Can You Eat Ice Cream if You Have High Blood Sugar?
For those living with type 2 diabetes or prediabetes, managing blood sugar levels is one of the most critical components of staying healthy. But managing high blood sugar, or hyperglycemia, can be a challenge when it comes to finding the right foods and maintaining the best type of diet.
For instance, people with high blood sugar may often feel devastated at the thought of having to significantly lower their sugar intake—especially if they're dessert lovers. But do you really have to give up your favorite desserts, or can people with high blood sugar still enjoy sweets like ice cream after dinner?
"People can absolutely eat ice cream if they are managing their blood sugar levels. As long as proper portion sizes are monitored and super-sugary toppings aren't added to the mix, one serving of ice cream should be a fine treat for people managing their blood sugars," says Lauren Manaker, MS, RDN, author of The First Time Mom's Pregnancy Cookbook and Fueling Male Fertility. "And ensuring they aren't eating other super-sugary items while they are eating the ice cream can be a wise choice too."
So if you're trying to manage your blood sugar levels, you can definitely still enjoy some ice cream. But when you're at the grocery store, there are a few things to keep in mind.
"Opting for ice cream with some fat may be more beneficial than a fat-free choice, as the fat may help reduce the risk of a blood sugar spike," says Manaker, "and thankfully many brands are now making ice cream with sugar alternatives that allow for a sweet taste without overdoing it on the sugar intake."
Continue reading to see four types of blood-sugar-friendly ice cream that Manaker recommends trying. And for more healthy eating tips, check out The #1 Best Snack for Blood Sugar, Says Dietitian.
Halo Top
"With only 6 grams of added sugar, this ice cream is a great choice for people who are managing their blood sugars. And the combo of protein and fat in this ice cream (each serving contains 6 grams of each) can help support satiety and manage blood sugars even more. Most importantly, this ice cream is absolutely delicious thanks to the use of stevia as a sweetener," says Manaker.
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Yasso Bars
"Technically these bars are made with frozen yogurt, but they are just as satisfying as eating ice cream. Thanks to the protein these bars contain, eating them can help people see better-managed blood sugars. The classic fudge bar contains less than 15 grams of total carbs and it is perfectly portioned for those who have a hard time eyeballing an appropriate serving size," Manaker says.
Chloe's Chocolate Peanut Butter Oat Pops
"These Chloe's bars contain 10 grams of carbs and are completely dairy-free. Plus, they contain a bit of protein and fiber to help stabilize blood sugars too, and each pop is portioned out so there is no temptation to overindulge," says Manaker.
Enlightened Ice Cream
"Enlightened only contains 10 grams of net carbs and 7 grams of sugar, thanks to the alternative sweeteners used to create this delicious treat. With more protein and less sugar than traditional ice cream, Enlightened is a nice option for those focused on managing blood sugars," Manaker says.
