The Fresh Test® vs. Traditional Glucose Drink: A Real Mom’s Comparison (second time around)
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Reshared by Fresh Test, LLC. May 2025. Content from Mom Blogger, Sarah K. |
When it comes time for your glucose screening during pregnancy, you're handed a sugary drink and told to chug. But did you know you actually have options? If you're wondering whether to stick with the traditional glucola drink or go with a cleaner, more natural alternative like The Fresh Test, here’s what I’ve learned—and what I personally experienced.
What's the Glucose Test, Anyway?
The glucose test helps check for gestational diabetes during pregnancy. You drink a glucose solution (typically 50g, 75g, or 100g of sugar), and your blood is tested to see how well your body processes it. Pretty simple in theory. But the drink itself? Not always pleasant.
Traditional Glucose Drink: The Standard
The classic glucose drink—also called glucola—is free and covered by insurance. It’s easy to access at most OB offices and labs. But the taste? Yikes.
It’s typically described as overly sweet, syrupy, and artificial. Mine tasted like flat orange soda… and not in a good way. I felt nauseated and woozy afterward.
What’s inside?
- Water
- GMO dextrose
- Food dyes (FD&C Yellow #6, Red #40) <- will be banned by 2027
- Sodium benzoate (a preservative)
- Artificial flavorings
In fact, many of these drinks even carry a California Prop 65 warning due to chemicals linked to cancer and reproductive harm. Not exactly what I want going into my body during pregnancy.
The Fresh Test®: A Clean Alternative
During my second pregnancy, I discovered The Fresh Test—a natural diagnostic (pharmaceutical grade) glucola. It contains organic lemon, organic mint, and non-GMO dextrose. That’s it.
I picked up the 50g version from a local midwife, mixed it with water at home (shoutout to my Stanley cup), and sipped it slowly. No jittery buzz. No headache. No gross aftertaste.
How does it taste?
Honestly? Like Chick-fil-A lemonade. Light, refreshing, citrusy, and just sweet enough. I'd drink it for fun—not just for a test. That alone is a win in my book.
Other perks:
- Kosher
- Gluten-free
- Dairy-free
- No preservatives, dyes, or artificial anything
How They Compare: Quick Breakdown
| Feature | Traditional Glucose Drink | The Fresh Test® |
|---|---|---|
| Taste | Syrupy, artificial | Light, citrusy, fresh |
| Ingredients | GMO sugar, dyes, additives | Organic & minimal |
| Cost | Free with insurance | $15–$25 out of pocket |
| Availability | OB offices/labs | Amazon, midwives, LabCorp |
| Packaging | Pre-mixed bottle | Powder you mix yourself |
| Feeling after | Headache, nausea (for me) | No side effects (yay!) |
| The Fresh Test® | Other brand (free from lab) |
|---|---|
| Non-GMO/Organic dextrose sourced from tapioca or corn | Genetically modified corn dextrose |
| Organic lemon | Artificial flavoring/dyes, which are associated with cancer, ADHD and allergies. Butylated hydroxyanisole, a carcinogen |
| Organic mint | Sodium benzoate, which can cause inflammation, obesity, carcinogen, mental impairment |
| Filtered water from my home | Butylated hydroxyanisole, a carcinogen |
| Small kraft envelope or BPA Free bottle you add water to | Plastic bottle that may or may not contain BPA |
Is It Worth Paying for The Fresh Test®?
For me, yes. While The Fresh Test® isn’t free, the peace of mind and better experience were worth the $20. I don’t always eat organic and I’m not a “crunchy” mom by any means, but during pregnancy, I want to make thoughtful choices. If I’m going to slam a big dose of sugar, I’d rather skip the dyes and chemical additives.
Final Thoughts
Both the traditional drink and The Fresh Test do their job. They’re validated, offer the required glucose dose, and help detect gestational diabetes. But only one left me feeling good afterward—and tasted like real lemonade.
So this time around, I’m walking into my appointment with The Fresh Test in hand. I've already shared my preference with my provider (along with a little info sheet), and she’s totally on board. She even told me she would be ordering a case of it for other patients!
If you're weighing your options, I hope this comparison helps you make the best choice for you and your baby.
– Written by Sarah K
May 17, 2025