How many calories are in the 50g glucose drink?

December 15, 2025 •

4 min read

A standard 50g glucose solution, often used for medical tests like the glucose challenge test, contains approximately 200 calories, derived entirely from carbohydrates. This article explores how many calories are in the 50g glucose drink and what that means for your overall nutrition and health.

Quick Summary

A 50g glucose drink, typically used for medical testing, contains about 200 calories from carbohydrates with zero fat or protein. The quick intake of this simple sugar provides a rapid energy boost, a key feature for its use in evaluating glucose tolerance.

Key Points

Calorie Count: A 50g glucose drink contains approximately 200 calories, derived solely from the 50 grams of glucose.
Source of Calories: All calories come from simple carbohydrates; the drink contains zero fat or protein.
Medical Purpose: This is a diagnostic tool for testing glucose tolerance, especially for gestational diabetes, not a standard energy drink.
Rapid Absorption: The high concentration of pure glucose is designed to create a rapid and predictable blood sugar spike for testing purposes.
Not a Weight Concern: The one-time caloric intake from the test is not substantial enough to cause noticeable weight gain.
High Sugar Content: The drink's high sugar content is what facilitates the medical test, and it should not be considered a regular dietary beverage.

The Calorie Breakdown of a 50g Glucose Drink

To determine how many calories are in the 50g glucose drink, you must understand the basic nutritional information. Glucose is a type of simple carbohydrate, and all carbohydrates contain approximately 4 calories per gram. By performing a simple calculation, it's easy to figure out the total energy content.

$50 \text{ grams of glucose} \times 4 \text{ calories per gram} = 200 \text{ calories}$

This means that the total energy provided by the drink is roughly 200 calories. Unlike other beverages, the standard glucose test solution is not formulated for flavor or added nutrients. It is a precise medical tool. This composition ensures that only the body's response to the pure glucose is being measured, without interference from other nutrients.

A Simple Nutritional Profile

The nutritional profile of the drink is exceptionally straightforward, consisting of only one macronutrient.

Total Carbohydrates: 50 grams
Total Sugars: 50 grams
Fat: 0 grams
Protein: 0 grams

The Medical Purpose of the Glucose Drink

The 50g glucose drink is primarily associated with the glucose challenge test, a screening procedure for gestational diabetes that is performed during pregnancy. It is not a nutritional supplement or an energy drink meant for general use. The high concentration of simple sugar is intended to rapidly increase blood glucose levels so that medical professionals can monitor the body's response over a short period. The quick consumption of the drink ensures a standardized load for all patients, which provides a reliable baseline for the test.

The Glucose Challenge Test Procedure

Here is a simplified overview of what to expect during the test:

You will be asked to drink a sweetened liquid, which contains 50 grams of glucose, within a short timeframe (usually five minutes).
Your blood will be drawn one hour after you finish the drink to measure your blood sugar level.
For a longer test, a larger glucose load (75g or 100g) may be used, and multiple blood draws may occur over several hours.

Comparison: 50g Glucose Drink vs. Common Sugary Items

To put the 200-calorie glucose drink into perspective, it can be helpful to compare its sugar and calorie content with other common beverages and foods. The primary difference is the source of the sugar and the presence of other nutrients like fat or protein.


Item	Sugar (approx.)	Calories (approx.)	Notes
50g Glucose Drink	50g (pure glucose)	200	No other nutrients; used for medical purposes.
One 12-oz can of Cola	~39g	~140	Contains other ingredients and is a dietary item.
1 Chocolate Bar	~25g	~250	Contains sugar, fat, and some protein.
Standard Donut	~20g	~250	Contains sugar, fat, and carbohydrates from flour.

This comparison highlights that while the calorie and sugar content might seem comparable to some junk foods, the form of the sugar is different. The glucose drink contains highly refined, simple glucose, designed for maximum absorption speed, which is not what you find in most dietary sweets. This purity is why it's suitable for a diagnostic test.

What the Calorie Count Means for Your Diet

For a single medical test, the calorie intake from a 50g glucose drink is not significant in the grand scheme of a long-term diet. The average adult consumes around 2,000 calories per day, so 200 calories is a small portion of a single day's intake. The real factor for those concerned is the rapid spike in blood sugar, which is the entire point of the test. Concerns about weight gain from this single event are generally unfounded, as the body will process and utilize these calories. The main takeaway is that you should not consider this drink a dietary item.

Conclusion

In conclusion, a 50g glucose drink, as used in medical testing, contains exactly 200 calories, derived solely from 50 grams of pure glucose. It is important to remember that this drink is not a dietary supplement but a diagnostic tool for monitoring blood sugar response. While the calorie count is relatively low for a one-time event, the rapid sugar intake is the key aspect for the test's purpose. Concerns about significant weight gain or long-term health effects from this single drink are not scientifically supported. For more information on the glucose challenge test, consult resources like the Cleveland Clinic or speak with your healthcare provider.

What to Know Before Your Test

Fasting is often required for specific tests, so always follow your doctor's instructions precisely.
The drink may taste intensely sweet, similar to flat, sugary soda, and is often flavored to be more palatable.
The total calorie load is minimal and should not be a cause for concern regarding weight gain from a single test.
Bring a book or a friend to the appointment, as you will need to wait for an hour after consuming the drink before your blood is drawn.
Focus on the test's medical purpose rather than the flavor or nutritional value, as it is a temporary, diagnostic necessity.

Visit the Cleveland Clinic's page on the oral glucose tolerance test for more details.

Frequently Asked Questions

There are approximately 200 calories in a standard 50g glucose drink, with all the energy coming from the 50 grams of pure glucose.

The calories in a medical-grade glucose drink come entirely from the glucose, a simple carbohydrate. Since there is no fat or protein, all 200 calories are carbohydrate-based.

No, a 50g glucose drink is not the same as a sports drink. While both contain sugar, the medical-grade solution is formulated with pure glucose for a specific diagnostic purpose and lacks the electrolytes and other additives typically found in sports drinks.

The glucose drink is used in the glucose challenge test during pregnancy to screen for gestational diabetes. The drink quickly raises blood sugar, allowing doctors to monitor the body's insulin response and identify potential issues.

It is highly unlikely that you will gain a noticeable amount of weight from the one-time consumption of the glucose test solution. The 200-calorie intake is a small part of a day's total energy, and it is quickly metabolized by the body.

No, the glucose drink is not intended for regular dietary consumption. It is a medical solution with a very high concentration of simple sugar, not a balanced nutritional beverage. Consuming it regularly could negatively impact your health.

The difference is the amount of glucose consumed and the test duration. The 50g test is typically a one-hour screening, while the 75g or 100g tests are longer, diagnostic tests involving multiple blood draws over several hours.

No, the added flavorings (like orange or lemon-lime) in the glucose drink contribute a negligible amount of calories. The vast majority of the 200 calories come from the 50 grams of glucose itself.