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The Best Cookbooks for Diabetes, According to a Dietitian
Our list provides cookbooks with easy-to-cook recipes for diabetes-friendly food
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Sydney Greene, MS, RDN, is a registered dietitian nutritionist focusing on integrative, customized nutrition counseling and coaching for individuals in recovery from substance use.
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Shushy has worked for a variety of private practices and organizations, gaining a wide range of experience in gastrointestinal health, pediatric nutrition, eating disorders and oncology. She is also certified through Precision Nutrition.
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Melissa Rifkin is a Connecticut-based registered dietitian with over 15 years of experience working in the clinical setting.
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Marley Hall is a writer and fact checker who is certified in clinical and translational research. Her work has been published in medical journals in the field of surgery, and she has received numerous awards for publication in education.
Verywell Fit / Kevin Liang
Evidence shows that diet is crucial to the overall management of diabetes, but a diabetes diagnosis does not mean that you have to be resigned to a life of flavorless, boring food. Cookbooks for diabetes are a great way to maintain a balanced diet while still consuming the foods you love. The best cookbooks for diabetes appeal to your tastebuds and have recipes with clear nutritional values listed, especially carbohydrates per serving.
Also consider your cooking level, budget, and time when shopping for a cookbook. If you live an on-the-go lifestyle, a cookbook with shorter and quick-cooking recipes will be a great option. Checking the credibility of the author is another important factor to consider. To help you find the right diabetes cookbook for your needs, we researched a variety of options with these factors in mind.
We also had a registered dietitian from our Review Board review this article for accuracy, what to look for in cookbooks for diabetes, and how to best manage diabetes through diet.
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All recipes include photos
Recipes include nutritional information
Includes guide on managing diabetes
Some of the recipes may be high in carbohydrates for certain people
The "Easy Diabetes Cookbook" is our top pick because it provides recipes for unique, delicious meals packed with nutrition. It's written by Mary Ellen Phipps, a Registered Dietitian, and she makes sure that each of the recipes is simple and accessible.
The recipes cover breakfasts to appetizers, dinners and desserts, including 15-minute ideas. It's always nice to get a visual image of the food you are planning to make, and this book doesn't disappoint with 60 images to go along with the 60 recipes!
We love that "The Easy Diabetes Cookbook" also includes a guide that goes over understanding how to manage diabetes through eating certain foods. The guide is informative and so easy to follow that you can use it to create your own recipes to balance your blood sugar.
Key specs:
Number of Recipes: 60 | Author Credentials: MPH, RDN, LD
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Recipes take 30 minutes or less
Includes salt-free spice mix ideas
Beneficial to reduce fear around a pre- diabetes diagnosis
Some recipes include refined carbohydrates, which may not be suitable for all
Lauren Harris-Pincus' "The Everything Easy Pre-Diabetes Cookbook" takes away a lot of the confusion that comes with a pre-diabetes diagnosis. She emphasizes proper nutrition and exercise, whether walking or working out on an elliptical machine, as a way to avoid progressing to Type 2 Diabetes, and provides readers with 200 easy recipes.
The best part of "The Everything Easy Pre-Diabetes Cookbook" is that these recipes take 30 minutes or less to make but still pack a ton of flavor. In addition, Harris-Pincus opens the book with evidence-based research on pre-diabetes, which can help introduce you to some of the terms and recommendations.
Key specs:
Number of Recipes: 200 | Author Credentials: MS, RDN
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Includes a month-long meal plan
Recipes include easy reference labels
Some people have found that following the meal plan can be pricey
Specifically designed for those newly diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, the "Diabetes Cookbook & Meal Plan for the Newly Diagnosed" lays out an easy-to-follow meal plan to prevent side effects and maintain normal blood sugar levels.
Written by Registered Dietitian and Certified Diabetes Educator Lori Zanini, each recipe notes the carbohydrates per serving and features quick reference labels for different categories such as no-Cook, 5-Ingredient, gluten-free, vegetarian and 30-Minutes-or-Less. There are 100 recipes to try with shopping lists and nutrition labels. As a bonus, Lori answers several common questions and gives practical tips for managing diabetes.
Key specs:
Number of Recipes: 100+ | Author Credentials: RD, CDE
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Supported by the American Diabetes Association
All meals are quick and easy
Not ideal for those who enjoy more elaborate meals
Author is not a Registered Dietitian or Medical Practitioner
Supported by the American Diabetes Association, "The 4-Ingredient Diabetes Cookbook" contains simple recipes that meet the ADA's nutritional standards for diabetes. It's ideal if you want to eat healthy but are short on time or aren't excited about cooking.
Each recipe calls for four ingredients or less, with 175+ recipes! The author, Nancy Hughes, has vast experience in writing cookbooks—she's written over a dozen and contributed to more than 40. So, if you're looking for some easy recipes, this is the book for you.
