Low Carb Chocolate Peanut Butter Protein Bars | Diabetic Friendly

Peanut Butter Low Carb Protein Bars. Coming in at about 10 grams carbs & protein per bar – these are perfect for diabetics & carb counters.  

First you should know, I definitely haven’t jumped on some New Year’s “low carb” bandwagon.  I love all bread & baked carb goodness and that will never, ever, EVER change.

That being said, I have a diabetic in my family and have been trying to create healthier baked goods, snacks & meals that everyone can enjoy.

I have a lot to learn about diabetic cooking, but I’m embracing it for those I love and I’m on my way.  I was fortunate enough to attend classes at Einstein Medical with a dietitian who has 15+ years of serious knowledge & experience in nutrition for diabetics.

Here’s a reminder – sugar is sugar.  I’ve talked about this before when it comes to fad diets and such – but again – sugar is sugar.  Be it granulated sugar, turbinado sugar, coconut sugar, maple syrup, honey, agave, applesauce, molasses – whatever – it all translates to sugar when consumed.

A diabetics challenge is eating the right balance of carbohydrates, proteins & fiber.  It isn’t a game of cutting out carbs – eliminating or eating too little will causes as many problems as eating too many.  The goal is to eat nutritious, well balanced meals.  Obviously carb counting is a must when diabetic.  It’s tricky.  You’d think going whole grain all around would be the solution.  It is & it isn’t.  It’s complicated.

Anyhow.  I’ve spent far too much time reading nutrition labels in grocery stores, trying to find the best of the best.  Protein bars are a tricky one.  I haven’t found any yet with under 15 grams of carbs and a decent amount of protein.  Lucky for us all, creating one at home takes only minutes to mix up.

This bar comes in at about 10 grams of carbs & protein.  It’s perfect as is and I whole heartily suggest making the recipe as is.  If you find yourself wanting just a little bit more, you could spread a teaspoon of peanut butter on top or add a few chocolate chips to each cut bar as needed.

The protein powder you use here is key.  The protein powder I use contains 8 grams carbs & 27 grams protein per scoop / 36 grams.  You’ll find protein powders with lower carbs & much higher carbs.  Pay attention and read labels.

I use unsweetened almond milk in this recipe.  You can use any milk you like but it will add to the carb count.  Unsweetened almond milk has less than 1 carb per serving – it’s something diabetics should definitely work into their diets.

Enough is enough on nutrition talk.  Go ahead and try the protein bars.  The texture of raw coconut flour may take a little getting used to but is really worth working into your diet.  It’s loaded with all the things you want and less of the things you don’t 😉

Thanks for stopping by!  Happy eating!

-Amanda-

Chocolate Peanut Butter Protein Bars | Diabetic Friendly

Amanda

Peanut Butter Low Carb Protein Bars. Made with coconut flour - perfect for diabetics & carb counters.

5 from 3 votes

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Prep Time 2 hrs

Cook Time 5 mins

Total Time 2 hrs 5 mins

Course diabetic, healthy(ish)

Servings 9 bars

Ingredients

  

• 1 cup raw organic coconut flour
• 2 scoops chocolate or chocolate peanut butter protein powder 36 grams each scoop
• 3 tablespoon coconut oil solid then melted
• 1/2 cup +1 tablespoon unsweetened almond milk
• 4 tablespoon peanut butter
• 1 tablespoon cocoa powder

Instructions

 

• Combine all ingredients in a food processor.
• Process until completely combined, stopping once or twice to scrape sides.
• Taste. If mixture is too dry for you - add an additional 1-2 tablespoon of almond milk. Additional peanut butter can be added but it will change the carb & protein totals.
• Line a 8" or 9" square pan with wax paper.
• Transfer mixture to pan - spread/pat down with a spatula into an even layer.
• Refrigerate for a few hours. Remove wax paper from pan and cut protein bars into 9 pieces - I use a pizza cutter.
• Store protein bars covered in fridge. I enjoy these bars as is - but if you feel you need a little more - spread a bit of peanut butter and a pinch of chocolate chips on top.