Easter is a time for family, friends, new beginnings, and you guessed it ... chocolate.
On this page we cover:
- Can I eat Easter eggs?
- Should I buy diabetic chocolate?
- Top Easter tips if you have diabetes
- Easter recipe ideas
As Easter only comes once a year, don’t worry about the odd one or two high blood sugar levels, as these will not affect your long-term health or general diabetes management.
If you are fasting for Lent, or following a vegetarian diet over Easter we have support to help you stay healthy, including vegetarian tips for diabetes and a vegetarian meal plan.
Read on for more advice on managing diabetes at Easter, plus some tasty Easter recipe suggestions.
At other times, making healthy food swaps - such as swapping foods high in saturated fat, sugar and salt like crisps, biscuits and chocolate for unsweetened yoghurts, unsalted nuts, seeds, fruits and vegetables - will help you manage your diabetes and reduce your risk of long-term complications.
Can I eat Easter eggs?
It’s a myth that you can’t eat chocolate if you have diabetes.
You can still enjoy small amounts as an occasional treat, especially at times like Easter, as part of a healthy, balanced diet.
Eat it in moderation and try not to eat a lot in one go, as this will affect your blood sugar levels.
Spread your Easter chocolate over a few days rather than eating it all at once. Of course, some people with diabetes may actually prefer an alternative Easter present such as flowers, fruit or a book, so it’s worth checking. You can find some great gift ideas in our online shop, for example.
Should I buy ‘diabetic’ chocolate?
To describe a food as “diabetic” is against the law. This is because there is no evidence that these products offer any special benefit over eating healthily.
Also, 'diabetic' chocolate is often more expensive than the regular chocolate versions. So we do not recommend 'diabetic' Easter eggs. It’s best to choose regular chocolate and eat a smaller portion.
‘Diabetic’ chocolate is just as high in saturated fat and calories as ordinary chocolate, so is still not a healthy option for your heart or for helping you to maintain a healthier weight.
Sometimes the type of sweetener (polyols) used to replace sugar in ‘diabetic’ chocolate and Easter eggs can have a laxative effect. It will still contain carbohydrates so can still raise blood sugar levels. It is important to check the food label and people who are taking insulin and carbohydrate counting should be mindful that they may need less insulin as not all the carbohydrates from polyols are absorbed.
Top Easter tips
- Try choosing good-quality dark chocolate (for example, with around 70% cocoa or higher). It has a stronger taste than milk chocolate, so you may find you eat a smaller amount. Decide how much you are going to eat and put the rest of the chocolate away, out of reach. This should help prevent you from having 'just one more piece' and eating more than you planned too.
- If you carb count, read the labels for carb content to help you decide your insulin levels.
- Try and get active, for example by going on a long walk with the family. This will increase your sensitivity to insulin which will help to keep your blood sugars in your target range.
Some of our Facebook followers share their top tips:
- Teapot Diabetic: "Don't be discouraged when your blood glucose levels go haywire. Diabetes is a marathon not a race."
- Gemma: "If you miscount and end up a bit higher than you want, don't beat yourself up, no one is perfect all the time!"
- Rachel: "Eating half a ton of chocolate in one go isn't good for anyone, so probably best to not eat all of your Easter eggs all at once anyway!"
- Julie G: "For Easter egg hunts the prize doesn't all have to be chocolate. For children, try pencil cases filled with things like keyrings and toys. For adults, you could find a plastic egg and fill it with perfume or jewellery."
- Catherine: "Don't buy 'diabetic' Easter eggs. They have a nasty effect on the guts. Have some normal choc and enjoy."
- Amber: "Don't get carried away with the diabetic chocolate it might seem like a good idea but it doesn’t taste too great and too much of it acts as a laxative."
- Simon: "If you get the sugar free chocolate and you want to eat it, remember to read the warnings about excessive consumption."
Read more about chocolate and diabetes.
Our favourite Easter recipes
Lamb fillet with spiced lentil pilaf
This mouth-watering recipe combines tender lamb with spiced lentils, beans, peppers, and a fresh herb pistou, creating a colourful, flavour-packed dish. Easy to prepare and full of texture, it provides a good source of protein, fibre, and three of your five-a-day — perfect for a healthy Easter celebration.
Extra-fruity hot cross buns
These hot cross buns are made with wholemeal flour and extra fruit, including apple and banana. They are a bit more dense than shop-bought ones but they have more fibre and all the traditional flavour. As with any leavened bread it takes a little time, but you can get on with other things while the dough is rising.
Egg Florentine tartlets
Eggs have always been associated with spring celebrations, and this vibrant Egg Florentine tartlet brings that tradition to life. Crisp, golden filo cases are filled with creamy spinach, light cheese and nutmeg, then topped with quail’s eggs that bake perfectly for a light lunch or brunch. Although children today hunt for chocolate eggs, the egg still remains a fundamental part of Easter.
Easter biscuits
Often associated with the West Country, these Easter biscuits were traditionally eaten on Easter Sunday. Smaller than traditional biscuits, they are made with wholemeal flour for added fibre, lightly spiced, and tender in texture. Rapeseed oil replaces butter to reduce saturated fat, and sugar is reduced, making them a slightly healthier Easter treat.
