Having diabetes doesn’t mean all packaged food is to be avoided. Yes, a majority of the diet should be filled with healthy food that is not processed and packaged. However, every so often, packaged food is fine as long as it is not unhealthy. If you’re taking prescription medications like repatha, praluent, and lipitor to treat your diabetes, a healthy diet can be a great way to keep blood sugars stable. Here are some packaged snacks for diabetes that are ideal for a cheat day with minimal harm:

1. SUNCHIPS® Harvest Cheddar® Flavored Whole Grain Snacks
Chips tend to usually be high in fat and carbs. These, on the other hand, add up to only 140 calories per serving, of which carbs account for only 19gms. The chips contain whole grain corn and wheat, and the combination makes for a filling mix that is both spicy and savory.

2. Orville Redenbacher’s SmartPop Popcorn
Loved by almost everyone, popcorn by Orville Redenbacher makes for an amazing choice as a snack for diabetes. The snack is 94% fat-free, meaning you get to enjoy butter popcorn with fewer calories and less fat. The popcorn is whole grain and promises to fulfill 14% of your daily fiber requirements.

3. StarKist® Solid White Albacore Tuna in Water
This canned food is an amazing snack for diabetes and can be paired with whole-grain bread. It is an amazing and healthy source of protein with good flavor and texture, and it is also an excellent source of omega-3 fats that help improve heart health.

4. Brad’s Raw Kale Chips
Patients with diabetes sometimes develop eye diseases, and kale chips are amazing and healthy snacks that help fight the chance of developing these diseases. Certified organic and gluten-free, these chips are extremely healthy and taste amazing, making them perfect for diabetics.

5. Dannon Activia® Dairy Drinks
These probiotic drinks are more of milkshakes and come with a fruity yogurt taste. They fulfill 20% of the required daily calcium intake and 12% of the required protein intake, making them amazing packaged snacks for diabetes. Also, each 7-ounce bottle has 170 calories.

6. Good Bean Roasted Chickpea Snacks
Chickpeas are low-glycemic foods and have been proven to help keep blood sugar levels under control, while also reducing the risk of Coronary Heart Disease (CHD). The Good Bean Roasted Chickpea Snacks are both satisfying and hydrating if eaten with cucumbers.

7. Seapoint Farms Dry Roasted Edamame 100 calorie Snack Packs
Soy has been found to decrease blood sugar levels, improve tolerance to glucose, and lower cholesterol. These 100-calorie roasted edamame snack packs are rich in soy protein, making them amazing snacks for diabetes. What’s better, the total calorie intake for each serving of this snack is just 100 calories.

The advantage of having packaged food once in a while is that it helps in fighting the feeling of missing out on the “good stuff” because of diabetes. So feel free to snack on these, but remember that, as the saying goes, anything in excess becomes poison. Ensure a healthy and balanced diet with similar snacks for certain cheat days.