Find a variety of smart bread choices for people with diabetes. From muffins and loaves to flatbread and cornbread, there’s something for everyone in this dietitian-approved recipe collection.
20 Diabetic-Friendly Bread Recipes
Updated on Feb. 21, 2023
Chapati Breads
My daughter and I prepare this Indian flatbread frequently. It is so fun to make and goes well with any spiced dish. We use the extras to make sandwich wraps. —Joyce McCarthy, Sussex, Wisconsin
1/19
2/19
Yogurt Cornbread
Total Time
30 mins
Servings
9 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My husband doesn't like traditional Texas cornbread, so I came up with this recipe. This is the only kind he'll eat. Yogurt makes this variation different from most. —Amanda Andrews of Mansfield, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 157 calories, 7g fat (1g saturated fat), 24mg cholesterol, 349mg sodium, 20g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 1g fiber), 4g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1-1/2 starch, 1 fat.
3/19
Healthy Avocado Pineapple Muffins
Total Time
40 mins
Servings
1 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
These healthy muffins are a real treat for breakfast, lunch or a coffee break. The avocado adds an extra-special touch. They are delicious served warm from the oven, and they also freeze well. The muffins would be a nice touch for breakfast on St. Patrick’s Day. —Joan Hallford, North Richland Hills, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
1 muffin: 208 calories, 10g fat (1g saturated fat), 47mg cholesterol, 190mg sodium, 26g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 2g fiber), 5g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 fat, 1-1/2 starch.
4/19
Wild Rice Bread with Sunflower Seeds
Total Time
70 mins
Servings
2 loaves (16 slices each)
From the Recipe Creator:
I loved skipping the boring school cafeteria meals and going to my grandma’s house for lunch. She spent most of her life in northeastern Minnesota, which is reflected in this bread's ingredients. Now my family uses this for our holiday stuffing. —Crystal Schlueter, Northglenn, Colorado
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece (calculated without wheat germ): 142 calories, 4g fat (1g saturated fat), 4mg cholesterol, 205mg sodium, 23g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 2g fiber), 4g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1-1/2 starch, 1/2 fat.
5/19
Socca
Total Time
10 mins
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Socca is a traditional flatbread from Nice, France. It's a common street food, cooked on a grill and served in a paper cone, usually chopped and sprinkled with salt, pepper or other delicious toppings. Bonus: It's gluten free. — Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 wedge: 113 calories, 6g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 298mg sodium, 12g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 3g fiber), 4g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 fat, 1/2 starch.
6/19
Tender Whole Wheat Rolls
Total Time
50 mins
Servings
2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
Even though these are whole wheat rolls they have a light texture and are soft and tender. This recipe reminds me of lots of happy meals with my family.—Wilma Orlano, Carroll, Iowa
Nutrition Facts:
1 roll: 120 calories, 3g fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 149mg sodium, 22g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 2g fiber), 4g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1-1/2 starch, 1/2 fat.
7/19
Feta ‘n’ Chive Muffins
Total Time
35 mins
Servings
1 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
This is a spring variation on the savory muffins my husband has made for years. It has a light texture almost like a popover and tastes best eaten hot right from the oven. —Angela Buchanan, Boulder, Colorado
Nutrition Facts:
1 muffin: 105 calories, 4g fat (2g saturated fat), 39mg cholesterol, 250mg sodium, 13g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 4g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 starch, 0.500 fat.
8/19
Tomato Focaccia
Total Time
50 mins
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
With its medley of herbs and tomatoes, this rustic bread will liven up any occasion, whether it’s a family dinner or a game-day get-together. It never lasts long! —Janet Miller, Indianapolis, Indiana
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 112 calories, 3g fat (1g saturated fat), 2mg cholesterol, 320mg sodium, 18g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 3g protein. Diabetic exchanges: 1 starch, 1/2 fat.
9/19
Applesauce Cinnamon Bread
Total Time
70 mins
Servings
1 loaf (16 pieces)
From the Recipe Creator:
This whole wheat apple cinnamon bread recipe contains quite a bit of applesauce, which provides natural sweetness so you use less sugar. As a bonus, it also allows for a minimal amount of oil to be used. —Sherry Craw, Mattoon, Illinois
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 142 calories, 4g fat (1g saturated fat), 23mg cholesterol, 179mg sodium, 24g carbohydrate (12g sugars, 1g fiber), 3g protein.
Diabetic Exchanges: 1-1/2 starch, 1/2 fat.
10/19
Sour Cream-Leek Biscuits
Servings
about 1 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
These biscuits are a wonderful pairing for soups. I've made them with all-purpose white flour as well as whole wheat, and both work equally well. —Bonnie Appleton, Canterbury, Connecticut
Nutrition Facts:
1 biscuit: 166 calories, 7g fat (4g saturated fat), 20mg cholesterol, 241mg sodium, 20g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 3g fiber), 4g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1-1/2 fat, 1 starch.
