T2D Friendly Products

[Mr Hairyman]

Since being diagnosed T2D in May 23, I have gone low-carb with great success for my health.

Like you all I’m sure, I miss not being able to have all the old carby and sugary things that got me into this mess in the first place. Since my diagnosis, I’ve spent more time than is healthy looking at T2D friendly low carb products.
There doesn’t seem to be much discussion on these within the forum, so I thought I’d get things going. If anyone has any products they would recommend, let me know. Here are my discoveries:

WRAPS:

bFree do a wrap that’s 4g carb and you can get at Sainsburys. IMO they taste pretty grim tho.

CarbZone sell 8 wraps for £4 with 4g carb and taste decent. Lifesaver for me.


BEER:
Drinkwell.co.uk have a good range of low and no carb beers. Some supermarkets stock SkinnyBrands beer too. Westbrooks Brewery and Bach 95 all offer decent stuff.
Yet to discover an alcohol free beer with low carbs though. Anyone?


CHOCOLATE:

SlimFast Keto Peanut Butter Cups are 7g per pack and if you close your eyes and use your imagination, they vaguely remind you of chocolate. DiscountDragon have them on sale ATM



OTHER:

CarbZone pasta is about 7g per 50g serving and tastes okay. You can get it at Morrisons or online. I can’t stand any of the Konjac substitutions



Any bread I’ve looked at either seems be really tiny slices or else 2 rolls for £5 or something insane like that. Anyone find anything better?

 

[catinahat]

Wraps
Never seen the point, just have more of what goes into them, on a plate , eaten with cutlery

Beer
Recently been forced to abstain from alcohol because of health issues, not yet found an alcohol free beer that didn't taste disgusting, apart from the Guinness 00, it's very good and very carby.
In the good old days I just had real ale, stuck to sensible amounts, didn't give me any major blood sugar concerns.

Chocolate
Stick to the high percentage stuff, 70% and higher, takes a little getting used to if you are accustomed to the sweeter types, but it doesn't take long for your taste buds to acclimatise and the intense chocolate taste means a little goes a long way.

Pasta
Can't see any reason to replace tasteless pasta with something equally as tasteless.
Pasta without sauce is nothing to get excited about , I just have more Bolognese.

Bread.
Same as the wraps really, just have more of what goes on the bread, although I admit sometimes you just want something to put your bacon and eggs on.
Lots of low or lowish carb bread out there if you look for it, I generally think that if I'm having bread , it's got to be the good stuff. I will buy the best sourdough loaf I can find, enjoy my sandwich and freeze the rest of the loaf for the next time I want a treat

 

[Penroy]

These are both really good posts. Would love to see this topic expanded.

 

[KennyA]

I don't usually look for alternatives to carby items - prefer to do without most of the time. However -

I've used SRSLY low carb for a couple of things - rolls, wraps, and buns. Under 3g a roll. I don't buy a lot and one delivery lasts me a month. Not something that's essential - it's definitly not "real" bread but it serves a purpose. A roll fried in the bacon fat and then making the bacon sandwich works well. The company does a lot of happy talk and will tell you repeatedly that you're a low carb legend. It grinds my gears.

Marston's Resolution is OK as a low-carb beer. I can't stand any of the "Skinny" beers, although it's a while since I tried them. B&M always seem to have loads on the shelves. There are a lot more other brewers producing low carb beers than there were even 12 months ago and maybe a further research project could be justified. I don't see the point of alcohol-free beer usually (just don't drink?) but Erdinger Blue would easily pass as a real beer.

I tried the Aldi low carb black bean pasta. It doesn't do what pasta should - absorb the sauce and carry flavour. It sort of looks like a (black) pasta but I was disappointed.

 

[catinahat]

I don't see the point of alcohol-free beer usually (just don't drink?) but Erdinger Blue would easily pass as a real beer.

I sort of agree, AF beer is a bit pointless, but when I'm out socialising, sometimes you just want a grown-up drink, pop just doesn't do it. I haven't seen Erdinger blue stocked in any pubs in my area but will give it a try if I see it.

 

[KennyA]

I sort of agree, AF beer is a bit pointless, but when I'm out socialising, sometimes you just want a grown-up drink, pop just doesn't do it. I haven't seen Erdinger blue stocked in any pubs in my area but will give it a try if I see it.

Not seen it in a pub - but available bottled from Sainsbury's

 

[DeejayR]

I get the sort of stuff mentioned above from Srsly, Carbzone and Ketoroma, and I like the wraps, and the fake pasta if it's given time to soak in whatever sauce or soup I'm having. Carbzone are always out of the fake rice so I haven't tried it and I've gone off the cauliflower substitute. The Srsly bread is a godsend and toasts nicely. Ketoroma's cakes and cheesecakes are great. I use xylitol as a sweetener.
I suspect that during lockdown some artisan bakers and brewers had to do some imaginative thinking and have gone down the keto path. Also check out suppliers of low-carb things from Sweden. For beer I drink UnLtd IPA (0.5% alcohol, no carbs). But I'm teetotal, so what do I know?
When trying new things, always check with your meter (wags forefinger)

 

[Mr Hairyman]

Hadn't heard of Ketoroma or UnLtd IPA before, so this thread has done exactly what I had hoped. I'd heard of Srsly before, though hadn't ordered from there as it seems a bit pricey (they all do), but I might get myself some Christmas treats from both those sites.

