Is Fresubin HP Sugar Free? Understanding the Different Formulations

November 15, 2025 •

3 min read

According to product data, some specific Fresubin HP formulations are explicitly labelled as sugar-free, while others are not, meaning the answer to the question, 'Is Fresubin HP sugar free?', depends entirely on the specific product variant. This distinction is critical for individuals managing conditions like diabetes or those on controlled diets.

Quick Summary

The sugar content of Fresubin HP varies by product type and regional formulation. Certain powder variants designed for specific medical needs, such as for dialysis patients, are formulated to be sugar-free, while liquid feeds typically contain carbohydrates, including some simple sugars.

Key Points

Not Universal: The claim of being sugar-free does not apply to all Fresubin HP products, as formulations differ significantly by type and region.
Powder vs. Liquid: Some Fresubin HP powders, notably those for dialysis patients, are explicitly labelled as sugar-free, unlike the Fresubin HP Energy liquid feed, which contains sugars.
Hidden Carbohydrates: Even if a product is 'sucrose-free', other carbohydrates like maltodextrin are present and can still affect blood glucose levels.
Diabetes-Specific Options: For individuals with diabetes, dedicated Fresenius Kabi products like Fresubin DM or Diben are specifically formulated for better sugar management.
Read the Label: Always check the nutritional information and ingredients list on the specific product packaging to confirm its sugar content before consumption.
Professional Guidance: Individuals on specific diets, especially those managing conditions like diabetes, should consult a healthcare professional to ensure they choose the correct Fresubin variant.

The Varies by Formulation: Clarifying the 'Sugar-Free' Question

The Fresubin range of medical nutrition products is produced by Fresenius Kabi and includes many specific formulations designed for different dietary needs. When it comes to Fresubin HP, the confusion around whether it is sugar-free arises because the term covers several distinct products, including different formats (powder vs. liquid) and regional variations. A blanket 'yes' or 'no' answer is misleading, and closer examination of individual product labels and specifications is necessary for accuracy.

Fresubin HP Powder vs. Fresubin HP Energy Liquid

A key factor determining sugar content is the product format. Powdered versions, particularly those explicitly marketed for specific medical conditions, often feature a sugar-free formulation, while liquid, ready-to-use feeds may contain small amounts of simple sugars or other carbohydrates like maltodextrin.

Examination of Fresubin HP Powder Variants

Certain Fresubin HP powder products, such as those targeted at dialysis patients, are clearly labelled as sugar-free and specifically mention ingredients like fructose and fructooligosaccharides, with no added sucrose.

Key features of the sugar-free powder variant include:

Targeted Nutrition: Formulated to provide high protein and other essential nutrients for patients with specific needs, such as chronic kidney disease patients on dialysis.
Ingredient Composition: Uses specific carbohydrate sources, sometimes listing fructose and fructooligosaccharides, but avoids added sucrose.
Lower Electrolytes: Some versions for dialysis patients have reduced electrolytes like potassium and phosphorus.
Lactose-Free and Gluten-Free: Making it suitable for patients with intolerance issues.

Analysis of Fresubin HP Energy Liquid Feeds

In contrast, the pre-mixed liquid tube feed, Fresubin HP Energy, is not sugar-free. The nutritional data for this product clearly indicates a small amount of sugar content. For example, some specifications show 1g of sugars per 100ml. The primary carbohydrate source is often maltodextrin, which, while not a simple sugar, is a carbohydrate that affects blood glucose levels.

Key characteristics of the Fresubin HP Energy liquid feed include:

High Energy Density: Provides significant calories per milliliter (e.g., 1.5 kcal/ml).
Maltodextrin Content: This complex carbohydrate is used for energy, contributing to the total carbohydrate count.
Omega-3s: Contains fish oil for beneficial EPA and DHA fatty acids.
Standard Nutritional Profile: Designed for general medical purposes requiring high protein and energy, rather than specific sugar control.

Comparison Table: Fresubin HP Powder vs. Fresubin HP Energy Liquid


Feature	Fresubin HP Powder (e.g., dialysis formula)	Fresubin HP Energy Liquid Tube Feed
Sugar-Free	Yes, specifically noted for certain formulations like dialysis variants.	No, contains a small amount of sugars (e.g., 1g/100ml).
Main Carbohydrate	Fructooligosaccharides, Maltodextrin, Fructose.	Maltodextrin.
Target Audience	Dialysis patients, critically ill, specific malnutrition needs.	General malnutrition, high protein/energy needs, fluid restriction.
Format	Powder, requires reconstitution.	Ready-to-use liquid in EasyBag.
Lactose Content	Lactose-free.	Lactose-free.
Specialty	Often low electrolyte for renal function.	Contains MCTs and fish oil for adapted fat blend.

The Verdict for Patients with Diabetes

For individuals with diabetes, or anyone monitoring their sugar intake closely, the distinction is crucial. It is essential to consult with a healthcare professional or registered dietitian. For specific sugar management needs, Fresenius Kabi offers products under different brand names, such as Fresubin DM or Diben, which are explicitly formulated for diabetic patients and often use slow-release carbohydrates and are sucrose-free. Using a general high-protein supplement like Fresubin HP Energy without understanding its carbohydrate profile can impact blood glucose levels.

Conclusion: Read the Label Carefully

In conclusion, the claim that Fresubin HP is sugar-free is not universally true. While certain specific powder formulations, particularly those developed for patients undergoing dialysis, are sugar-free or sucrose-free, other versions like the Fresubin HP Energy liquid feed contain some simple sugars and other carbohydrates. For this reason, anyone with a medical need to monitor sugar intake must verify the specific product's nutritional information and ingredients list. For targeted diabetes management, alternative Fresubin products like Diben are a safer and more appropriate choice. Always consult with a healthcare provider before making dietary changes, especially when dealing with specialized medical nutrition.

This article provides general information. For specific health concerns, it is best to consult the manufacturer's website or a healthcare professional. Fresenius Kabi's official website

Frequently Asked Questions

Some Fresubin HP powders are sucrose-free and have a low glycemic index, making them potentially suitable for diabetic patients. However, variants with higher sugar content exist, so a healthcare professional should be consulted.

The liquid version, Fresubin HP Energy, contains a small amount of simple sugars, listed as 'sugars' on the nutrition panel (e.g., 1g per 100ml). The primary carbohydrate source, however, is maltodextrin, which also affects blood glucose levels.

Yes, Fresenius Kabi produces a specific line of products, such as Fresubin DM and Diben, that are explicitly formulated for diabetes management with controlled carbohydrate profiles.

No, the sugar content varies significantly across the Fresubin product range. Some oral supplements and feeds contain sugars, while others are formulated to be sugar-free or sucrose-free for specific dietary needs.

You must check the nutritional information table on the product packaging, specifically the 'of which sugars' entry under carbohydrates. You should also check the ingredients list for added sugars or other carbohydrates like maltodextrin.

Maltodextrin is a carbohydrate used as a source of energy in many nutritional supplements, including Fresubin HP. It consists of glucose units and can raise blood sugar levels, though it is not a simple sugar like sucrose.

Based on product descriptions, certain powder formulations, particularly those for specific medical conditions like dialysis, are more likely to be formulated as sugar-free compared to general-purpose liquid feeds.