Key specs:
Number of Recipes: 175+ | Author Credentials: Cookbook author and food consultant
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Authors own restaurants and cookery schools
All recipes take 30 minutes or less to make
Some recipes photos are not labeled and this can cause confusion
Katie and Giancarlo Caldesi have co-authored several best-selling cookbooks. One of their bestsellers is "The 30 Minute Diabetes Cookbook." Giancarlo truly understands what it's like to cook while managing diabetes, as he himself was diagnosed years ago.
The two authors have a strong background in recipe development, as they own several restaurants and cookery schools in London. The compiled 100 recipes each take 30 minutes or less, and would be enjoyable for even those who do not have diabetes. They include dinners, no-cook meals and even desserts.
Key specs:
Number of Recipes: 100 | Author Credentials: Restaurant and cookery school owners
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Lower sugar variations of favorite desserts
Tips on how to make your own ingredient swaps
All recipes include photos
A few of the recipes can take an hour or more to make
A diabetes diagnosis doesn't mean desserts are off the table and you can't enjoy any sweets. Instead, try some of the low-sugar dessert recipes from "The Easy Diabetes Desserts Cookbook," including cinnamon rolls, peanut butter chocolate fudge, pies, cookies and more!
Registered Dietitian and author Mary Ellen Phipps focuses on including some sort of fiber and/or protein in each recipe along with plant-based fats to prevent spikes in blood sugar levels. She's also conveniently included labels to meet different dietary restrictions or preferences, such as gluten-free, quick, dairy-free, high fiber and more.
Phipps also includes several tips on how to swap out different sugars, flours and fats while maintaining certain qualities in recipes. With this book in your hands, you won't feel deprived of your favorite treats
Key specs:
Number of Recipes: 60 | Author Credentials: MPH, RDN, LD
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Ideas for when you don't feel like cooking
Handy charts with guidelines and food references
Includes a 4-week meal plan
A focus on "American classic foods" may not be suitable for all
Pregnancy in and of itself can be a stressful period in a woman's life; add a gestational diabetes diagnosis to the mix, and eating well can seem even more challenging. "The Gestational Diabetes Cookbook & Meal Plan" offers readers a four-week meal plan with tasty recipes like Italian zucchini boats and a maple sausage frittata.
This book is written by registered dietitian Joanna Foley and Traci Houston, a trained chef who has herself experienced gestational diabetes. In addition to tasty recipes, they provide a guide on reading a nutrition label and a glycemic load list to help navigate different foods and meals.
Key specs:
Number of Recipes: 90 | Author Credentials: coauthors: culinary expert and RD
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Many of the steps can be completed by kids
Introduces kids to a variety of foods
Provides educational information on nutrients in foods
Not specifically written for kids with diabetes
Getting kids into the kitchen is an excellent way to prevent or manage picky eating and get your child excited about nutritious foods. Although "Super Foods for Super Kids" is not specifically focused on children with diabetes, the recipes within its pages are nutrient-dense, and the nutrition information provided helps parents design balanced meals suitable for kids with diabetes.
Designed for children ages 8 to 12, many of the steps can be completed by kids; however, recipes are labeled if a knife, stove, or oven is needed. Registered Dietitian and author Noelle Martin introduces superfoods like avocados, lentils, and walnuts to get kids eating a variety of foods.
Key specs:
Number of Recipes: 50 | Author Credentials: coauthors: MScFN RD
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Recipes by celebrities and health experts
Healthy food modifications still honor cultural food staples
Author is not a Registered Dietitian or Medical Practitioner
New York mayor Eric Adams is fighting to tackle chronic disease in the African American community. In "Healthy At Last," he shares his own story as well as the history and background on how cardiovascular disease impacts Black Americans. In this book, Adams shares 50+ plant-based (vegan) recipes as well as important points on living a healthy and active lifestyle.
The recipes come from celebrities and health experts who hope to help people reverse diabetes and other illnesses. These recipes are both plant-based and delicious. Whether you're entirely vegan or you're looking to try something new, this is the book to guide you. You'll also get shopping lists and meal-plans to help along the way.
Key specs:
Number of Recipes: 50+ | Author Credentials: Mayor of New York
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Recipes by expert bakeshop owners
Includes vegan and raw recipes
Some recipes are still high in sugar due to maple syrup, honey, etc.
If you have a sweet tooth, this book is for you. The indulgent yet healthful recipes come from trendy LA bakeshop cofounders Laurel Gallucci and Claire Thomas. Although these recipes are not sugar-free, they include nutrient-dense ingredients that are less inflammatory than white sugar and flour found in traditional baked goods. This book is best for those who have been practicing a carbohydrate-controlled diet for a while and are familiar with portion and serving sizes.
