15 Diabetes Breakfast Recipes: Low-Carb, High-Protein, and More | Milk & Honey Nutrition (2024)

15 Diabetes Breakfast Recipes: Low-Carb, High-Protein, and More | Milk & Honey Nutrition (1)

We’ve rounded up the most delicious and blood sugar friendly diabetes breakfast recipes, we know you’re going to love!

Diabetes breakfast recipes come in all different categories: low carb, high protein, casseroles, smoothies, etc. As a registered dietitian living with diabetes myself, I love having all different kinds of breakfast recipe options.

What to look for in diabetes breakfast recipes

A diabetes friendly breakfast recipe should have the following qualities:

  • Low amount of added sugar
  • >5g fiber
  • 15-20g protein (or more)
  • Moderate amount of fat

For more details on what to include in your morning breakfast, as well as some of my favorite quick breakfast product options, check out .

What breakfast foods stabilize blood sugar

There’s so many different options when it comes to breakfast foods. Some of my favorites to include in diabetes breakfast recipes to help stabilize blood sugars include:

  • Whole grain bread
  • Nut butter
  • Low sugar granola
  • Unsweetened almond milk
  • Cottage cheese
  • Low sugar yogurt
  • Oats
  • Berries
  • Avocado
  • Non-starchy veggies

Breakfast recipes for diabetes

If you prefer to meal prep or fix breakfast the morning of, try some of these great recipes for diabetes breakfast ideas! You’ll find 15 different recipes all perfect for someone with diabetes.

Diabetes breakfast recipes low carb

These breakfasts offer a delicious low carb start to your day.

1. Veggie, Black Bean, & Egg Quesadilla

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Veggie, Black Bean & Egg Quesadilla

This Veggie, Black Bean & Egg Quesadilla is delicious and perfect for breakfast, lunch, or dinner!

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This recipe is so fun to make and uses that viral quesadilla folding hack from a few years ago. The crunch of the tortilla and flavors all work so well together. This recipe contains 20g protein and 7g fiber.

2. Copycat Baked Starbucks Bacon Egg Bites

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Copycat Baked Starbucks Bacon Egg Bites

These baked egg bites are the perfect Copycat Starbucks Egg Bites!

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These are one of the most popular recipes on my website! I usually double the recipe and meal prep them for the week ahead. Each egg bite contains 12g protein.

3. Colorful Mediterranean Omelette with Feta

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Colorful Mediterranean Omelette with Feta

This Mediterranean omelette is stacked high with veggies and delicious flavor!

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I absolutely love a good fluffy omelette. They provide the perfect way to add some veggies into your morning routine like we do in this Mediterranean omelette. Each omelette has 36g protein.

High protein diabetes breakfast recipes

Protein is critical to a diabetes friendly breakfast. Each of these recipes provides 20g protein (or more) per serving.

4. Diabetes-Friendly Sourdough French Toast

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Diabetes-Friendly Sourdough French Toast

This recipe is a diabetes-friendly sourdough French toast that everyone will love!

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Who doesn’t love French toast?? This recipe contains 20g protein per serving. I like serving it with peanut butter and thawed frozen berries.

5. Peaches & Cream Parfaits with Maple Bacon Crumbles

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Peaches & Cream Parfaits with Maple Bacon Crumbles

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This recipe is possibly one of my favorite breakfast recipes of all time. The flavors and textures work quite well together. And, each parfait packs 22g protein.

6. Peanut Butter & Banana Protein Overnight Oats with Kefir

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Peanut Butter & Banana Protein Overnight Oats with Kefir

High protein (21g!) banana peanut butter overnight oats are a delicious balanced breakfast, perfect for keeping you full and satisfied as you start your day!

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These overnight oats make the perfect blood sugar friendly breakfast. And, each bowl provides 21g protein without relying on protein powder.

Diabetes breakfast casseroles

I love breakfast casseroles! Prep one ahead of time on the weekend and you’ve got an easy and simple breakfast ready to go for the whole week.

7. Raspberry Macadamia Nut Overnight French Toast Casserole

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I love this recipe for it’s fun colors and delicious taste. We use coconut cream as an alternative to sweetened condensed milk. It provides less sugar but even more flavor.

8. Caramelized Onion, Apple, and Sweet Potato Overnight Breakfast Bake

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Caramelized Onion, Apple, and Sweet Potato Overnight Breakfast Bake

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This breakfast casserole is perfect for a brisk fall or winter morning. The flavors and textures are great and it’s easy to prepare. Each serving has 27g carbohydrate and 18.5g protein.

