No, but Some Glucerna Products Were Phased Out
Recent reports and online discussions have incorrectly suggested that the entire Glucerna brand was discontinued. The confusion stems from a very specific and intentional business decision made by Abbott Nutrition, the brand's manufacturer. To clarify the situation, it is critical to understand which products were affected and why.
Discontinuation of Glucerna Bars
In March 2024, Abbott announced that it would be discontinuing all Glucerna protein and snack bars, including flavors like Dark Chocolate Almond and Crispy Oats and Nuts. This decision was part of a broader strategy by Abbott to streamline its nutrition portfolio and focus on other core product lines. For consumers who relied on the bars for a convenient, diabetes-friendly snack, this came as a significant disappointment. Despite this, Abbott has continued to emphasize its commitment to the liquid and powder Glucerna products.
Current Availability of Shakes and Powders
Fortunately for many, Glucerna's liquid nutritional shakes and powder mixes are still in production and widely available. Products such as Glucerna Original and Glucerna Triple Care continue to be sold through major retailers, pharmacies, and online platforms. The brand's official FAQ page confirms that its drinks are still available.
Past Recalls and Ongoing Supply Chain Management
Previous supply chain disruptions and product recalls have also contributed to the misinformation. In August 2022, a voluntary recall was initiated by third-party manufacturer Lyons Magnus, affecting several brands including specific lots of Glucerna shakes sold in club stores like Costco and Sam's Club. This recall was due to potential microbial contamination and did not originate from Abbott's own manufacturing facilities. It is important to remember that such recalls are temporary and product-specific, not indicative of a brand-wide discontinuation.
Recent SKU Rationalization
Beyond the bars, Abbott has also communicated product 'rationalizations' to institutional customers, phasing out some specific product codes to streamline their offerings. These are typically less visible to the general retail consumer but can contribute to the perception of broader availability issues. For example, letters sent in 2024 and 2025 detail the discontinuation of various institutional products.
Alternatives to Glucerna Products
For those affected by the bar discontinuation or looking for alternatives, several options exist. For diabetic nutrition, other specialized products can serve as meal replacements or snacks. For general nutritional support, other product lines are available from Abbott itself.
Alternative products to consider:
- Ensure: Also manufactured by Abbott, Ensure products are for general nutritional support, providing calories and vitamins, but are not specifically formulated for blood sugar management like Glucerna.
- Diabetisource AC: A specialized diabetic product that can be a substitute for Glucerna 1.0 in liquid formula substitutions.
- Kate Farms Glucose Support: Another alternative for diabetic nutrition, available as both liquid formula and other products.
- Boost: Nestle's Boost line offers various nutritional shakes, some of which may be suitable alternatives depending on specific dietary needs.
Comparison Table: Glucerna vs. Ensure
| Feature | Glucerna (Shakes/Powders) | Ensure (Original Shakes/Powders) |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Purpose | Blood sugar management for people with diabetes | General nutritional support |
| Carbohydrate Content | Formulated with low-glycemic carbs to minimize blood sugar spikes | Contains standard carbohydrate blend, higher sugar content than Glucerna |
| Sugar Content | Sucrose-free and often uses artificial sweeteners like sucralose | Contains more sugar as it is not formulated specifically for blood sugar control |
| Nutrient Balance | Balanced nutrition tailored for diabetic needs | Provides calories, vitamins, and minerals for general supplementation |
| Manufacturer | Abbott Nutrition | Abbott Nutrition |
| Availability | Widely available in shakes and powders as of 2025 | Widely available |
Conclusion
The assertion that the entire Glucerna brand has been discontinued is false. While the Glucerna protein and snack bars were indeed phased out by Abbott in March 2024 as part of a portfolio realignment, the brand's core offerings—the nutritional shakes and powders—remain on the market. Supply chain adjustments and past third-party recalls have created temporary shortages and confusion, but the product line for diabetic nutrition continues to be available. For those needing alternatives to the discontinued bars or considering a different nutritional shake, products like Ensure or other specialty brands may be suitable, but it is always best to consult with a healthcare professional before making dietary changes. For the most up-to-date information on available products, customers can visit the official Abbott Nutrition website.