Key specs:
Number of Recipes: 50+ | Author Credentials: Bakeshop owners
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Easy to follow with easy to find ingredients
1800+ recipes
Includes various cooking methodologies to account for air-fryers and other kitchen appliances
Author is not a Registered Dietitian or Medical Practitioner
Starting to cook can be an intimidating task, especially coupled with the diagnosis of diabetes. If you're in this boat, check out Inez Judge's Super Easy Diabetic Cookbook for Beginners 2023, as she provides a ton of education on top of these easy-to-follow recipes.
This cookbook is packed with 1800+ recipes full of flavor, using wholesome and nutritious ingredients. Inez also provides readers with a 30 day meal plan to help you get started on this cooking journey. What makes these recipes great is that they use easy-to-find ingredients and cooking time is relatively low.
While these recipes may be carb-conscious, they definitely don't compromise on taste.
Key specs:
Number of Recipes: 1800+ | Author Credentials: culinary expert specializing in diabetes-friendly recipes
How We Selected
We reviewed several cookbooks available at top online retailers and consulted with trusted peers in dietetics, including our team of Registered Dietitians.
We considered availability, price, level of difficulty, range and type of recipes, equipment needed, added features and customer reviews. We also considered the credibility of the cookbook authors, highlighting trained professionals.
What to Look for in a Cookbook for Diabetes
Nutrition Facts Information
Cookbooks that provide the nutrition information for each recipe make menu planning super easy by taking the guesswork out. Readers should scan the nutritional information and pay attention to serving size when determining how carbohydrate-dense a meal will be.
We also find it helpful to look for books that highlight certain nutrition labels, such as sugar-free, gluten-free, plant-based, dairy-free, etc.
Carbohydrate Exchange Information
Designed by a committee of the American Diabetes Association and the American Dietetic Association, the Diabetic Exchange List is a helpful tool for carbohydrate counting and meal planning. Diabetes cookbooks that include this in this recipes make it easier on the reader.
Recipe Preferences
Always take a look at the recipe list to ensure that the recipes included in the book appeal to your tastebuds. Some books are more geared towards American classics, while others have a wider variety of options. This is entirely up to you and your preferences.
There are also cookbooks on the market that provide recipes specifically for different kitchen gadgets such as an air fryer or slow cooker. Many may find this convenient!
Frequently Asked Questions
- Which foods are best for a person with diabetes?
Like so many others, you may worry that you need to give up all your favorite foods with diabetes. But you can still eat what you like, just in moderation.
The best foods to eat with diabetes are a mix of healthy, nutrient-dense foods from all the food groups, including fruits, vegetables, grains, proteins, and dairy.
It’s also best to include heart-healthy fats such as olive oil, nuts and seeds, and avocados. Including these types of fat, along with a healthy balanced diet, may improve heart health and lower your risk of developing heart disease as well.
When creating meals and snacks, it’s best to follow the meal plan that helps you maintain blood sugar control. A registered dietitian or health care provider can help you design a plan that works best for you.
- What is a typical menu for a person with diabetes?
There’s no single diet or meal plan for people with diabetes, according to the American Diabetes Association. A typical menu for a person with diabetes should include a mix of proteins, fats and carbohydrates in the appropriate portions. These portions can be discussed with a registered dietitian or healthcare provider.
For some reference, there are many healthy eating patterns you can follow to help you manage your diabetes, including the Mediterranean diet, the DASH diet, or the low-carb diet. When it comes to menu planning for your diabetes, you need to take time to plan your meals, shop, and prepare your food. Eating balanced meals, whether you have diabetes or not, requires your active involvement.
- How do I make sure a recipe meets my nutritional goals?
Many health-focused cookbooks and recipes provide nutrition information, including serving size, calories, carbohydrates, fat, and protein content. Using this information can help you decide if the recipe meets your nutritional goals. If you have a recipe without nutrition information, take a look at the ingredients to see if it includes items you typically eat.
In general, a healthy diet for diabetes is one filled with nutrient-dense foods. However, all foods fit as long as you're mindful of your portions.
Even if it’s your famous family recipe for chocolate chip cookies, you can include these treats in your diet as long as you limit your treat to a reasonable serving size.
Why Trust Verywell Fit?
As a registered dietitian, Sydney Greene puts the same care and thoroughness when researching these products as she would for herself or her clients. An avid home cook herself, she focuses her attention on assessing the feasibility of recipes and the variety of options available.
Asif M. The prevention and control the type-2 diabetes by changing lifestyle and dietary pattern. J Edu Health Promot. 2014;3(1):1. doi:10.4103/2277-9531.127541
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. Diabetes, diet, eating, & physical activity.
American Diabetes Association. Diabetes meal plans made easy.
Uelmen S. Ask the Expert: What is the ADA Diet?. American Diabetes Association.
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