will both love. It’s perfect for packing in a lunchbox for school or work, or just enjoying as a snack or better-for-you dessert at home.

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11 of 12

Fennel & Grapefruit Salad

This quick and colorful side salad is a lovely accompaniment to fish, chicken, or pork. When slicing the fennel, don’t discard the fronds! The wispy green tips resemble fresh dill and provide a colorful, anise-flavored garnish.

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12 of 12

Greek Yogurt with Fruit & Nuts

This simple snack with protein and healthy fat will get you through the afternoon slump.

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