9. Sweet Potato Blueberry Sausage Frittata

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Sweet Potato Blueberry Sausage Frittata

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When you think of foods to combine for breakfast, you may not immediately think of sweet potatoes and blueberries. But, I promise you’re going to love this recipe. It’s delicious, blood sugar friendly, low carb, and high in protein.

Diabetes breakfast pastries, baked goods, and oatmeal

Baking is one of my favorite things to do in the kitchen. It’s super easy to whip up some blood sugar friendly baked goods to have on hand for breakfast.

10. Gluten-Free Blueberry Zucchini Muffins

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Gluten-Free Blueberry Zucchini Muffins

These Gluten Free Blueberry Zucchini Muffins are deliciously nutritious and the perfect way to start your day!

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The texture of these muffins is absolutely perfect. Each one packs 6g protein and 3g fiber.

11. Almond Flour Banana Bread with sprinkles

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Almond Flour Banana Bread with Sprinkles

Almond Flour Banana Bread with sprinkles is gluten-free, dairy-free, and can be made vegan. It uses simple ingredients that you probably already have in the pantry!

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Sprinkles just make everything more fun. And, my blood sugars do so well with this recipe! A lot of the time, I double the recipe and make muffins that freeze really well.

12. OatmealChocolate Chip Banana Breakfast Bars

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OatmealChocolate Chip Banana Breakfast Bars

These oatmeal chocolate chip banana breakfast bars have only 7 ingredients and are ready in under 30 minutes!

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This recipe is perfect for kids that need a nutrient dense breakfast option. Each bar has 5g protein and 4g fiber.

13. Easy Gluten-Free Lemon Ricotta Pancakes

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Easy Gluten-Free Lemon Ricotta Pancakes

These Easy Gluten-Free Lemon Ricotta Pancakes have the perfect hint of sweetness and are so easy to make ahead for an easy weekday breakfast!

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These pancakes use one of my favorite ways to add flavor and sweetness without adding sugar: lemon zest! Serve them with nut butter and extra ricotta for the perfect breakfast!

14. Microwavable Chia Seed Almond Milk Oatmeal

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Warm Chia Seed Oatmeal

This Chia Seed Oatmeal recipe is an easy blood sugar balancing breakfast idea anyone can make!

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Chia seeds are an excellent way to add more fiber to your day. Each serving of this oatmeal recipe has 18g fiber! (Note: if you’re not used to consuming larger amounts of fiber, start with a smaller amount of chia seeds and work your way up.)

Diabetes breakfast recipes for smoothies

If you’re looking for delicious smoothie recipes that won’t spike your blood sugar, make sure to check out my post all about blood sugar friendly smoothies!

15. Blood Sugar Friendly Spirulina Smoothie

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Blood Sugar Friendly Spirulina Smoothie

This spirulina smoothie is not only packed with blood sugar balancing nutrients, but it's also equally delicious and pretty to look at. Spirulina's vivid blue-green color comes with some possible health benefits as well!

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This is my favorite smoothie recipe with added blood sugar benefits. It has a super fun color reminds me of the perfect blueberry banana combo. Each smoothie has 10g fiber and 7g protein.

More diabetes breakfast recipes

Want more recipes? Check out the entire blood sugar friendly Breakfast Recipes section we have to offer!

15 Diabetes Breakfast Recipes: Low-Carb, High-Protein, and More | Milk & Honey Nutrition (17)
15 Diabetes Breakfast Recipes: Low-Carb, High-Protein, and More | Milk & Honey Nutrition (2024)

FAQs

What is the healthiest breakfast for a diabetic? ›

Here are 14 great breakfast ideas for people with diabetes.
  1. Eggs. Eggs are delicious, versatile, and a great breakfast choice. ...
  2. Greek yogurt with berries. ...
  3. Overnight chia seed pudding. ...
  4. Oatmeal. ...
  5. Multigrain avocado toast. ...
  6. Low carb smoothies. ...
  7. Wheat bran cereal. ...
  8. Cottage cheese, fruit, and nut bowl.
Nov 4, 2022

How many carbs can a Type 2 diabetic have for breakfast? ›

Most adults with diabetes aim for 45-60 grams of carbs per meal and 15-20 grams per snack. That number may go up or down, depending on how active you are and the medicines you take, so check with your doctor or a registered dietitian. Look at labels. They make counting carbs easy.

What are the 14 best breakfast foods? ›

14 Healthy Breakfast Foods That Help You Lose Weight
  • Eggs.
  • Wheat germ.
  • Bananas.
  • Yogurt.
  • Smoothies.
  • Berries.
  • Grapefruits.
  • Coffee.
Jan 25, 2024

What can I eat for breakfast that won't raise my blood sugar? ›

To keep your blood sugar stable, opt for carb sources that release energy slowly. Oats, whole wheat bread, and fruit, are good choices, dietitian Nichola Ludlam-Raine said. For a protein-packed breakfast, try baked oats, chia pudding, or avocado and eggs on wholegrain toast.

