17 5-Minute Snack Recipes That Can Help Lower Blood Sugar

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

Credit: Photography: Carson Downing, Food stylist: Holly Dreesman, Prop stylist: Gabe Greco

These healthy snack recipes are perfect for a midday pick-me-up. Each recipe is lower in carbohydrates, sodium, calories and saturated fat, meaning that they all help support healthy blood sugar levels. Not to mention, they all can be made in 5 minutes or less so you can have a between-meal bite in no time. Try our Salsa-Topped Avocado Toast and Peanut Butter & Chocolate Banana Smoothie for snacks that are quick and support your nutrition goals.

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Salsa-Topped Avocado Toast

Credit: Photography: Carson Downing, Food stylist: Holly Dreesman, Prop stylist: Gabe Greco
Credit: Photography: Carson Downing, Food stylist: Holly Dreesman, Prop stylist: Gabe Greco

Spin leftovers from taco night into this easy salsa-topped avocado toast for a quick snack, or use it as a jumping-off point for breakfast by adding an egg on top. Single-serve packages of mashed avocado or guacamole can stand in for the fresh avocado.

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02 of 17

Watermelon-Peach Smoothie

Credit: Ali Redmond
Credit: Ali Redmond

This watermelon-peach smoothie is a refreshing drink that’s perfect for warm days. Made with ripe watermelon and frozen peaches, this smoothie bursts with fruity flavor without the need for added sugar. Use frozen peaches from a bag or freeze your own ripe, in-season peaches for the best sweet and fruity flavor.

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03 of 17

Really Green Smoothie

Credit: Photographer: Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall, Prop Stylist: Priscilla Montiel
Credit: Photographer: Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall, Prop Stylist: Priscilla Montiel

The combination of kale and avocado makes this healthy smoothie recipe extra green. Chia seeds lend a heart-healthy punch of fiber and omega-3 fatty acids.

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04 of 17

Banana–Peanut Butter Yogurt Parfait

Credit: Photographer: Jake Sternquist, Food Stylist: Holly Dreesman, Prop Stylist: Lexi Juhl
Credit: Photographer: Jake Sternquist, Food Stylist: Holly Dreesman, Prop Stylist: Lexi Juhl

This banana–peanut butter yogurt parfait is a delicious and nutritious breakfast that relies on the natural sweetness of ripe bananas to create a creamy, flavorful base. The combination of banana and peanut butter is a classic pairing that provides healthy fats and a boost of protein. This easy parfait is a great way to start your day or enjoy a midday pick-me-up.

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05 of 17

Strawberry-Pineapple Smoothie

Blend almond milk, strawberries and pineapple for a smoothie that’s so easy you can make it on busy mornings. A bit of almond butter adds richness and filling protein. Freeze some of the almond milk for an extra-icy texture.

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06 of 17

Pickled Tuna Salad

Credit: Photographer: Grant Webster, Food Stylist: Lauren McAnelly, Prop Stylist: Gabriel Greco
Credit: Photographer: Grant Webster, Food Stylist: Lauren McAnelly, Prop Stylist: Gabriel Greco

This pickled tuna salad gets its flavor from chopped dill pickles and uses the pickle brine to enhance the flavor. Serve it on a slice of toasted whole-wheat bread, on crackers or with crisp veggies for an easy snack.

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07 of 17

Creamy Strawberry Smoothie

Credit: Photographer / Brie Passano, Food Stylist / Annie Probst, Prop Stylist / Holly Raibikis
Credit: Photographer / Brie Passano, Food Stylist / Annie Probst, Prop Stylist / Holly Raibikis

It’s hard to beat this recipe for quick and easy strawberry smoothies. All you need is five ingredients and five minutes. It’s versatile, too; you can use your preferred yogurt and any unsweetened milk for creaminess, and the maple syrup or honey is optional. The vanilla extract acts as a great flavor backdrop that will work with most fruits. Get blending!

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08 of 17

Yogurt with Blueberries & Honey

A simple combination of Greek-style yogurt and blueberries gets an extra touch of sweetness from golden honey. It’s the perfect balance of protein and fiber to keep you energized.

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09 of 17

Cheddar-Apple Cracker Bites

This easy recipe comes together in just 5 minutes, making it a quick snack or appetizer. The sweetness of the Fuji balances well with the cheddar, but you can use another variety of apple if you prefer. This recipe calls for 3 thin apple slices per cracker, but feel free to use just one if you’re craving a more cheesy bite.

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10 of 17

Watermelon-Strawberry Smoothie

Strawberry and watermelon combine in this easy, four-ingredient healthy fruit smoothie recipe.

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11 of 17

Cottage Cheese–Berry Bowl

Credit: Photographer: Grant Webster, Food Stylist: Lauren McAnelly, Prop Stylist: Gabriel Greco
Credit: Photographer: Grant Webster, Food Stylist: Lauren McAnelly, Prop Stylist: Gabriel Greco

This no-sugar-added berry bowl highlights the natural sweetness of thawed mixed berries, with a hint of vanilla for extra flavor. It’s a simple snack you can prepare in advance, but add the cereal just before serving so it stays crunchy.

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12 of 17

Wake-Up Smoothie

Credit: Photographer: Grant Webster, Food Stylist: Lauren McAnelly, Prop Stylist: Joseph Wanek.
Credit: Photographer: Grant Webster, Food Stylist: Lauren McAnelly, Prop Stylist: Joseph Wanek.

With a stash of berries in your freezer, you can jump-start your day with this nutritious, tasty smoothie in just minutes. It provides vitamin C, fiber, potassium and soy protein.

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13 of 17

Lemon, Mint & White Bean Dip

Credit: EatingWell
Credit: EatingWell

This quick, healthy dip is an easy appetizer or snack. If you don’t have cannellini beans, chickpeas work just as well. Serve this tasty dip alongside veggies, crackers, pita or pretzels.

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14 of 17

Berry-Mint Kefir Smoothies

Kefir is similar to yogurt, full of gut-friendly probiotics. But it has fewer carbs and a more drinkable consistency—perfect for smoothies.

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15 of 17

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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16 of 17

Bread with Peanut Butter

This quick-and-easy snack is a hearty treat that is packed with protein and has heart-healthy monounsaturated fat.

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Peanut Butter & Chocolate Banana Smoothie

Whir up frozen bananas with peanut butter and cocoa in this sweet, creamy drink recipe to get all the delicious flavors of a milkshake with the health benefits of a smoothie.

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