Key Takeaways
- Most sugar-free cookies will contain fewer carbohydrates than regular cookies.
- Because of their lower carbohydrate content, sugar-free cookies are less likely to raise blood sugar levels in people with diabetes.
- Sugar-free cookies still contain carbohydrates, which is why it’s important to monitor your intake when managing your blood sugar.
Sugar-free cookies are a popular dessert option for people with diabetes because of their lower carbohydrate and sugar content.
By swapping natural sugars for sugar alternatives, these desserts are less likely to spike blood sugar levels after eating.
However, there are still some factors to consider when selecting sugar-free cookies or desserts when you have diabetes.
In this article, you’ll learn about the benefits and drawbacks of eating foods made with sugar alternatives and why it’s important to ensure that you eat regular, balanced meals as part of your overall diabetes management plan.
Book an appointment with a diabetes dietitian
Covered by insurance.


Book an appointment with a diabetes dietitian
Covered by insurance.


Are Sugar-Free Foods Good for People with Diabetes?
Sugar-free foods made with sugar alcohols or artificial sweeteners will have fewer carbohydrates and sugars than their regularly sweetened alternatives. For this reason, they’re less likely to raise blood sugar levels in people with diabetes, which is an important component of diabetes management.
However, many sugar-free foods still contain a certain amount of carbohydrates.
Though a product may be labeled “sugar-free,” that doesn’t mean it will have a negligible effect on your blood sugar levels no matter how much of that product you consume.
For example, if 28 grams of a sugar-free cookie contains 10 grams of carbohydrates and you eat 200 grams of cookies, that means you’re consuming roughly 60 grams of carbohydrates. Depending on the other types of foods you eat during that meal and throughout the day, this can have an impact on your blood sugar levels.
Understanding how to balance your consumption of sugar-free treats with other foods, including foods that contain fiber, fat, and protein, will help to ensure that you’re eating balanced meals that don’t dramatically raise your blood sugar levels.
Book an appointment with a diabetes dietitian
Covered by insurance.


Book an appointment with a diabetes dietitian
Covered by insurance.


Pros of choosing sugar free
- Sugar-free products are less likely to cause a spike in your blood sugar levels.
- Sugar-free products can help to satisfy your sweet tooth without dramatically increasing your overall carbohydrate intake.
Cons of choosing sugar free
- Some sugar-free products can cause uncomfortable GI symptoms, like bloating and diarrhea.
- Eating a large quantity of sugar-free products can still have an impact on your blood sugar levels.
Book an appointment with a diabetes dietitian
Covered by insurance.


Book an appointment with a diabetes dietitian
Covered by insurance.


Managing Diabetes with a Dietitian
Honoring your unique tastes and preferences is important when you have diabetes.
If you have a sweet tooth, there are several ways you can incorporate desserts and other sweet treats into your diet without adversely affecting your blood sugar levels.
Sugar-free cookies, and other sugar-free products, are one way to satisfy a sweet craving without dramatically impacting your blood sugar.
Still, it’s important to monitor your intake of carbohydrates and sugars to ensure that you’re eating a balanced diet that will support your overall health.
Working with a registered diabetes dietitian can help you plan balanced and satisfying meals. Find a dietitian near you that accepts insurance using Nourish.
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