Nutritional drink or shake, ready-to-drink, sugar free (Glucerna)
Common food
Glucerna is a nutritionally engineered, ready-to-drink shake designed for steady energy, featuring a smooth, creamy texture and a mildly sweet, vanilla-like flavor. Its low sugar and high fiber profile make it a go-to for managing blood sugar levels without sacrificing taste. Each sip delivers a balanced mix of protein, carbs, and fat to keep you full and focused.
Calorie split: 19% protein · 51% carbs · 30% fat
↓ Full nutrition💚 Why it's loved
People love Glucerna for its reliable, mild flavor that doesn’t taste overly medicinal, making it easy to incorporate into daily routines. Its versatility shines in smoothies, as a coffee creamer, or even as a base for healthy desserts, appealing to those managing diabetes or simply seeking a nutritious boost.
⚠️ Watch-outs & how to enjoy it better
Some find the texture slightly thick or chalky, and the artificial sweeteners can leave a lingering aftertaste for sensitive palates. To counteract this, try blending it with ice or fresh fruit to enhance texture, and pair with a handful of nuts to balance the sweetness and add healthy fats.
Key benefits
- Low sugar content helps stabilize blood glucose levels
- High fiber supports digestive health and satiety
- Balanced macronutrients provide sustained energy
- Fortified with essential vitamins and minerals
- Convenient, portable meal or snack option
🌍 Where it's eaten
💡 Did you know?
Glucerna was specifically formulated with a unique blend of slow-digesting carbohydrates called Carbohydrate Quality Blend, which helps minimize blood sugar spikes compared to standard nutritional drinks.
Full nutrition (USDA data · scales with serving)
| Water | 79.7 g |
| Energy | 88.0 kcal |
| Protein | 4.4 g |
| Total lipid (fat) | 3.1 g |
| Carbohydrate, by difference | 11.9 g |
| Fiber, total dietary | 2.2 g |
| Total Sugars | 2.6 g |
| Calcium, Ca | 110 mg |
| Iron, Fe | 2.0 mg |
| Magnesium, Mg | 44.0 mg |
| Phosphorus, P | 110 mg |
| Potassium, K | 176 mg |
| Sodium, Na | 92.0 mg |
| Zinc, Zn | 1.6 mg |
| Copper, Cu | 0.22 mg |
| Selenium, Se | 7.7 ug |
| Vitamin C, total ascorbic acid | 26.4 mg |
| Thiamin | 0.17 mg |
| Riboflavin | 0.19 mg |
| Niacin | 2.2 mg |
| Vitamin B-6 | 0.22 mg |
| Folate, total | 44.0 ug |
| Folic acid | 44.0 ug |
| Folate, food | 0.00 ug |
| Folate, DFE | 75.0 ug |
| Choline, total | 60.5 mg |
| Vitamin B-12 | 0.66 ug |
| Vitamin B-12, added | 0.66 ug |
| Vitamin A, RAE | 165 ug |
| Retinol | 165 ug |
| Carotene, beta | 0.00 ug |
| Carotene, alpha | 0.00 ug |
| Cryptoxanthin, beta | 0.00 ug |
| Lycopene | 0.00 ug |
| Lutein + zeaxanthin | 0.00 ug |
| Vitamin E (alpha-tocopherol) | 1.5 mg |
| Vitamin E, added | 1.5 mg |
| Vitamin D (D2 + D3) | 1.1 ug |
| Vitamin K (phylloquinone) | 8.8 ug |
| Alcohol, ethyl | 0.00 g |
| Caffeine | 2.0 mg |
| Theobromine | 23.0 mg |
Fat & fatty acid profile (per 100g)
| Fatty acids, total saturated | 0.23 g |
| SFA 4:0 | 0.00 g |
| SFA 6:0 | 0.00 g |
| SFA 8:0 | 0.00 g |
| SFA 10:0 | 0.00 g |
| SFA 12:0 | 0.00 g |
| SFA 14:0 | 0.00 g |
| SFA 16:0 | 0.15 g |
| SFA 18:0 | 0.06 g |
| Fatty acids, total monounsaturated | 2.3 g |
| MUFA 16:1 | 0.00 g |
| MUFA 18:1 | 2.3 g |
| MUFA 20:1 | 0.01 g |
| MUFA 22:1 | 0.00 g |
| Fatty acids, total polyunsaturated | 0.40 g |
| PUFA 18:2 | 0.39 g |
| PUFA 18:3 | 0.00 g |
| PUFA 18:4 | 0.00 g |
| PUFA 20:4 | 0.00 g |
| PUFA 20:5 n-3 (EPA) | 0.00 g |
| PUFA 22:5 n-3 (DPA) | 0.00 g |
| PUFA 22:6 n-3 (DHA) | 0.00 g |
| Cholesterol | 2.0 mg |
FAQ
Is Glucerna suitable for people without diabetes?
Yes, it can be used by anyone looking for a low-sugar, high-fiber nutritional drink, though it's specifically designed for blood sugar management.
Can I use Glucerna in cooking or baking?
Absolutely, it works well as a milk substitute in smoothies, pancakes, or even as a base for creamy soups, adding nutrition without extra sugar.
How does Glucerna differ from regular protein shakes?
Glucerna focuses on low glycemic index carbs and fiber to manage blood sugar, while regular protein shakes often prioritize high protein with less emphasis on carb quality.
Is it safe for children?
It's generally safe for children over 4, but consult a pediatrician first, as it's designed for adult nutritional needs.
Nutrient density (calculated · NRF9.3)
Nutrient Rich Foods index: beneficial nutrients (protein, fiber, vitamins, minerals) minus saturated fat, added sugar & sodium, per 100 kcal.
NRF9.3 index — Fulgoni, Keast & Drewnowski, 2009. Computed from USDA nutrients.
Weight-loss friendliness (composite index)
Energy density 0.88 kcal/g · 20% calories from protein · 2.2 g fiber · 2.6 g sugar per 100 g.
Composite of energy density (Rolls et al., 1999), protein & fiber satiety, minus sugar. A calculated heuristic — ranks satiety-per-calorie, not a clinical measure.
Dietary load (calculated from USDA values)
Potential renal acid load. Positive = acid-forming, negative = alkaline-forming.
Sodium-to-potassium ratio: 0.52 (lower is better — aim for ≤ 1)
Sodium:potassium per WHO potassium guidance. Computed from USDA nutrients.