What should a diabetic eat first thing in the morning? ›

“A diabetes-friendly breakfast is one that includes a combination of carbohydrates, protein, and healthy fats in the right proportions, which helps balance blood sugar,” says Al Bochi. A simple diabetes-friendly breakfast she recommends is a plate of eggs and avocado on whole-grain toast.

What is the first thing a diabetic should do in the morning? ›

Testing your blood sugar is an essential part of managing your diabetes. Test your blood sugar first thing in the morning to get a baseline reading for the day. This can help you adjust your diabetes management plan as needed.

Can diabetics eat honey? ›

If you prefer the taste of honey, go ahead and use it. But only use honey in moderation. Be sure to count the carbohydrates in honey as part of your diabetes eating plan.

Is honey good for diabetics? ›

Generally speaking, yes, it's OK to eat honey if you have diabetes. But you should consume it in moderation. Although honey has a lower glycemic index (GI) than table sugar, it still contains sugar. And any type of sugar will raise your blood glucose levels.

What carbs don't spike blood sugar? ›

Whole grains

Whole grains, such as millet or quinoa, can be a better choice than “white grains,” which are high in carbohydrates and can cause blood sugar spikes. Whole grains have higher amounts of fiber, phytochemicals, and nutrients and can help to regulate blood sugar.

What is the world's No 1 healthy breakfast? ›

Oatmeal + fruit + nut butter.

The nut butter adds protein and healthy fats. The fruit tops it off with fiber and vitamins, plus it gives your breakfast a sweet taste. Avoid pre-packed oatmeal mixes that have added sugar and use old-fashioned oats instead.

What is the absolute best thing to eat for breakfast? ›

Here are 10 of the best healthy breakfasts to eat, according to dietitians.
  1. Baked Sweet Potato with Peanut Butter and Sliced Apples or Raisins. ...
  2. Overnight Oats with Chia Seeds and Berries. ...
  3. Lentil Breakfast Bowl. ...
  4. Quinoa Breakfast Bowl. ...
  5. Savory Oatmeal Bowl. ...
  6. Kefir Smoothie. ...
  7. Avocado Toast. ...
  8. Tofu Scramble.
Sep 24, 2023

Which nuts should diabetics avoid? ›

Nuts can make a simple snack. Most are safe to eat raw, and they are available in many grocery stores. People with diabetes should avoid salted varieties.

What are the 5 worst foods for blood sugar? ›

You limit dairy products, red meat, sweets, added sugars, sodium (salt), and highly processed foods. Some additional guidelines include focusing on seasonal produce and reading food labels to help you avoid added sodium and sugar.

What are the three meals for diabetics? ›

Eating a carbohydrate-rich breakfast followed by a substantial lunch and a small dinner — the so-called "three-meal diet" (3Mdiet) — promotes weight loss and significantly improves glucose control in type 2 diabetes, a randomized, controlled trial suggests.

What is the best breakfast for a type 2 diabetic? ›

Tasty, Diabetes-Friendly Breakfast Ideas
  • Eat a Healthy Breakfast. 1/13. It's often called the most important meal of the day. ...
  • Overnight Oatmeal. 2/13. ...
  • Nut Butter and Fruit. 3/13. ...
  • Egg Sandwich. 4/13. ...
  • Greek Yogurt Parfait. 5/13. ...
  • Sweet Potato and Chicken Sausage Hash. 6/13. ...
  • Vegetable Omelet. 7/13. ...
  • Savory Oatmeal. 8/13.

How many eggs should a diabetic eat in the morning? ›

How Many Eggs Can People With Type 2 Diabetes Eat? Both research and health experts indicate that individuals living with type 2 diabetes, or at risk of developing type 2 diabetes, can include between 6 - 12 eggs per week as part of an overall healthy diet. So you can enjoy up to 2 eggs, 6 times a week.

Is a banana a good breakfast for a diabetic? ›

For most people with diabetes, fruits — including bananas — are a healthy choice. However, some people who are following low carb diets need to watch their total carbohydrate intake to stay within their daily carb allotment. This means foods higher in carbs, including bananas, have to be limited on low carb diets.

What food can diabetics eat freely? ›

Here are some examples of free foods for diabetics, as outlined by a committee of the American Diabetes Association and the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics:
  • Carbonated water.
  • 1 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder.
  • Coffee or tea.
  • 1 cup raw cabbage.
  • Hard, sugar-free candy.
  • 1 cup raw cucumber.
  • 2 tablespoons whipped topping.
Jul 13, 2007

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