Peanut brittle is a type of hard sugar candy embedded with peanuts. Besides the peanuts, peanut brittle offers almost no nutritional value and is filled with empty calories. However, with careful planning, you may safely enjoy small portions of peanut brittle on a diabetic diet. Keep in mind that peanut brittle and other sweets should only be eaten on rare occasions, as a special treat.
Sugar
According to the American Diabetes Association, you do not have to completely eliminate added sugar from your diet. In terms of your blood glucose levels, the most important thing is to monitor your total carbohydrate intake. This is because your blood glucose levels are affected more by the total amount of carbohydrate you consume than by the type. This means that you can substitute a small amount of peanut brittle for another carbohydrate-containing food in your meal. The American Diabetes Association recommends that you consume about 45g to 60 g of total carbohydrates per meal. A serving size of about 1 oz. of peanut brittle contains about 18 g of carbohydrates.
Artificial Sweetener
You can purchase special no-sugar-added peanut brittle or you can make your own. Unlike sugar, artificial sweeteners do not contain carbohydrate or calories. However, don't forget that desserts made with artificial sweetener may contain just as many carbohydrates and calories, if not more, than the original versions made with sugar. A serving of one brand of commercial sugar-free peanut brittle contains 24 g of carbohydrates and 140 calories, as well as 2.5 g of saturated fat. So check nutrition labels carefully. If you make your own peanut brittle with artificial sweeteners, choose among the five approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration: acesulfame potassium, aspartame, saccharin, sucralose and neotame. You could also use stevia, a natural sugar substitute.
Peanuts
Nuts, including peanuts, are considered a diabetes superfood. Peanuts are an excellent source of fiber, magnesium, protein and healthy fat. The typical serving size of nuts is 1 oz. One serving of raw peanuts contains approximately 161 calories, 2.4 g of fiber, 48 mg of magnesium, 7.31 g of protein and 6.92 g of monounsaturated fatty acids. Low in carbohydrates, peanuts support healthy blood glucose levels. This does not mean, however, that peanut brittle and other candies that contain peanuts make healthy choices on a diabetic diet.
Considerations
Peanut brittle is first and foremost a high-calorie candy. If you love the taste of peanuts and are in the mood for something sweet, you can enjoy healthy alternatives to peanut brittle. For instance, try preparing oatmeal with whole rolled oats and nonfat milk. Add 1 tbsp. of peanut butter and a packet of artificial sweetener. Or make a smoothie with 1 cup of plain nonfat yogurt, 1 small banana, and 1 tbsp. of finely chopped raw peanuts.
References
- American Diabetes Association: Food and Fitness -- Sugar and Desserts
- USDA National Nutrient Database for Standard Reference: Candies, Peanut Brittle, Prepared from Recipe
- American Diabetes Association: Food and Fitness -- Cutting Calories and Carbohydrates
- American Diabetes Association: Food and Fitness -- Artificial Sweeteners
- Shop Rite: Sugar Free and Dietetic Peanut Brittle
- American Diabetes Association: Food and Fitness -- Diabetes Superfoods
