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Evening Standard
Evening Standard
Saskia Kemsley

Best Easter eggs for diabetics: Top picks that don't spike sugar levels

For diabetics, by the time Easter rolls around, it’s easy to feel a sense of FOMO when it comes to indulging in sweet treats ranging from chocolate eggs to sticky hot cross buns. Yet according to Diabetes UK, it’s a myth that diabetics can’t enjoy a little bit of sweetness over the Easter holidays.

No matter whether you have Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes, the key to managing the insulin-related disease maintaining a healthy, balanced diet. That means having a little bit of everything – fats, oils and sugars, proteins, fibre, carbohydrates, fruits and vegetables – dotted throughout your general diet and daily mealtimes. If you’ve been newly diagnosed and are unsure of where to start, there are a myriad of fantastic cookbooks written by diabetics, for diabetics, to help guide your new dietary journey.

Eating chocolate in moderation is just fine, but eating a hearty serving in one go will cause your blood sugar levels to spike. Diabetes UK suggests opting for good quality dark chocolate, with 70 per cent cocoa being the best. Due to its stronger, more bitter taste, it’s also more likely that you’ll eat less of it. Think of it this way: eating a lot of chocolate isn’t good for anyone. In being diabetic, you’re far less likely to over-indulge, and you’ll feel better off for it in the long haul.

The charity additionally says to always read the labels on all types of chocolate to understand the concentration of carbohydrates, so you can adjust your insulin levels accordingly (for those with Type 1). This is because when you eat carbohydrates, your body breaks them down into glucose, which in turn raises blood sugar levels.

No matter what kind of sweet treat you choose to sample over the Easter holidays, it’s important to stay active. Go for a long walk with your family or help the kiddos in their Easter egg hunt. Healthy exercise helps to increase your insulin sensitivity, which allows the body's cells to use blood glucose more effectively – in turn reducing blood sugar.

It’s also important to note that it’s against the law to label chocolate as ‘diabetic’ or ‘suitable for diabetics’. All chocolate is high in saturated fat and calories, which means that there isn’t really such thing as a healthy alternative. Dark chocolate is the better choice, though, as it’s rich in antioxidants, minerals, and fibre, and generally contains less sugar.

We’ve rounded up the best Easter eggs for diabetics to enjoy over the holidays below.

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Hotel Chocolat Dark Chocolate Big City Easter Bunny

Made with 70 per cent cocoa, this lovely not-so-little bunny may be made with an impressive concentration of dark chocolate, but it’s imbued with a surprisingly mild and moreish taste. The mellow flavour is perfect for those looking to indulge in a bite or two of sweetness this Easter, without too much bitterness.

Buy now £11.95, Hotel Chocolat

Valentino Chocolatier Belgium Sugarfree Dark Chocolate Egg

Brussels-based Valentino Chocolatier is home to a vast array of indulgent sugar-free dark chocolate eggs for Easter. Instead of sugar, an alternative known as Maltitol is used, which has a lower glycaemic index and slower absorption than regular sugar – which can result in a milder impact on blood glucose levels. Soft, rich, and filled with hazelnut cream – this is a firm choice for diabetics this spring.

Buy now £12.09, Valentino Belgium

Lindt Easter Gold Bunny Dark Chocolate

Complete with its signature jingle bell and bow, did you know that the classic Lindt Easter Gold Bunny also comes in 60 per cent dark chocolate? Made with the finest Swiss ingredients, this treat makes the perfect Easter gift for those who prefer not to indulge in milk chocolate.

Buy now £5.50, Ocado

Hotel Chocolat 70% Dark Chocolate Easter Egg 150g

Not only is this dark chocolate Easter egg from Hotel Chocolat made from a whopping 70 per cacao, but it’s also entirely vegan. Spread across the smooth dark chocolate is creamy white chocolate and a vibrant yellow yolk for a festive Easter touch.

Buy now £11.95, Hotel Chocolat

Melt Sugar Free Milk Chocolate Easter Egg

Satisfy your festive cravings with the help of Melt’s cult-favourite, sugar-free chocolate Easter egg – which is free from refined sugar and crafted to perfection with the help of Maltitol.

Buy now £34.99, Melt

M&S Collection Extra Thick Dark Chocolate & Blond Egg

This 64 per cent dark chocolate egg from M&S features delectable caramel pieces and honeycomb, with a layer of salted white chocolate and caramelised sugar truffle. Indulgent, but perfect for sharing.

Buy now £20.00, Ocado

The Chocolate Garden of Ireland 300g Easter Egg

Gluten-free, free from added sugar and void of any artificial preservatives, sweeteners or hydrogenated fats – this is the ultimate creamy chocolate egg for the health-conscious this Easter.

Buy now £21.17, The Chocolate Garden

Cox&Co 60% Dark Chocolate + Bee Pollen & Honey Easter Egg

All-natural and 100 per cent sustainable, Cox & Co’s delectable Easter eggs are a true guilt-free treat. This option features an impressive 60 per cent Colombian cacao which is suitable for vegetarians. Plus, that sprinkling of local bee pollen might just help to alleviate your hayfever symptoms.

Buy now £15.00, Amazon

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