Dietitians' Favorite Dessert for Lowering Blood Sugar

Key Takeaways
Protein, dietary fiber, and healthy fats should make up a balanced dessert for people who are concerned about their blood sugar levels. Because Greek yogurt is a good source of protein and healthy fats, it is a great option for lowering blood sugar. Try to incorporate treats like yogurt bark into a day of healthy eating because eating well-balanced meals throughout the day is the best way to maintain a healthy blood sugar.

If you’re one of the 12% of American adults living with diabetes, you may have kicked dessert to the curb out of fear that it’ll wreak havoc on your blood sugar levels.1 If so, you’re not alone. According to research, one of the most prevalent beliefs among diabetics is that they should cut back on sweets.2

Can dessert have a healthy place at the table? The truth is that not every dessert is the same. “Blood-sugar-friendly desserts should have a balance of protein, fiber and healthy fats,” explains Alyssa Smolen, a New Jersey-based dietitian. That's why we love our pick for the best dessert for better blood sugar: creamy and refreshing Strawberry-Chocolate Greek Yogurt Bark.

We talked to dietitians about why Strawberry-Chocolate Greek Yogurt Bark is the best diabetic dessert and other ways to control blood sugar.

Why the Best Dessert for Lowering Blood Sugar Is Yogurt Bark

Our No. 1 dietitian-approved dessert for better blood sugar is Strawberry-Chocolate Greek Yogurt Bark. According to Brown, "strawberries are a source of natural sugar and fiber, and whole-milk plain Greek yogurt is a great source of protein and fat." Berries like strawberries can improve blood sugar and insulin levels after a meal for people with insulin resistance or metabolic syndrome.3

This recipe can even be made with nuts for extra crunch and fiber. A diet high in fiber may help control blood sugar, blood lipids, and inflammation, all of which are important health markers for people with diabetes.4 In addition, blood glucose rises and falls more slowly and steadily when a carbohydrate-rich food is combined with a healthy protein source, such as Greek yogurt, than when carbs alone are consumed, which can result in an abrupt rise and fall5. Do you remember Brown's recommendation for a 2-to-1 or 1-to-1 ratio of carbs to protein? This dessert fits the bill, with 4 grams carbs, 2 grams protein and 1 gram fat per serving.

This delectable dessert is perfect finished off with chocolate. “Cocoa found in dark chocolate is a functional food that is high in polyphenols and is associated with reduced insulin resistance,” says Brown. As a whole, the ingredients in this bark provide a healthy balance of carbohydrates, protein, and fat to help control blood sugar.