Pistachio Dark Chocolate Bark

One of the top challenges I hear from my clients with type 2 diabetes is that they crave sweets, yet think that they are completely off limits. Well, I have good news because they most certainly are not. You can control your blood sugar levels and enjoy treats.

And when you think about treats…chocolate is usually at the top of this list.  In the 10+ years that I have been working as a dietitian, I can’t recall a single time someone has told me they don’t enjoy chocolate!  While there are so many varieties, it is true that dark chocolate is the type that packs the most health benefits. Not only is it a powerful source of antioxidants, but it also contains many great nutrients. Dark chocolate is rich in magnesium, which helps maintain blood pressure and energy levels, allowing us to remain calm and relaxed. Along with magnesium, you will also find potassium—another nutrient that helps regulate the contraction of our muscles and our blood pressure—and iron, a vital piece of our body that helps support a healthy immune system and aids in brain development. The higher the quality and percentage of cocoa in the chocolate, the more nutrients you will gain with every bite. I usually keep a bar of dark chocolate around all the time and it’s a perfect treat! My husband and I love to eat 1-2 ounces several times a week and in the spring, I love pairing it with fresh strawberries or pomegranate arils…so good!

So, in an effort to ‘show rather than tell’, it seemed like a great idea to break out a bar of chocolate and experiment in the kitchen to make a quick and easy diabetes-friendly treat that you can enjoy over and over again. I decided to make a tray of dark chocolate bark with the addition of pistachios and a pinch of pink sea salt. Pistachios have a high percentage of magnesium and iron, along with vitamin B-6, which helps our body produce energy and regulate our metabolism. They are also nutrient dense and contain the good-for-you unsaturated fats, so it’s a delicious win! And the sprinkle of pink sea salt is simply an addition to add a little texture, flavor, and beauty to the bark.

Make with just three simple ingredients (and an optional fourth), this is ready in minutes and can satisfy your sweet tooth without raising your blood sugar levels. One serving is only 14 grams of carbs. 

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And if you are looking for more diabetes-friendly dessert options, feel free to download my FREE diabetes dessert guide here. Living with diabetes doesn’t mean you have to miss out on the good stuff.