Muffins can be a fun addition to breakfast or a welcome snack during the day, even for people with diabetes. These diabetic-friendly muffins are all about 30g carbs or less per muffin.
21 Diabetic-Friendly Muffin Recipes
Updated on Feb. 21, 2023
Favorite Banana Chip Muffins
These banana chocolate chip muffins are one of the first things my husband gets hungry for when he’s home from deployment. I make sure to have the overripe bananas ready. They’re a family tradition. —Kimberly Duda, Sanford, North Carolina
1/21
2/21
Whole Wheat Blueberry Muffins
Total Time
35 min
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.
3/21
Oatmeal Muffin
Total Time
35 min
Servings
1 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
With Kansas being one of the top wheat-producing states, it seems only fitting to share a recipe containing whole wheat flour. These are great muffins to have for breakfast or a late night snack with a cup of hot cocoa. —Regina Stock, Topeka, Kansas
Nutrition Facts:
1 muffin: 192 calories, 7g fat (1g saturated fat), 32mg cholesterol, 202mg sodium, 30g carbohydrate (14g sugars, 2g fiber), 4g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 starch, 1-1/2 fat.
4/21
Ginger Pear Muffins
Total Time
45 min
Servings
1-1/2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
This wonderful recipe has been in my files for years. The chunks of fresh pear make each bite moist and delicious. —Lorraine Caland, Thunder Bay, Ontario
Nutrition Facts:
1 muffin: 174 calories, 5g fat (1g saturated fat), 13mg cholesterol, 162mg sodium, 30g carbohydrate (16g sugars, 1g fiber), 3g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 starch, 1 fat.
5/21
Lemon Meringue Muffins
Total Time
50 min
Servings
1 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
These muffins taste like a favorite pie of mine. The meringue adds a unique flavor.—Nancy Kearney, Massillon, Ohio
Nutrition Facts:
1 muffin: 188 calories, 7g fat (4g saturated fat), 52mg cholesterol, 135mg sodium, 28g carbohydrate (18g sugars, 0 fiber), 4g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 starch, 1 fat.
6/21
Chocolate Chocolate Chip Muffins
Total Time
40 min
Servings
32 muffins
From the Recipe Creator:
The title says it all! I use whole wheat flour and applesauce to make the muffins lighter without sacrificing any flavor. We make these chocolate chocolate chip muffins for breakfast at the school where I work. —Theresa Harrington, Sheridan, Wyoming
Nutrition Facts:
1 muffin: 161 calories, 3g fat (1g saturated fat), 7mg cholesterol, 150mg sodium, 31g carbohydrate (18g sugars, 2g fiber), 3g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 starch, 1 fat.
7/21
Corn Muffins
Total Time
35 min
Servings
1 dozen (1/2 cup butter)
From the Recipe Creator:
These tender corn muffins are the cream of the crop! Tender and moist, the muffins get a pleasing hint of sweetness from the easy homemade honey butter.
—Angela Lively
Baxter, Tennessee
Nutrition Facts:
1 muffin with 2 teaspoons butter: 256 calories, 15g fat (6g saturated fat), 56mg cholesterol, 372mg sodium, 27g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 1g fiber), 4g protein.
8/21
Herb & Sun-Dried Tomato Muffins
Total Time
40 min
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.
9/21
Granola Blueberry Muffins
Total Time
35 min
Servings
1 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
I wanted to put a new spin on muffins, so I mixed in some granola that contained lots of nuts, pumpkin seeds and shredded coconut. Then I brought a batch to work the next morning—success!—Megan Weiss, Menomonie, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 muffin: 188 calories, 7g fat (1g saturated fat), 18mg cholesterol, 251mg sodium, 28g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 4g fiber), 6g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 starch, 1 fat.
We’ve rounded up some of our favorite blueberry muffin recipes.
10/21
Muffin-Tin Tamale Cakes
Total Time
45 min
Servings
2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
We needed snack inspiration beyond peanut butter and jelly. These muffin tamales have all of the flavor of tamales without the fuss. Pair with skewered fruit. —Suzanne Clark, Phoenix, Arizona
Nutrition Facts:
1 muffin: 137 calories, 5g fat (2g saturated fat), 28mg cholesterol, 313mg sodium, 18g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 2g fiber), 7g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 starch, 1 lean meat.
