Chocolate for diabetics: tips that mean not having to give it up

Chocolate is one of the most popular treats among foodies all over the world, and it's really hard to imagine having to go without it forever. But for those suffering from diabetes, it's very important—before eating any kind of chocolate—to consult with their doctor to determine whether or not it can be enjoyed as part of a balanced diet tailored to their needs.

Can you eat dark chocolate with diabetes?

Generally, for those who follow a balanced diet and aren’t overweight, chocolate is fine to enjoy, even if they suffer from dietary diabetes (type 2). Obviously, it's important for them to consume the right amount and most suitable type of chocolate, while keeping an eye on their blood sugar levels.

First of all, it's important to carefully check the ingredients and nutritional values of each product to determine whether or not it's high-quality chocolate without artificial components and, particularly, without too much carbohydrates.

As we've already explained in this article, dark chocolate has numerous benefits and is also the most suitable type of chocolate for those who have to closely monitor their blood sugar levels. As well as containing less sugar than milk or white chocolate, the flavonoids contained in dark chocolate can help lower blood sugar levels and reduce the risk of heart disease—two important benefits for people living with type 2 diabetes.
So the first step is choosing chocolate whose cocoa percentage is at least 70 percent. Any extra ingredients must then be scrutinised: caramel, toffee and other sugary ingredients should be avoided.

For extra flavour, bars with dried fruit or nibs can be chosen. The latter contain iron and minerals such as magnesium, which is very important for people with diabetes. Alternatively, for an even lighter option, fruit salads or yoghurt can be topped with 75% dark chocoviar.

Chocolate without added sugar for diabetics

The Venchi family is getting bigger! Thanks to years of ongoing research to strike the perfect balance between reduced sugar content and the mouth-watering delight that Venchi always strives for, we finally present an exceptional range of chocolate treats with 70% less sugar than our classic recipes, which contain natural ingredients and no artificial sweeteners, and taste simply amazing! Browse the products here and enjoy all benefits associated with this new range. 

Chocolate and diabetes: when and how much?

As well as choosing the most suitable type of chocolate, it's also important to understand how much chocolate to eat and the best time of day to do so. Ideally, an amount containing no more than 15-30 grams of carbohydrate should be consumed, preferably after a meal, and even better as an alternative to fruit, especially more sugary kinds, to prevent blood sugars from spiking.