 

[Guilty]

But are there any Black Friday deals????

 

[Antje77]

But are there any Black Friday deals????

Here you go! https://www.diabetes.co.uk/forum/threads/seriously-low-carb-bread-sale.200723/post-2659582

 

[Mr Hairyman]

Here you go! https://www.diabetes.co.uk/forum/threads/seriously-low-carb-bread-sale.200723/post-2659582

Sadly they seem just about sold out of everything!

 

[Angela64]

Since being diagnosed T2D in May 23, I have gone low-carb with great success for my health.

Like you all I’m sure, I miss not being able to have all the old carby and sugary things that got me into this mess in the first place. Since my diagnosis, I’ve spent more time than is healthy looking at T2D friendly low carb products.
There doesn’t seem to be much discussion on these within the forum, so I thought I’d get things going. If anyone has any products they would recommend, let me know. Here are my discoveries:

WRAPS:

bFree do a wrap that’s 4g carb and you can get at Sainsburys. IMO they taste pretty grim tho.

CarbZone sell 8 wraps for £4 with 4g carb and taste decent. Lifesaver for me.


BEER:
Drinkwell.co.uk have a good range of low and no carb beers. Some supermarkets stock SkinnyBrands beer too. Westbrooks Brewery and Bach 95 all offer decent stuff.
Yet to discover an alcohol free beer with low carbs though. Anyone?


CHOCOLATE:

SlimFast Keto Peanut Butter Cups are 7g per pack and if you close your eyes and use your imagination, they vaguely remind you of chocolate. DiscountDragon have them on sale ATM



OTHER:

CarbZone pasta is about 7g per 50g serving and tastes okay. You can get it at Morrisons or online. I can’t stand any of the Konjac substitutions



Any bread I’ve looked at either seems be really tiny slices or else 2 rolls for £5 or something insane like that. Anyone find anything better?

Make my own bread to an adjusted recipe which includes good scoop of mixed seeds to reduce the spike. Pasta, rice etc is no good, especially if it tastes like cardboard - give it up and find alternative. I use cauliflower, broccoli chopped up. Wraps, make an egg wrap. Chocolate - I get 80% dark chocolate you soon enjoy it. Beer, nah, I’m a cider woman OR better still a wino I am Somelier P1
PS you can change pasta tagliatelle with sliced cabbage, the cone shaped one, gives far better flavour than pasta

 

[Dancing Badger]

I've just discovered Pure Via demerara sugar alternative (they also do icing sugar, which might come in useful for Christmas goodies). I'm one of those who can tolerate porridge and it hasn't been the same without the sugar; now I can use "demerara" and cream without giving my meter an attack of the vapours.

 

[Rachox]

Deliciously Guilt Free are expensive but do wonderful cakes, brownies, cookies, chocolate bars, wraps etc… Plus at the moment mince pies and Xmas puddings

 

[Paul_]

I don't have substitutes very often, but when I do then my go-to substitutes are:

Livlife bread (available from Waitrose). Yep, tiny slices and very £2 per small loaf, but it's decent quality bread, toasts well, freezes well, and is 3.4g carbs per slice. It's decent, but small.

Rolls - I've tried a few, but these are my favourites so far, coming in at £4 for a 4 pack, 1.4g carbs per roll - https://handcraftedbread.co.uk/product/low-carb-bread-rolls/

Pizza bases, 1.4g carbs per base - https://handcraftedbread.co.uk/product/low-carb-pizza-base-pack-of-4/

Handcrafted Bread have free delivery for orders over £20 and the above products freeze well.

Chocolate - Like others here, I go for 85% or higher dark chocolate. Always liked dark chocolate, so although I preferred milk chocolate, I do without. However, you can melt dark chocolate and mix into double cream to make a creamier dessert.

Crackers:
Olina's Bakehouse Seeded Crackers, available at Waitrose, £1.60 on offer (£2 when not). 4 crackers are 1.4g carbs - https://www.waitrose.com/ecom/products/olinas-gluten-free-seeded-crackers/829405-791235-791236

Alcohol - Only an occasional drinker, but vodka/whisky and diet mixer, single malt whisky neat, brandy neat, or red wine with dinner. I avoid beer and cider these days, so can't help.

If you want to peruse, these are the suppliers I've found or have seen mentioned on this forum that I'm (very) slowly working through trying products from. Some also do products that aren't low carb, so be careful with nutritional info (I'm not affiliated or incentivised to/by any of these):

Low Carb Range - Hand Crafted Bread

Welcome to Hand Crafted bread. We are passionate about everything bread. From real sourdoughs to our low carb range, we have something for everyone.

handcraftedbread.co.uk

Low Carb & Keto Gluten Free Bakery | Deliciously Guilt Free

Deliciously Guilt Free offer keto cakes, brownies and desserts specialising in delicious, healthy treats specially formulated to work with a ketogenic diet.

deliciouslyguiltfree.com

All the Keto, Low carb and diabetes friendly foods full of flavour

SRSLYLowCarb is a home for healthy, Keto and Low Carb friendly foods. Perfect for diabetic-friendly diets. Elevate your health journey with us!

srslylowcarb.com

CarbZone - The Low Carb Company

CarbZone is a Low Carb company that manufactures all natural and healthy food products with a low carbohydrate content that are rich in fiber and protein.

carbzone.co.uk

Welcome to 8Foods

An award-winning British brand on a mission to offer uncompromisingly tasty, truly healthy, low carb snacks and breads perfectly suited to the low carb lifestyle.

