Tis the season for holiday gatherings, which can be a wonderful time to celebrate with friends and family with a variety of delicious meals. But when you have diabetes, buffet tables or seasonal menus with their array of rich, calorie-dense dishes can make managing your blood sugar particularly challenging. The good news is, bringing your own store-bought diabetes-friendly food options is a practical way to ensure there’s something you can eat without sending your blood sugars out of whack. Plus, most hosts will appreciate the gesture, especially if it’s something all guests can enjoy. In addition, at this busy time of year, it can be tough to cook everything from scratch, so leaning on store-bought treats to bring to a holiday party can be a real lifesaver.
Here’s a look at 10 better-for-you, store-bought foods to bring to your next holiday party, with minimal or no assembling needed.
1.Fresh vegetable platters
Most grocery stores offer pre-made veggie trays, which are an easy, colourful and low-carb option for your next holiday gathering. Look for trays with higher fibre and lower glycemic index (GI) vegetable options because they digest more slowly and won’t make your blood sugars spike. Some good choices include:
- Broccoli or cauliflower florets
- Cucumber slices
- Bell pepper strips
- Green beans or snap peas
- Tomatoes
Tip: Pair with store-bought hummus, tzatziki, or baba ghanoush, which are all good sources of protein and fibre. Or make this easy and delicious Edamame Hummus Dip.
2. Fresh fruit platters
A ready-made platter with low GI fruit options is another good party contribution, especially when paired with protein. These trays are often in abundance during the holidays at the grocery store too.
Look for platters with:
- Berries (i.e., strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, blackberries)
- Apples
- Pears
- Oranges or clementines
- Cantaloupe
Tip: Add a container of plain Greek yogurt, ricotta or nut butter for dipping, or cheese cubes for added protein.
3. Cheese boards
Store-bought cheese trays are easy to transport and packed with protein, which helps steady blood sugars. On a holiday platter, they pair especially well with fresh fruit or veggies.
Some good cheese choices include:
- Swiss
- Gouda
- Mini mozzarella balls
- Chedder
- Goat cheese
- Feta cubes
Tip: Add olives or unsalted nuts, which are low in carbohydrates and rich in healthy fats.
4. Chicken to go
Consider contributing an entrée such as a store-bought rotisserie chicken you can slice into smaller pieces. Many grocery hot bars also sell grilled chicken skewers that can be served warm or at room temperature. These options are low in carbs, portion-friendly, and easy for guests to grab. Plus, they pair well with many sides on the buffet table, such as salads or veggie dishes.
Tip: Avoid chicken with heavy glazes as these pack lots of hidden sugar.
5. Ready-made salads
Grocery salads have come a long way, and many stores now offer bagged kits or freshly prepared deli salads that require little more than a quick toss. For a diabetes-friendly choice, look for salads packed with lower-carb vegetables (i.e., leafy greens, peppers, cucumbers, cauliflower), lean proteins, and light or on-the-side dressings.
Some good options include:
- Garden or Greek salad
- Kale Caesar
- Quinoa salads with vegetables
- Lentil or bean salads
Tip: Try to avoid sweet dressings and watch the portion sizes of added carbs such as croutons or grains.
6. Guacamole or salsa with veggies
Look for fresh guacamole or salsa with minimal ingredients at your local grocer, then skip the chips for some healthier dipping options. Some good dippers to consider are:
- Sliced cucumbers
- Celery sticks
- Sugar snap peas
- Mini bell peppers
- Jicama sticks
- Radish rounds
Tip: If you’re still craving chips, try adding some whole grain crackers instead.
7. Shrimp cocktail
A classic shrimp cocktail is naturally low in carbs, high in lean protein, and adds an elegant touch to any holiday spread. A ready-made shrimp ring is also readily available at most grocery stores for easy pick up.
Look for fresh instead of frozen shrimp rings when possible and use the provided cocktail sauce sparingly as it contains added sugars which can make your blood sugar spike.
Tip: For less sugar, pair shrimp with a simple squeeze of lemon or a homemade yogurt-based dip instead of traditional cocktail sauce.
8. Smoked Salmon and Cucumber Rounds
Smoked salmon is an easy to assemble party contribution that is rich in protein and healthy fats. Simply slice cucumbers into rounds and top with small store-bought pieces of smoked salmon for an elegant, bite-sized option that requires almost no prep. Optional add-ons like tzatziki or herbed cream cheese can add flavour without significantly increasing carbs.
Tip: Add a sprinkle of fresh dill or lemon zest to brighten the flavour without adding extra carbs.
9. Hard-Boiled Eggs or Devilled Eggs
Many supermarkets sell ready-made hard-boiled or devilled eggs in their deli sections, making them an easy, high-protein item for any gathering. They offer steady energy, built-in portion control, and pair nicely with salads, veggie platters, or charcuterie boards. Be sure to look for versions with simple seasonings and minimal added sugars.
Tip: For a lower-calorie option, choose devilled eggs made with Greek yogurt or look for simple hard-boiled eggs seasoned only with herbs or pepper.
10. Pre-Made Charcuterie
Charcuterie boards are now widely available in grocery stores and can be a convenient, crowd-pleasing choice. For a more diabetes-friendly option, choose boards that feature leaner meats, a variety of cheeses, and plenty of fresh vegetables or fruit. Try to avoid boards overloaded with crackers or sweet add-ons, such as dried fruits, which can significantly increase carb intake.
Tip: If needed, balance the board by filling extra space with raw veggies, nuts, or olives instead of additional breads or crackers.
So be prepared for your next holiday party by bringing a diabetes-friendly dish that won’t sacrifice flavour—or your health! With plenty of store-bought options that require little fuss, you can provide a great dish for the festivities and still feel confident you’re keeping your blood sugars in check.
