What Are Glucerna Shakes Sweetened With? The Truth About Their Low-Sugar Formula

January 5, 2026 •

3 min read

Glucerna shakes are specifically formulated for people managing diabetes, using a precise blend of ingredients to manage blood sugar response. This careful approach ensures sweetness without the typical impact of sugar, leading many to ask: what are Glucerna shakes sweetened with and how do these sweeteners function?

Quick Summary

Glucerna shakes rely on a combination of artificial, non-nutritive sweeteners, primarily sucralose and acesulfame potassium, to deliver sweetness without excess sugar. These sweeteners do not cause significant blood glucose spikes, making them suitable for those with diabetes.

Key Points

Artificial Sweeteners Used: Glucerna shakes are sweetened with non-nutritive artificial sweeteners, specifically a blend of sucralose and acesulfame potassium.
Low Glycemic Impact: The use of these high-intensity sweeteners helps to minimize the blood sugar spike that would occur with a high-sugar beverage.
Synergistic Blend: Sucralose and acesulfame potassium are often combined to create a more balanced, sugar-like taste and reduce any potential aftertaste.
Strategic Carbohydrate Mix: Glucerna's formula also includes a slow-digesting carbohydrate blend (CARBSTEADY) to support blood sugar management.
Suitable for Diabetics: These ingredients are specifically chosen to be suitable for people managing diabetes who need to control their sugar intake.
Safe for Consumption: Sucralose and acesulfame potassium are approved as safe food additives by the FDA and other health organizations.

Glucerna is a well-known brand of nutritional shakes designed to help people with diabetes and prediabetes manage their blood sugar. To achieve their low-sugar profile, manufacturers use a blend of non-nutritive, high-intensity sweeteners. The two primary sweeteners found in most Glucerna shakes are sucralose and acesulfame potassium, also known as acesulfame-K.

The Primary Sweeteners: Sucralose and Acesulfame Potassium

Sucralose: A Sugar-Derived Sweetener

Sucralose, often recognized by the brand name Splenda, is an artificial sweetener derived from sugar. This modification prevents the body from metabolizing it for energy, resulting in zero calories and minimal impact on blood glucose when consumed in moderation. Sucralose is about 600 times sweeter than table sugar and is considered safe for general use by the FDA after reviewing over 110 studies.

Acesulfame Potassium: A Calorie-Free Partner

Acesulfame potassium (Ace-K) is another zero-calorie artificial sweetener frequently used in conjunction with others to achieve a more sugar-like taste. Approximately 200 times sweeter than sugar, Ace-K is heat-stable and approved as a safe food additive by the FDA based on over 90 studies. The combination of sucralose and acesulfame potassium creates a synergistic effect, enhancing sweetness and minimizing potential aftertaste.

Other Sweetening Agents

Beyond the artificial sweeteners, some Glucerna products may include other ingredients that contribute to sweetness and function:

Fructose: Present in limited quantities in some varieties, contributing to a low overall sugar content (typically around 4 grams per serving).
Glycerin: A sugar alcohol found in certain formulations that has minimal impact on blood sugar due to its metabolism.
Corn Maltodextrin and Fiber: Part of Glucerna's CARBSTEADY blend, these complex carbohydrates digest slowly to help manage blood sugar spikes.

Comparison of Key Sweeteners in Glucerna


Feature	Sucralose (Splenda)	Acesulfame Potassium (Ace-K)
Sweetness	~600 times sweeter than sugar	~200 times sweeter than sugar
Calories	Zero	Zero
Usage in Glucerna	Primary high-intensity sweetener	Blended with sucralose for enhanced taste
Derivation	Modified sugar molecule	Organic salt
Heat Stability	Stable for cooking and baking	Stable for cooking and baking
Flavor Profile	Clean, sugar-like taste	May have a slightly bitter aftertaste alone
Impact on Blood Sugar	Minimal to no direct impact	No significant direct impact

Why This Sweetener Blend is Used

Glucerna's use of this sweetener blend, combined with its low-glycemic carbohydrate blend, is fundamental to its role in diabetes management:

Lower Glycemic Impact: Substituting high amounts of sugar with high-intensity sweeteners helps to minimize post-consumption blood sugar spikes.
Palatability: The blend delivers an appealing sweet taste, making the shake enjoyable as a meal or snack replacement.
Calorie Control: These non-nutritive sweeteners provide sweetness without adding calories, supporting weight management efforts for individuals with diabetes.
Blood Sugar Control: The sweeteners allow for a sweet taste while helping individuals adhere to their carbohydrate intake goals.

Conclusion

Glucerna shakes primarily use non-nutritive artificial sweeteners, sucralose and acesulfame potassium, as a core component of their diabetes-focused formula. This blend, along with low-glycemic carbohydrates, delivers sweetness and helps manage blood sugar response without significant calories or glycemic impact. These sweeteners are considered safe within recommended limits. Individuals managing diabetes should consult their healthcare professional to confirm Glucerna fits their dietary plan. For additional information on FDA-approved sweeteners, the official Food and Drug Administration website is a valuable resource.

Visit the U.S. FDA Website

Lists of Key Glucerna Ingredients

Sweeteners: Sucralose, Acesulfame Potassium, Fructose (in limited quantities), Glycerin.
Carbohydrate Blend (CARBSTEADY): Corn Maltodextrin Fibre, Short-chain Fructooligosaccharides (scFOS).
Protein Sources: Milk Protein Concentrate, Soy Protein Isolate.
Fats: High Oleic Safflower Oil, Canola Oil.
Immune Support Nutrients: Protein, Vitamin A, Vitamin C, Vitamin D, Vitamin E, Zinc, and Selenium.
Other Ingredients: Various vitamins, minerals, and flavorings.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, Glucerna shakes do not use natural sweeteners like stevia. The product label and company FAQs state that they are sweetened with sucralose and acesulfame potassium, which are artificial sweeteners.

Glucerna uses artificial sweeteners to provide a sweet taste without the calories or blood glucose impact of sugar. This is essential for individuals with diabetes who need to manage their carbohydrate and sugar intake effectively.

Yes, both sucralose and acesulfame potassium are considered safe food additives by major health authorities like the FDA. When consumed in moderation, they are a suitable sugar alternative for people with diabetes.

Yes, Glucerna shakes do contain a small amount of sugar, typically around 4 grams per serving, which comes from sources like fructose. However, this is significantly less than standard nutritional shakes.

The CARBSTEADY blend, which includes corn maltodextrin fibre and fructooligosaccharides, is a low-glycemic carbohydrate blend. It is designed to digest slowly, which helps to minimize the blood sugar spike after consumption.

While generally safe, some people may experience side effects with artificial sweeteners, most commonly gastrointestinal issues like bloating or discomfort. More research is needed on potential long-term effects.

There is conflicting research on whether artificial sweeteners increase cravings for sweet foods. Some studies suggest they might, while others find no correlation. Consulting a healthcare professional for personalized advice is recommended.