The Fresh Test Glucose Test Review- Natural Alternative for the Glucose Test During Pregnancy
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Written by Sara Fama, PharmD. Sara Fama is a pharmacist and mother in New York. As a researcher by trade, Sara’s goal is to weed through the stress that can come with clean-living and assist others in making changes towards a healthier well-being. Read more of Sara’s reviews here. |
When you’re pregnant you know at some point you’re going to have to do the glucose test, which screens for gestational diabetes sometimes between 24 to 28 weeks gestation. If you’ve gone through a glucose test before, you may be familiar with the sugary beverage you have to drink and then they time your blood draw either at 1 hour and done, or every hour for 2 or 3 hours depending which test you go in for. With my first pregnancy I failed the 1 hour glucose test and had to sit for a 3 hour glucose test and honestly the drink especially on an empty stomach made me feel SUPER sick. For this pregnancy I wanted to look for more natural drink options, and as a pharmacist I know there are tons of sources of glucose, so why did I have to drink that drink again? That standard glucose drink definitely isn’t natural! There’s definitely artificial dyes and artificial flavors added.
This pregnancy I stumbled across something called The Fresh Test. I was immediately drawn in. It’s made with super simple clean ingredients, was super affordable, and supported by LabCorp which is usually a pretty universally accepted lab with most insurances. So let’s dive in!
Table of Contents
- What is the Fresh Test?
- What are The Fresh Test ingredients?
- How is it supplied?
- How do you obtain The Fresh Test for your glucose test?
- How much does The Fresh Test cost?
- Most importantly, how does it taste?
- How did it make me feel?
- Overall thoughts
What is the Fresh Test?
This is a natural alternative to the standard glucose drink for gestational diabetes screening in pregnancy. It is non-GMO, gluten Free, BPA free, and has no additives or preservatives. It’s vegan and packaged in recyclable packaging.
It is FDA registered as an equivalent glucose test, and meets the standards set by the American Diabetes Association for screening of gestational diabetes.
The Fresh Test 75mg package
What are The Fresh Test ingredients?
Organic Non-GMO Glucose (derived from either corn or tapioca), Crystallized Lemon (citric acid, lemon oil, lemon juice) and Organic Peppermint Leaf extract.
The Fresh Test 75m package ingredients and instructions
How is it supplied?
It comes in 3 different powder packet versions for the 3 different length glucose tests. Check with your practitioner to confirm the amount of glucose they want for your test, but generally speaking it goes like this:
1hr test = 50mg glucose
2hr test = 75mg glucose
3hr test = 100mg glucose
It looks like they have a 50mg premixed bottled option in the works coming soon for providers and labs to purchase, which is exciting!
For this pregnancy my office only does the 2hr test, which was a relief to me! I didn’t have to worry about failing the first one again and sitting for an even longer one. So now I have officially done all 3 versions of this test!
How do you obtain The Fresh Test for your glucose test?
From what I can tell, you need to purchase it online directly from The Fresh Test website beforehand. You can check with your lab to see if they carry it though, or your provider’s office. There is also a list of providers on their website here.
Since you need to schedule your test with the lab in advance, I gave myself 2 weeks between when I ordered the packets and when my test date was.
Shipping was super quick, only about 4 business days to New York. You just have to remember to pack it in your bag the day of your glucose test!
How much does The Fresh Test cost?
Typically this is an out of pocket expense
50mg test is $16.50
75mg test is $18.50
100mg test is $20.72
How is it mixed?
You need to let your lab know when you get there that you have The Fresh Test packet with you – it takes a few minutes per the instructions to mix it into 10 ounces of water.
Most importantly, how does it taste?
I will be honest, from the look of it, I did not expect it to taste SO GOOD. it tasted like iced cold fresh lemonade and it was honestly so refreshing and delicious! I took a picture for you below – it definitely doesn’t look as appetizing as it tastes!
How did it make me feel?
I did not get nausea at all during the 2 hour glucose test. I was pleasantly surprised by this and I would highly recommend this to anyone whose stomach was sensitive to the traditional drink, as well as anyone looking for a clean and natural alternative.
Overall thoughts
I would highly recommend The Fresh Test to anyone pregnant in lieu of the traditional test. There are really no downfalls except having to purchase it in advance and pay a little out of pocket for it. It has such simple clean ingredients, tastes DELICIOUS, and may make your stomach feel better during the test. It’s really all wins in my book! I hope you find this review of The Fresh Test helpful and if you have tried it, definitely tell your pregnant friends, it is a game changer!
For more information, see their FAQ page here. And of course, check with your medical providers with any questions you may have as well.
Have you tried The Fresh Test? What did you think?