8foods.co.uk

https://theskinnyfoodco.com/

The Panda Pantry Co.

Home of our low carb, gluten free Panda Flour® & Panda Flour® Baking Mixes.

ketoroma.com

 

[Mr Hairyman]

Deliciously Guilt Free are expensive but do wonderful cakes, brownies, cookies, chocolate bars, wraps etc… Plus at the moment mince pies and Xmas puddings

Yeah, I got some of these as a treat for Fathers Day a few months back. Not something I'd buy regular, but as a birthday treat or something, they are great.

 

[Mr Hairyman]

I don't have substitutes very often, but when I do then my go-to substitutes are:

Livlife bread (available from Waitrose). Yep, tiny slices and very £2 per small loaf, but it's decent quality bread, toasts well, freezes well, and is 3.4g carbs per slice. It's decent, but small.

Rolls - I've tried a few, but these are my favourites so far, coming in at £4 for a 4 pack, 1.4g carbs per roll - https://handcraftedbread.co.uk/product/low-carb-bread-rolls/

Pizza bases, 1.4g carbs per base - https://handcraftedbread.co.uk/product/low-carb-pizza-base-pack-of-4/

Handcrafted Bread have free delivery for orders over £20 and the above products freeze well.

Chocolate - Like others here, I go for 85% or higher dark chocolate. Always liked dark chocolate, so although I preferred milk chocolate, I do without. However, you can melt dark chocolate and mix into double cream to make a creamier dessert.

Crackers:
Olina's Bakehouse Seeded Crackers, available at Waitrose, £1.60 on offer (£2 when not). 4 crackers are 1.4g carbs - https://www.waitrose.com/ecom/products/olinas-gluten-free-seeded-crackers/829405-791235-791236

Alcohol - Only an occasional drinker, but vodka/whisky and diet mixer, single malt whisky neat, brandy neat, or red wine with dinner. I avoid beer and cider these days, so can't help.

If you want to peruse, these are the suppliers I've found or have seen mentioned on this forum that I'm (very) slowly working through trying products from. Some also do products that aren't low carb, so be careful with nutritional info (I'm not affiliated or incentivised to/by any of these):

Low Carb Range - Hand Crafted Bread

Welcome to Hand Crafted bread. We are passionate about everything bread. From real sourdoughs to our low carb range, we have something for everyone.

handcraftedbread.co.uk

Low Carb & Keto Gluten Free Bakery | Deliciously Guilt Free

Deliciously Guilt Free offer keto cakes, brownies and desserts specialising in delicious, healthy treats specially formulated to work with a ketogenic diet.

deliciouslyguiltfree.com

All the Keto, Low carb and diabetes friendly foods full of flavour

SRSLYLowCarb is a home for healthy, Keto and Low Carb friendly foods. Perfect for diabetic-friendly diets. Elevate your health journey with us!

srslylowcarb.com

CarbZone - The Low Carb Company

CarbZone is a Low Carb company that manufactures all natural and healthy food products with a low carbohydrate content that are rich in fiber and protein.

carbzone.co.uk

Welcome to 8Foods

An award-winning British brand on a mission to offer uncompromisingly tasty, truly healthy, low carb snacks and breads perfectly suited to the low carb lifestyle.

8foods.co.uk

https://theskinnyfoodco.com/

The Panda Pantry Co.

Home of our low carb, gluten free Panda Flour® & Panda Flour® Baking Mixes.

ketoroma.com

Good list!
I've tried Deliciously Guilt Free - v good but pricey. Carbzone wraps are good and they come closest to palatable pasta alternative. SkinnyFood stuff I'm not really a fan of. Whatever sweetners they use just doesnt appeal.

 

[lovinglife]

Skinny food stuff sends my BG through the roof. As with all foods it’s best to test any alternatives as not everyone tolerates them. Sweeteners can be difficult for some and create a response as I they had eaten sugar/carbs. I treat all “replacements” that aren’t natural (by natural I mean Cauli rice, courgette ribbons etc) as now and then treats because they often have other additives that I like to avoid

 

[Paul_]

Good list!
I've tried Deliciously Guilt Free - v good but pricey. Carbzone wraps are good and they come closest to palatable pasta alternative. SkinnyFood stuff I'm not really a fan of. Whatever sweetners they use just doesnt appeal.

Yeah sweeteners are a love them or hate them ingredient for many. For me, it depends on which one is used and in what quantity - when it reaches the point of being gritty, or there's an overpowering aftertaste, it's not for me.