11/19
Pumpkin Oatmeal Muffins
Total Time
35 mins
Servings
1-1/2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
It isn't considered Thanksgiving or Christmas in my house until these are on the table. Enjoy the flavors of pumpkin pie in easy-to-eat muffin form. &mdashCarol Hale, Sarver, Pennsylvania
Nutrition Facts:
1 muffin: 138 calories, 5g fat (1g saturated fat), 12mg cholesterol, 151mg sodium, 23g carbohydrate (13g sugars, 1g fiber), 2g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1-1/2 starch, 1 fat.
Also, check out these other diabetic pumpkin recipes.
12/19
Zucchini Carrot Bread
Total Time
55 mins
Servings
2 loaves (12 pieces each)
From the Recipe Creator:
When my husband was diagnosed with diabetes, many of the treats he enjoyed were off-limits. This moist, flavorful bread satisfies his sweet tooth—and I like it, too. —Edna Bright, Paris, Illinois
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 90 calories, 1g fat (0 saturated fat), 16mg cholesterol, 145mg sodium, 19g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 1g fiber), 2g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 starch.
13/19
Whole Wheat Blueberry Muffins
Total Time
35 mins
Servings
1-1/2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
Whole wheat flour gives nutritious flair to these healthy blueberry muffins. Fresh from the oven, they’ll warm you up on cold, winter days. —Sheila Siem, Calumet, Michigan
Nutrition Facts:
1 muffin: 158 calories, 7g fat (1g saturated fat), 24mg cholesterol, 167mg sodium, 21g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 1g fiber), 3g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1-1/2 starch, 1 fat.
14/19
Herb Quick Bread
Total Time
55 mins
Servings
1 loaf (16 pieces)
From the Recipe Creator:
This simple bread is especially good with soups and stews, but slices are also tasty alongside fresh green salads. The herbs make it a flavorful treat any time of the year. —Donna Roberts, Manhattan, Kansas
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 147 calories, 5g fat (1g saturated fat), 12mg cholesterol, 160mg sodium, 21g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 1g fiber), 3g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1-1/2 starch, 1 fat.
15/19
Tender Whole Wheat Muffins
Servings
10 muffins
From the Recipe Creator:
Simple whole wheat muffins are wonderful paired with soup or spread with a little jam for breakfast. —Kristine Chayes, Smithtown, NY
Nutrition Facts:
1 muffin: 152 calories, 5g fat (3g saturated fat), 35mg cholesterol, 393mg sodium, 22g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 2g fiber), 5g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1-1/2 starch, 1 fat.
16/19
Herb & Sun-Dried Tomato Muffins
Total Time
40 mins
Servings
1 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
Mom served these muffins instead of bread or buns. Now I make them to serve with soup or chili. — Betsy King, Duluth, Minnesota
Nutrition Facts:
1 muffin: 161 calories, 8g fat (2g saturated fat), 25mg cholesterol, 277mg sodium, 18g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 1g fiber), 5g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1-1/2 fat, 1 starch.
17/19
Flaky Whole Wheat Biscuits
Servings
10 biscuits
From the Recipe Creator:
Whole wheat flour gives these biscuits a nutty, homey flavor. Ever since I started making these, white flour biscuits just don't taste as good! Pair them with soup or slather them with whipped cream and sweetened berries for a dessert treat. —Trisha Kruse, Eagle, Idaho
Nutrition Facts:
1 biscuit: 144 calories, 6g fat (3g saturated fat), 14mg cholesterol, 417mg sodium, 21g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 2g fiber), 4g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1-1/2 starch, 1 fat.
18/19
Sunflower Seed & Honey Wheat Bread
Total Time
75 mins
Servings
3 loaves (12 pieces each)
From the Recipe Creator:
I've tried other bread recipes, but this one is a staple in our home. I won $50 in a bake-off with a loaf that I had stored in the freezer. —Mickey Turner, Grants Pass, Oregon
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 125 calories, 4g fat (1g saturated fat), 3mg cholesterol, 212mg sodium, 19g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 3g fiber), 4g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 starch, 1 fat.
19/19
Sun-Dried Tomato Focaccia
Total Time
120 mins
Servings
2 loaves (8 pieces each)
From the Recipe Creator:
This bread looks inviting and doesn’t disappoint when you take a bite. The sun-dried tomatoes and red onions give it an extra-special appearance, making it fit for any celebratory meal. —Kathy Katz, Ocala, Florida
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 135 calories, 3g fat (1g saturated fat), 1mg cholesterol, 247mg sodium, 23g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 3g fiber), 4g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1-1/2 starch, 1/2 fat.
