Blood Sugar Bombs: Everyday Foods to Watch Out For

Lisette Marie

51. Shelf-Stable "Diet" Pudding Cups

Indulgent assortment of colorful mousse desserts beautifully presented on a wooden board. Photo Credit: Pexels @Denys Gromov

Convenient, shelf-stable, sugar-free pudding cups are a stealthy pitfall. While they avoid obvious sugar, they are thickened and stabilized with fast-digesting starches like modified corn starch, tapioca starch, and maltodextrin. These highly processed ingredients provide the bulk and creamy texture needed to compensate for the missing sugar and fat. This concentrated dose of refined starch (even if low-calorie) can quickly convert to glucose upon consumption, causing an unexpected spike. Always check the carbohydrate count and look for high-glycemic starches hidden in the ingredient list.

52. Savory Crackers (The Refined Starch Base)

A rustic food platter with meats, bread, and fruits is elegantly displayed on a decorative table setting. Photo Credit: Pexels @Tara Winstead

Savory crackers (like water crackers, butter crackers, or sandwich crackers) are often consumed mindlessly but are typically made from highly refined white or bleached wheat flour with minimal fiber. This flour base guarantees a quick conversion to glucose. Furthermore, many contain small amounts of hidden sweeteners to improve palatability and browning. Since they offer virtually no protein or fiber, consuming a handful sends an immediate signal for insulin release, similar to eating a dessert. For stable blood sugar, choose crackers made from whole nuts, seeds, or high-fiber flours.

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51. Shelf-Stable "Diet" Pudding Cups

52. Savory Crackers (The Refined Starch Base)

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