Party snacks and sweet bites that can fit your plan
Halloween parties can have the costumes, games, and treats people look forward to—without making candy the only thing on the table. If you live with diabetes, you do not have to skip every sweet. Checking serving sizes and total carbohydrate information can help you choose what fits your own care plan. [1, 2]
Mummy English Muffin Pizzas
Easy to make ahead, these warm mini pizzas look like mummies with mozzarella bandages.
Makes 8 halves
Ingredients
- 4 whole-grain English muffins, split
- ½ cup pizza or marinara sauce
- 4 oz part-skim mozzarella, cut into thin strips
- 16 small black olive pieces
Directions
- Heat the oven to 400°F. Place the muffin halves on a baking sheet.
- Spread about 1 tablespoon of sauce on each half. Arrange cheese strips across the top like mummy bandages, leaving a small space for the eyes.
- Add two olive pieces to each half. Bake for 8 to 10 minutes, until the cheese melts and the edges are lightly toasted. Let cool briefly before serving.
Carbohydrate note: The total depends on the brands you use. For one half, count half the English muffin’s total carbohydrates, about 1 tablespoon of sauce, and any other ingredients with carbohydrates. Check package labels for the actual amounts.
Monster Munch Snack Cups
A sweet-and-salty mix, portioned for guests to grab.
Makes 6 cups
Ingredients
- 6 cups air-popped popcorn
- ½ cup unsalted roasted chickpeas
- ¼ cup pumpkin seeds
- 2 tablespoons mini dark chocolate chips
Directions
1. Combine the popcorn, roasted chickpeas, and pumpkin seeds in a large bowl.
2. Divide the mix evenly among 6 small cups. Sprinkle about 1 teaspoon of mini chocolate chips into each cup.
Carbohydrate note: Add the total carbohydrates for the measured popcorn, chickpeas, pumpkin seeds, and chocolate chips, then divide by 6. Package labels will give the best estimate for the ingredients you use.
Olive Spider Cracker Bites
Turn olive slices into spiders with bell-pepper legs.
Makes 8 bites
Ingredients
- 8 whole-grain crackers
- 2 tablespoons cream cheese
- 8 black olive slices
- ½ small red bell pepper, cut into thin strips
Directions
1. Spread about 1 teaspoon of cream cheese on each cracker.
2. Place an olive slice in the center as the spider body. Arrange four thin bell pepper strips on each side for the legs.
Carbohydrate note: Add total carbohydrates for the crackers, cream cheese, pepper, and olives, then divide by 8. Check package labels for the products you use.
Two Easy Sweet Choices
Chocolate-drizzled strawberries. Set out a small serving of strawberries with a light drizzle of melted chocolate. Strawberries and chocolate both contribute carbohydrates, so count the portion you choose.
Mini wrapped candy. Offer a few favorites in their original wrappers. The label makes it easier to see the serving size and total carbohydrates; “sugar-free” does not automatically mean carbohydrate-free. [2, 3]
Make the Party Table Welcoming
Serve cheese cubes and cucumber rounds with the three snacks. Offer water or an unsweetened drink. A CDC party tip: check all the options, choose favorite treats, and keep portions in mind. [1]
Diabetes needs differ. If you count carbohydrates or use insulin, follow your care team’s plan. These recipes are general ideas, not personal meal or medication advice.
Sources
1. CDC. Buffet Table Tips for People with Diabetes