I never wished to be diabetic, but when reality set in, I had to carry out drastic changes in line with directions from my dietician and healthcare provider’s directives. It’s been so many years now—living the best of my life while effectively managing the condition.
Being a heavy junk consumer, it wasn’t easy at first, but I have had to work out snacks that are safe with my dietician from Ryvita, lumpia—discovering safe amounts to be consumed and frequency of consumption. So, here is all I know about TUC for diabetics:
Tuc biscuit, the boredom cracker
Tuc crackers are distinguishable for their octagonal shape and their visually appealing golden-yellow hue. For different markets it caters to, Tuc is being marketed and produced by various companies, like Jacob Fruitified Food Group in Europe, Asia, and North America, and Mondalez International in India, etc.
This cracker boasts numerous varieties, like its original flavor, cheese sandwich, sour cream and onion, barbecue, paprika, sweet chili, roasted chicken, etc. The taste of the original version could be likened to that of the Ritz cracker, but I find it more delicious than the latter.
Downsides of biscuits for diabetics
Having conversed with numerous diabetics, I discovered that the only ingredients they race away from are carbs or sugar, paying no attention to other ingredients like hydrogenated fats, refined flour, or maltodextrin, which boast a glycemic index of 110 compared to sugar’s 80.
I loosely refer to refined flour (GI 85), which often stars in biscuits as “white poison,” for it is devoid of any meaningful nutrient (since its bran and gem have been removed), yet has a high starch content of 75% and a glycemic index of 85, which means it could raise your blood sugar levels quickly.
When making a health choice for diabetic biscuits for the long term, you need to consider whether they are made with high-protein flours like almond, coconut, or soy flour, etc. Also, no-sugar biscuits sweetened with natural sweeteners and a generally high-fiber, high-protein biscuit are always befitting for a diabetic.
Is Tuc biscuits good for diabetics?
As a regular snack, Tuc biscuit is not good for diabetics as it contains refined wheat flour and dextrose, which are quickly converted to glucose in the body. However, you could have a few pieces of TUC cracker occasionally, as the negative effect would only come if it was consumed excessively.
When compared to loads of cookies and biscuits out there, Tuc biscuits are actually better with a low carb per piece (2.5 g). However, as I have learned over the years from my dietician, high-fiber and high-protein snacks made from whole wheat or protein flour are always the preferable choice.
Are sugar-free biscuits the right way to go?
In sugar-free biscuits, sweeteners are used, and there are two types: artificial sweetener (chemically synthesized sugar substitutes), which provides a sugar-like sweetness with zero calories. Examples include saccharine, aspartame, and sucralose.
Natural sweeteners, on the other hand, are derived from fruits and plants. Examples include stevia, gave nectar, honey, etc. When compared to artificial sweeteners, natural sweeteners contain calories, but a lower glycemic index when compared to sugar.
Natural sweeteners contain more health benefits as opposed to artificial ones, but you could eat either instead of sugar, but moderately.
The right crackers to eat as a diabetic
The kind of crackers you should consume as a diabetic should have a low glycemic index, sugar content, high dietary fiber, and be made with whole grain flour. Always be sure to look at the labels and be sure they align with your dietary needs or the criteria just mentioned.
1. Crackers made from almond flour
Crackers like Simple Mills Almond Flour crackers tick the box for me in this category as they are gluten-free and a great fit for diabetics. Unlike the empty calories derived from crackers made with refined flour, this cracker supplies proteins, and fiber, and contains low fats, which, when combined, can stabilize your blood sugar and provide energy to negate the constant lethargy we face.
2. Flaxseed crackers
The particular flaxseed cracker I love going for is Flackers Organic Flaxseed Crackers. They are derived from organic flaxseed and are rich in protein, omega-3 fatty acids, and a whopping 5 grams of fiber per piece (twice what Tuc offers), which will keep you full—satisfying your diabetic craving. The high fiber content is also great in preventing blood sugar spikes, making this cracker a great treat when you’re bored or go to the movies. It is offered in numerous flavors you may like, like rosemary & thyme and savory.
3. Whole grain cracker
Whole grain crackers are always better than regular crackers, as they have loads of fiber and some nutrients since the bran and gem of the wheat are still present. One of my favorite choices is Triscuit Original Whole Grain Wheat Crackers. It contains 100% whole grain wheat, provides 3 grams of fiber per piece, and has a low sugar content.
Summing up
Diabetics can eat tuc biscuit infrequently as it contains refined wheat flour and dextrose that could spike their blood sugar levels if consumed excessively. However, to be on the safer side, high-fiber-containing biscuits like Flackers Organic Flaxseed Crackers can suffice as a better alternative snack.
