15 anti-inflammatory snacks for diabetes

Reviewed by Dietitian Jessica Ball, MS, RD

Prepare a snack that will make you feel good by following one of these recipes. With anti-inflammatory ingredients like avocados, berries, nut butters, and eggs, these snack ideas can help reduce chronic inflammation and its annoying symptoms. This includes joint stiffness, mental fog, and high blood pressure, just to name a few. They’re also high in complex carbohydrates like grains and vegetables along with sodium-conscious ingredients and low saturated fat counts, meaning they’re suitable for a diabetes-friendly eating pattern. Recipes like our Peanut Butter Filled Energy Balls and Super-Seed Bars are satisfying choices to enjoy between meals.

Energy balls filled with peanut butter

View recipe

Peanuts do double duty in this easy snack recipe: Peanut butter creates a creamy center while chopped roasted peanuts add a welcome crunch to the outside. We prefer to use natural peanut butter, which is a little oilier and softer, to help create the gooey center. Dates add a natural sweetness to this healthy snack. Use any leftover date blend to patch any holes in the energy balls. Toss these morsels in your lunchbox for a tasty morning or afternoon snack.

avocado hummus

View recipe

This vibrant green hummus recipe couldn’t be simpler, just throw a few ingredients in the food processor and whiz away! Aquafaba (the liquid from a can of chickpeas) and avocado make this healthy dip even smoother and creamier. Serve with veggie chips, pita chips or crudits.

Greek salad skewers

View recipe

Transform the classic Greek salad into finger food appetizers on a stick. The cute presentation is also super easy to prepare, and makes eating at a cocktail party or game day easy. Simply skewer tomatoes, cucumbers, onions, feta and olives and serve with a side of Greek Salad Dressing for dipping!

Super-Seed snack bars

View recipe

Thanks to a mix of pumpkin, sunflower, hemp and chia seeds, these healthy bars are packed with protein, fiber, minerals and healthy fats. Because these bars pack up well, they’re perfect for tackling all-day adventures.

The story continues

Peanut Butter Oatmeal Energy Balls

View recipe

Sweet, sticky dates act as the glue for these no-bake energy balls. Perfect for hiking or playing sports, this healthy snack travels well. For the best flavor and texture, use Medjool dates, the largest and most succulent date variety. Look for them in the produce aisle or near other dried fruit.

Medium soft-boiled eggs

View recipe

Soft-boiled eggs have a gelatinous texture that’s delicious on toast, salads, and so much more.

Greek Yogurt with Strawberries

View recipe

Protein-packed Greek yogurt and sweet strawberries make for a super simple and satisfying snack.

Crispy Roasted Chickpeas

View recipe

Try this satisfying snack instead of nuts. The tasty legumes are less caloric and rich in fiber.

Tuna Salad Crackers

View recipe

A fun twist on a tuna salad sandwich. This tuna and cracker salad recipe uses wheat crackers instead of bread!

Pineapple and grapefruit detox smoothie

View recipe

Pineapples, grapefruit and spinach are high in water and minerals, which can help keep you hydrated and provide your body with an abundance of fiber as well. Electrolyte-rich coconut water is a refreshing dairy-free substitute for yogurt or milk. If you have the time, freeze cubed coconut water for an extra frosty smoothie.

Cherry-Cocoa-Pistachio Energy Balls

View recipe

Chopped dried cherries and pistachios make these energy balls a sweet-savory snack to satisfy all your cravings. Almond butter and cocoa add substance and chocolaty appeal. Serve them any time of day as a snack or dessert, or pack them for a hike.

Garlic hummus

View recipe

This garlic hummus recipe couldn’t be simpler, just throw a few ingredients in the food processor and blend!

Easy black bean dip

View recipe

This creamy bean dip is great for a party or picnic. The smoked paprika and ground chipotles add a robust, earthy flavor, but you can also use regular paprika and cayenne if you don’t have the other spices on hand.

Mango and raspberry smoothie

View recipe

A squeeze of lemon juice adds a bright flavor to this frozen fruit smoothie. The mango provides plenty of sweetness without having to add juice, but if it’s too tart for you, a touch of agave will do the trick.

Savory morsels of dates and pistachios

View recipe

A touch of sweetness from the dates and raisins combined with the crunchiness and nuttiness of the pistachios make these morsels perfect for a snack on the go or as an accompaniment on a cheese platter.