Can I put Glucerna in coffee?

January 2, 2026 •

3 min read

According to Glucerna's manufacturer Abbott, Glucerna powder can be combined with coffee granules and hot water to create a nourishing drink. This article explains exactly how you can put Glucerna in coffee, detailing the safest methods and important precautions to take for managing your blood sugar.

Quick Summary

This guide outlines the proper techniques for adding Glucerna, in both powder and liquid form, to your coffee. It covers safe heating methods, nutritional benefits for managing blood sugar, and potential considerations before incorporating it into your routine.

Key Points

Temperature Control: Avoid adding Glucerna to boiling water to prevent nutrient damage; use lukewarm or cooled coffee instead.
Mixing Powder: Dissolve Glucerna powder in a little cold or lukewarm water first, or slowly stir it into hot (not boiling) coffee to avoid clumping.
Heating Liquid Glucerna: Gently heat ready-to-drink shakes by placing the bottle in a mug of hot water or microwave in short bursts, never boiling.
Iced Coffee Option: For the safest method and a refreshing treat, simply add a chilled liquid Glucerna shake to brewed, cooled coffee.
Blood Sugar Management: Glucerna's low-glycemic formula helps minimize blood sugar spikes compared to sugary creamers, making it a better choice for diabetics.
Nutritional Value: It offers a balanced profile of protein, vitamins, and minerals, though over-reliance can replace whole-food nutrition.
Digestive Side Effects: Some users might experience bloating or gas due to its fiber and artificial sweeteners.

Yes, you can, but temperature is key

Many people with diabetes are looking for ways to enjoy their favorite drinks while still managing their blood sugar levels. When it comes to coffee, Glucerna can be an excellent low-glycemic addition, but the method matters. The main concern is that high heat can potentially alter the nutrient profile, especially heat-sensitive vitamins and proteins. To ensure you receive the full nutritional benefit, it is crucial to avoid boiling Glucerna or adding it directly to scalding hot coffee.

How to safely mix Glucerna powder into your coffee

For Glucerna powder, the key is to manage the temperature to ensure smooth dissolving without damaging the nutrients. The following method is recommended by the product's manufacturer, Abbott:

Prepare the coffee separately: Dissolve your coffee granules or brew your coffee in hot water first. This ensures the coffee is prepared before adding the nutritional supplement.
Add the powder gradually: Place the recommended amount of Glucerna powder in your mug. Slowly add the hot coffee mixture to the mug while stirring continuously. This prevents clumping and allows the powder to dissolve evenly.
Use lukewarm or cold water: If you're concerned about heat, another method is to dissolve the powder in a small amount of cold or lukewarm water first to create a paste. Then, add your hot coffee and stir. This is a very safe method for preserving nutrients.

Adding liquid Glucerna shakes to your coffee

Using the ready-to-drink (RTD) Glucerna shakes is also a viable option. For warm coffee, Abbott recommends heating the Glucerna shake gently and indirectly. Here's how:

Use a gentle heating method: Instead of microwaving the shake directly in its bottle, pour it into a microwave-safe mug. Heat it in short, 15-20 second increments, stirring in between. Avoid boiling the liquid.
Create a double boiler: For the most gentle heating, place the sealed Glucerna RTD bottle into a mug of hot water to warm it evenly. Once warmed, add it to your coffee.
Create a Glucerna iced coffee: For a refreshing alternative, simply add a chilled Glucerna shake to your brewed, cooled coffee. This is the safest way to preserve all nutrients and can create a delicious mocha frappe.

Nutritional benefits and potential drawbacks

Glucerna offers a balanced nutritional profile designed for individuals managing blood sugar. Its low-glycemic index carbohydrates help minimize blood glucose spikes compared to high-glycemic alternatives. However, as with any processed food, there are considerations. While beneficial, over-reliance can lead to missing out on the whole foods that provide maximum nutritional value.


Feature	Glucerna	Regular Coffee Creamer	Unsweetened Almond Milk
Calories	Controlled, varies by product	High, varies widely	Very low
Carbohydrates	Slow-digesting, low-glycemic	High, often from sugar	Minimal
Sugar	Low/None (contains sweeteners)	Often very high	Minimal
Protein	High	Low/Negligible	Low
Glycemic Index	Low	High	Low
Nutritional Value	Balanced vitamins & minerals	Minimal	Fortified with some vitamins

Potential side effects

Some individuals may experience digestive issues, such as bloating, gas, or an upset stomach, due to the fiber and artificial sweeteners in Glucerna. As with any dietary change, paying attention to your body's reaction is important. Discuss any new supplements with a healthcare provider, especially if you have pre-existing conditions or are on other medications.

Conclusion

Incorporating Glucerna into your coffee is a convenient and effective way to add nutrition while managing blood sugar, provided you use the proper mixing technique. For both powder and liquid forms, gentle temperature control is key to preserving its nutritional benefits. By following the safe methods outlined, individuals with diabetes can enjoy a satisfying and health-conscious coffee break. Always consult with a healthcare professional before significantly altering your dietary routine to ensure it aligns with your specific health needs.

For more information on the nutritional composition and health considerations, you can refer to Healthline's article on Glucerna.

Frequently Asked Questions

Glucerna can be a better choice than traditional, sugar-laden coffee creamers for diabetics. Its low-glycemic formulation helps manage blood sugar, while also adding protein and other nutrients to your drink.

Yes, you can use hot water, but it's important not to use boiling water. The manufacturer recommends dissolving coffee granules in hot water separately and then slowly combining the coffee with the Glucerna powder, stirring continuously.

Boiling or overheating Glucerna can damage some of its heat-sensitive vitamins and alter the taste. Gentle warming methods, like using a hot water bath, are recommended to preserve its nutritional integrity.

The safest method is to add a chilled Glucerna shake to brewed, cooled coffee for an iced drink. For a warm drink, gently warm the shake in a mug placed in hot water, then add it to your coffee.

Glucerna is designed with slow-digesting carbohydrates and a low glycemic index to minimize blood sugar spikes. While it does contain carbohydrates, its formulation is intended to provide a steady glucose release.

Some individuals may experience digestive issues like bloating or gas, particularly when starting to use Glucerna, due to the fiber and sweeteners. As with any dietary supplement, monitor your body's reaction.

It's best to avoid microwaving Glucerna directly in its container due to potential overheating and hot spots. For liquid shakes, pour into a microwave-safe container and heat briefly while stirring. Never boil.