Nutrition and Diet: How much sugar is in TUMS assorted berries?

October 21, 2025 •

4 min read

While TUMS are known for fast-acting heartburn relief, many people are surprised to learn that standard versions contain sugar. The specific amount of sugar depends on the product's strength, so the question of how much sugar is in TUMS assorted berries requires a closer look at the nutrition label.

Quick Summary

A breakdown of sugar content in assorted berries TUMS, detailing differences between Extra Strength and Ultra Strength formulas. The article also covers sugar-free alternatives and important nutritional considerations regarding sugary antacids.

Key Points

Varies by strength: Sugar content differs significantly between TUMS products, from 2g per tablet for Extra Strength 750 to 3g for Ultra Strength 1000 assorted berries.
Sucrose is the culprit: Standard TUMS use sucrose (table sugar) as a key inactive ingredient to improve the chewable tablet's taste.
Sugar-free options exist: For those managing sugar intake, TUMS offers specific sugar-free varieties using alternative sweeteners like sucralose.
Diabetic considerations: Individuals with diabetes or on a low-sugar diet should check labels, as sugar in antacids can impact blood glucose levels.
Cumulative effect: Frequent, long-term use of sugary antacids can contribute to total daily sugar consumption, with potential implications for overall health and dental hygiene.
Alternatives available: Other antacid options, including liquid formulas, different brands, or long-term medication like H2 blockers, may be sugar-free or contain different active ingredients.

The Surprising Sugar Content in Assorted Berries TUMS

Many consumers turn to TUMS for quick relief from heartburn and acid indigestion. However, the berry-flavored varieties, like many chewable antacids, use sugar to enhance their taste. The exact amount varies significantly depending on the product's strength and specific formulation. Understanding these differences is key for anyone managing their dietary sugar intake, such as those with diabetes or individuals following a low-sugar diet.

How much sugar is in TUMS Extra Strength 750 assorted berries?

The Extra Strength 750 version of TUMS Assorted Berries contains 2 grams of sugar per tablet. The inactive ingredients in this product include sucrose, along with other components like corn starch and various flavors. For a standard serving of two tablets, this amounts to 4 grams of sugar. While a single dose is minimal, frequent use can contribute a notable amount of added sugar to one's daily intake.

How much sugar is in TUMS Ultra Strength 1000 assorted berries?

The Ultra Strength 1000 variety of TUMS Assorted Berries has a higher sugar content than the Extra Strength version, with 3 grams of sugar per tablet. This product also lists sucrose as an inactive ingredient. A two-tablet dose of the Ultra Strength 1000 formulation delivers 6 grams of sugar. This is a crucial distinction for users who need to be mindful of every gram of sugar they consume.

Standard vs. Sugar-Free TUMS: A Nutritional Comparison

For those who must avoid sugar, TUMS offers specific sugar-free products. These versions use alternative sweeteners, providing the same active ingredient, calcium carbonate, for antacid relief without the added sugar. It's essential to check the label carefully, as the 'Assorted Berries' flavor is not inherently sugar-free across all TUMS product lines. The sugar-free products are typically labeled as such on the packaging.


Feature	Extra Strength 750 Assorted Berries	Ultra Strength 1000 Assorted Berries	Sugar-Free Assorted Flavor
Active Ingredient	Calcium Carbonate USP 750mg	Calcium Carbonate USP 1000mg	Calcium Carbonate USP 750mg
Sugar Content (per tablet)	2 grams	3 grams	0 grams
Sweetener	Sucrose	Sucrose	Sorbitol, Sucralose
Key Dietary Benefit	Standard antacid relief	Increased acid-neutralizing power	Ideal for low-sugar/diabetic diets
Calories (per 2 tablets)	10 calories	10 calories	0 calories

Why Sugar in Antacids Matters for Your Diet

While the small amount of sugar in an occasional antacid might seem negligible, it's important to consider its impact within the broader context of a healthy diet. Frequent, long-term use of sugary products can have cumulative effects that contradict nutritional goals.

Impact on Diabetics and Low-Sugar Diets

For individuals with diabetes, monitoring sugar intake is critical for managing blood glucose levels. Even small, repeated doses of sugar from sources like antacids can add up and potentially affect blood sugar control. Opting for sugar-free versions is a simple and effective strategy to avoid this issue while still getting the necessary heartburn relief. For those on low-carb or keto diets, the sugar and carbohydrate content in standard TUMS must also be accounted for.

Dental Health Considerations

Chewable antacids with sucrose expose teeth to sugar, which can contribute to dental caries (tooth decay), especially with frequent use. Bacteria in the mouth feed on sugar and produce acids that erode tooth enamel. This risk is particularly relevant for those who take antacids several times a day. Sugar-free formulations minimize this dental health concern.

The Role of Sucrose and Artificial Sweeteners

Sucrose is used in standard TUMS to make the chalky calcium carbonate palatable. Sugar-free versions replace this with non-caloric sweeteners like sorbitol and sucralose. While these provide the desired sweetness without impacting blood sugar, some people may experience digestive discomfort, such as bloating, from sugar alcohols like sorbitol. These are important trade-offs to consider based on individual health needs and sensitivities.

Healthy Alternatives and Usage Tips

For those needing to reduce or eliminate sugar from their antacid use, several strategies are available:

Switch to Sugar-Free Formulations: TUMS offers specific sugar-free versions, typically labeled 'Sugar Free Melon Berry' or similar, that provide relief without sucrose.
Try Different Brands: Other brands like Gaviscon also offer sugar-free options, including liquid suspensions.
Consider H2 Blockers or PPIs: For more persistent acid issues, over-the-counter H2 blockers (like famotidine) or proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) may be a better long-term solution, as they don't contain sugar and address acid production differently.
Adjust Diet and Lifestyle: Focusing on nutrition can reduce the need for antacids in the first place. Avoiding trigger foods, eating smaller meals, and not lying down immediately after eating are effective strategies.
Consult a Healthcare Professional: A doctor or pharmacist can help you find the best antacid option, especially if you have chronic health conditions like diabetes.

Conclusion: Making an Informed Dietary Choice

The answer to how much sugar is in TUMS assorted berries is not a single number, but a range of 2 to 3 grams per tablet, depending on the product's strength. While a small amount, this added sugar is a crucial consideration for anyone monitoring their sugar intake for dietary or health reasons. By understanding the nutritional differences between standard and sugar-free formulations and exploring alternative relief methods, you can make an informed choice that aligns with your overall nutrition and diet goals.

For more information on the health impacts of sugar, consider consulting resources from the CDC.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, not all TUMS assorted berries products contain sugar. While standard versions use sucrose, TUMS also offers specific sugar-free options in assorted flavors, which use alternative sweeteners.

To confirm if your TUMS are sugar-free, you must check the product label. Look for clear labeling that states 'Sugar Free' on the packaging, as different formulations of the same flavor exist.

The active ingredient in TUMS is calcium carbonate, which works by neutralizing stomach acid on contact to provide relief from heartburn and indigestion.

Sugar is included in standard chewable antacids, such as TUMS, primarily to improve the taste and mask the chalky texture of the calcium carbonate active ingredient.

Diabetics should be cautious with standard, sugar-containing TUMS assorted berries, as the sugar can affect blood glucose levels. Sugar-free versions are a much safer alternative for managing heartburn.

In addition to TUMS' own sugar-free line, alternatives include other antacid brands with sugar-free options or non-chewable alternatives like H2 blockers or proton pump inhibitors.

Yes, sugar-free TUMS may have a different flavor profile due to the use of alternative sweeteners like sorbitol and sucralose instead of sucrose, which some users may perceive differently.