11/21
Java Muffins
Total Time
30 min
Servings
1 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
If you love your morning java like I do, get a double dose by paring this crunchy pecan-topped muffin with your favorite hot cup of Joe. They travel well and are ideal to take to work—for that mid-morning coffee break, of course. —Zainab Ahmed, Mountlake Terrace, Washington
Nutrition Facts:
1 muffin: 220 calories, 9g fat (3g saturated fat), 46mg cholesterol, 209mg sodium, 33g carbohydrate (19g sugars, 2g fiber), 4g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 starch, 1-1/2 fat.
12/21
Feta ‘n’ Chive Muffins
Total Time
35 min
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.
13/21
Blackberry Fruit Muffins
Total Time
35 min
Servings
1 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
Take advantage of delicious summer blackberries by adding them to these muffins. They are very easy to prepare and disappear as soon as they are served.—Candy Woelk, Lexington, Missouri
Nutrition Facts:
1 muffin: 156 calories, 5g fat (3g saturated fat), 30mg cholesterol, 184mg sodium, 25g carbohydrate (10g sugars, 1g fiber), 3g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1-1/2 starch, 1 fat.
14/21
Pumpkin Banana Muffins
Total Time
35 min
Servings
15 muffins
From the Recipe Creator:
These pumpkin banana muffins are the perfect bite-sized snack for fall. —Desiree Rasch, Blue Springs, Missouri
Nutrition Facts:
1 muffin: 153 calories, 5g fat (1g saturated fat), 28mg cholesterol, 262mg sodium, 25g carbohydrate (11g sugars, 2g fiber), 3g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1-1/2 starch, 1/2 fat.
15/21
Cranberry Orange Muffins
Total Time
35 min
Servings
1 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
These nice, light muffins, studded with cranberries, have a splash of orange flavor. They're so simple to fix, my husband and I each enjoy one for breakfast almost every morning. —Sara Eichenlaub, Burlington, Ontario
Nutrition Facts:
1 muffin: 153 calories, 5g fat (1g saturated fat), 18mg cholesterol, 175mg sodium, 24g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 3g fiber), 3g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1-1/2 starch, 1 fat.
16/21
Healthy Avocado Pineapple Muffins
Total Time
40 min
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.
17/21
Chocolate Banana Bran Muffins
Total Time
25 min
Servings
1 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
So easy to make, these treats are healthy but still satisfy my chocolate-loving family. Stir in raisin bran instead of bran flakes for a little extra flavorful fun. —Tracy Chappell, Hamiota, Manitoba
Nutrition Facts:
1 muffin: 169 calories, 7g fat (1g saturated fat), 35mg cholesterol, 278mg sodium, 24g carbohydrate (12g sugars, 2g fiber), 3g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1-1/2 starch, 1-1/2 fat.
18/21
Blueberry-Bran Muffins
Total Time
45 min
Servings
1-1/2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
I created this recipe by trial and error. I've only had one outstanding bran muffin at a restaurant, and wanted to come up with a awesome one to make myself. These are moist, healthy, not too sweet and so tasty! Full of grains and fruits.—Nancy, Rens, Prescott, Arizona
Nutrition Facts:
1 muffin: 155 calories, 2g fat (0 saturated fat), 12mg cholesterol, 166mg sodium, 33g carbohydrate (17g sugars, 2g fiber), 3g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 starch.
19/21
Baked Blueberry Cornmeal Muffins
Total Time
35 min
Servings
1 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
When I bring treats to share with the staff at my school, I try to keep most of the goodies healthy. These moist muffins definitely are, and the cornmeal adds an interesting texture. —Elizabeth Bergeron, Denver, Colorado
Nutrition Facts:
1 muffin: 185 calories, 6g fat (1g saturated fat), 36mg cholesterol, 251mg sodium, 30g carbohydrate (12g sugars, 2g fiber), 4g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 starch, 1 fat.
20/21
Tender Whole Wheat Muffins
Total Time
30 min
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.
21/21
Apple-Almond Muffins
Total Time
35 min
Servings
15 muffins
From the Recipe Creator:
I like to snack on apple slices slathered with almond butter. That's the flavor combo that inspired these muffins. Add a dash of almond extract to boost the nuttiness. —Kelly Alesso, Chicago, IL
Nutrition Facts:
1 muffin: 168 calories, 8g fat (1g saturated fat), 16mg cholesterol, 189mg sodium, 22g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 2g fiber), 5g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1-1/2 starch, 1 fat.
