To carb or not to carb—that is the eternal question for people with diabetes.
Unfortunately, the answer isn’t so simple.
It’s true that carbohydrates have a significant impact on glycemia (blood sugar levels), but they’re also an important source of energy and one of the three macronutrients we need in our diet to stay healthy.
So, cutting carbs altogether isn’t necessarily realistic or healthy.
What we know for sure is that many people living with diabetes find that limiting carbs helps them keep their blood sugar levels in their target range. Plus, more and more research shows that limiting carbs can help you lower A1C, lose weight, and even reduce your hunger.
At One Drop, we believe in balance. What works for one person might not work for another. Your approach to eating—including how many carbs you consume—should be as individualized as you are.
For people who do want to limit carbs, we’ve developed dozens of delicious, nutritious, low-carb recipes to help you enjoy the food you love while sticking to your health goals.
What Does “Low Carb” Mean?
All the recipes on this page contain fewer than 30 grams of carbs per serving.
While there’s no official carb count for a low-carb diet, numerous research studies use 130 grams of carbs per day or 26% of total energy as the cutoff for a low-carb diet. A ketogenic diet typically limits carbs to 50 grams of carbs or fewer per day.
But remember, there’s no one-size-fits-all number of carbs that people with diabetes should stick to for optimal health. Your body size, activity level, hunger, and appetite are all factors when deciding how many carbs are right for you per meal or per day.
To figure out how many carbs to eat, check in with your healthcare provider or your One Drop clinical health coach. They can set you up with a plan that works for your unique physiology and preferences.
What Does “Diabetes Friendly” Mean?
“Diabetes friendly” means a recipe or food is dense in nutrients, appropriately sized, and contains carbohydrates that are minimally processed and fiber rich.
Not all carbohydrates are created equal. Complex carbohydrates, such as whole grains and vegetables, are typically more nutritious than simple carbohydrates, such as sugary snacks and desserts. High-fiber carbs like avocados, raspberries, and whole grains tend to be digested more slowly, which can help keep blood sugar levels steady.
All the recipes you find on this page emphasize complex carbohydrates that will help to keep you feeling full and satisfied.
Pro tip: Bookmark this page now and come back when you’re looking for a little culinary inspiration. We continually update this hub with new recipes and low-carb resources.
Low-Carb Snack Recipes
Quick and Easy Low-Carb Snacks (10 Carbs or Less!)
This Sweet Peach Lime Salsa is Good for Your Heart
Butternut Squash Hummus Where The Heart Is
Low-Carb Deviled Eggs With a (Spicy) Twist
Dips for Days: 3 Low-Carb Dips to Try
Low-Carb Recipe Roundups
A Delicious Low-Carb Meal Plan for Beginners
Recipe Roundup: Our Favorite Recipes from I Hacked Diabetes
The Ultimate Meal Plan: Low-Carb and PWD-Approved
Low-Carb Soup Recipes
Creamy Asparagus Soup for Spring
Summer Carrot and Parsnip Puree
This Coconut Chicken Soup Is a Flavorful Twist On a Cozy Classic
Low-Carb Salad Recipes
The Best Flavorful Chicken Salad Recipes
Jalapeño Brussels Sprouts Slaw
Tuna Salad, for All Your Herby, Flavorful, Summer Palate Needs
This Refreshing Citrus Salad Will Make Your Summer Sweeter Than Ever
Low-Carb Side Dish Recipes
Level Up Your Green Bean Casserole with a Cashew Gravy
Buttered Leeks with Beans and Bacon
Roasted Carrots with Tarragon Yogurt Sauce
Crispy, Crunchy, Roasted Brussels Sprouts
Breadwinners: The Best of Keto Bread
Low-Carb Breakfast Recipes
Recipe Roundup: An Indulgent Low-Carb Brunch from Erin Palinski-Wade
The Most Delicious Low Carb Scrambled Egg Recipe. Ever.
Boost Your Heart Health Every Morning with Strawberry Almond Overnight Oats
Low-Carb Beverage Recipes
How to Make Your Very Own Low-Carb, Freshly Squeezed Margarita
Cheers! To This Raspberry Mocktail Recipe (5-Min Prep-Time)
How to Make Low-Carb Whipped Coffee
The Low-Carb Pumpkin Spice Latte
Low-Carb Fish Recipes
Almond-Crusted Dijon Mahi Mahi
Celery Root Slaw Over Roasted Salmon
Give Your Brain a Boost with Our Seared Tuna and Rainbow Veggies
4-Step Tuna Poke Recipe (Sushi Lovers, Rejoice!)
Low-Carb Main Course Recipes
Ricotta-Stuffed Cabbage Shells
Chipotle Chicken with Creamy Avocado-Lime Sauce
Celebrate Tradition and Flavor with Beef Brisket
3 Easy Low-Carb Pizza Recipes (Without Cauliflower!)
3 Savory Low-Carb Recipes You Have to Try
Stuffed Peppers with Seasoned Pork
Keto Sausage Balls: Better Than the Original
Low-Carb Pizza, No Bolus Needed!
Chicken Tabaka: Your New Favorite Chicken Dish
Let's Taco Bout Low-Carb Tacos
It's a Grilled Turkey Burger Kind of Night
The Only Pesto Recipe You'll Ever Need
How to Make a Low-Carb Sandwich
Low-Carb Dessert Recipes
Simply the Best Low-Carb Chocolate Avocado Mousse
4 Low-Carb Frozen Dessert Recipes
Healthy, Low-Carb Double Dark Chocolate Muffin Recipe
Our Favorite Low-Carb Ice Cream Recipes and Brands
6 Low-Carb Donut Recipes to Try on National Donut Day
Fall Holiday Low-Carb Recipes
9 Not-So-Sweet Halloween Treats
Rosh Hashanah: A Sweet New Year, Without the Sugar
Give Thanks for These Low-Carb Thanksgiving Recipes
Deliciously Fall: A Full Day of Healthy Eating
Back to School: Low-Carb Snacks for Kids
Winter Holiday Low-Carb Recipes
Valentine's Day With the Person with Diabetes You Love
9 Crowd-Pleasing Low-Carb Game Day Recipes
Crudité Platters, Charcuterie Boards, and More for Your Holiday Parties
Healthy Winter Recipes: Walking in a Flavor Wonderland
Easy And Healthy Super Bowl Recipes
A Low-Carb Super Bowl? It Can Be Done!
Spring Holiday Low-Carb Recipes
Staying Low Carb for Spring Holidays
Palate-Pleasing Dishes for Your Passover Seder (Low Carb)
A Balanced Easter Sunday Brunch That You Can Dig Into
Summer Holiday Low-Carb Recipes
How to Pack a Healthy Cooler for You and the Kids, According to a Health Coach
Summer Produce: What’s In Season and What to Do with It
This article has been clinically reviewed by Hanna Rifkin, RD, CDCES, clinical health coach at One Drop.
