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If you’re currently pregnant or preparing for your glucose tolerance test (GTT), chances are you’ve heard of the glucola drink—that bright orange bottle of sugary liquid many moms dread. When I found out I’d need to take the glucose test during pregnancy, I immediately started researching my options. I wanted something cleaner, safer, and less artificial, and that’s when I discovered The Fresh Test.
In this post, I’ll walk you through:
- What the glucose test is
- Why I personally didn’t want the traditional glucola drink
- What The Fresh Test is (and how it compares)
- My honest experience taking The Fresh Test
- What my OB/GYN said about it
- How you can bring it up with your provider
Let’s dive in!
What Is the Glucose Test in Pregnancy?
Around 24–28 weeks of pregnancy, most women take a glucose screening test to check for gestational diabetes, a temporary condition that can affect how your body processes sugar during pregnancy.
The traditional approach involves:
- Fasting or eating beforehand (depending on your doctor’s protocol)
- Drinking a glucose solution (usually 50g of glucose in a bright orange or fruit punch–flavored drink)
- Having your blood drawn 1 hour later to see how your body handled the sugar
If your results are high, you may need to do a longer 3-hour test using a 100g glucose drink.
Why I Didn’t Want the Traditional Glucola Drink
The standard glucose drink—often referred to as glucola—has been around for decades. It’s FDA-approved and widely used. But once I looked at the ingredients, I started to question whether it was the best option for me and my baby.
Here are a few reasons I didn’t feel comfortable with it:
- Artificial dyes like Red 40 or Yellow 6
- Preservatives (like sodium benzoate)
- Brominated vegetable oil (BVO) in some formulations
- High-fructose corn syrup or synthetic glucose
I know some people are totally fine with these ingredients, and that’s OK. But I’ve become more mindful of what I put into my body—especially during pregnancy. If I’m avoiding those things in my food, why would I drink them in one gulp for a test?
What Is The Fresh Test?
The Fresh Test is a clean-label glucose test alternative designed specifically for pregnant women. It contains:
- Organic glucose (no high-fructose corn syrup)
- Organic lemon juice powder
- Water
- That’s it—no dyes, preservatives, or chemicals
It comes in individual packets of 50g, 75g, or 100g to meet different testing needs and can be mixed with water at home or at your doctor’s office.
It was created by Jacqueline Ramsey, a medical-device entrepreneur and mom who was frustrated with the lack of natural options during her own pregnancy. Her mission was to offer a clinically-backed alternative that’s clean, safe, and still meets the medical standards for glucose testing.
My Experience Taking The Fresh Test
I’ll be honest—I was a little nervous bringing it up to my OB. I wasn’t sure how they’d respond, or if they’d even allow it. But after I explained that I wanted a more natural option, my provider was surprisingly supportive and brought up The Fresh Test.
Here’s how it went down:
- I ordered The Fresh Test 50g packet on Amazon.
- I brought it with me to my glucose screening appointment.
- I mixed it with 10oz of water, and I drank it within the 5-minute window.
- I waited an hour, had my blood drawn, and went home.
The taste? Honestly—it was way better than I expected. No chemical aftertaste. No artificial sweetness. I didn’t feel nauseous or jittery like I’ve heard others say about the traditional drink. I purchased the mint lemonade flavor and it was actually good! It reminded me of lemonade from Chick-Fil-A.
And the best part? I passed my test and didn’t need to do the longer one!
How You Can Try It Too
If you’re interested in trying The Fresh Test for your glucose screening or tolerance test, here’s what to do:
- Talk to your provider: Ask if they allow third-party glucose sources that meet the testing criteria.
- Choose the correct gram amount for your test (50g for screening, 75g or 100g for OGTT).
- Order it in advance: Shipping is usually quick, but give yourself time.
- Bring it on test day: Mix it according to instructions and drink it under supervision. Bring a straw/spoon to mix, a cup to drink from, unopened water, and of course the Fresh Test.
Final Thoughts: You Have Options
If you’re like me—someone who values clean ingredients and wants to avoid unnecessary chemicals during pregnancy—The Fresh Test is an amazing alternative to the traditional glucola drink.
Is it for everyone? Maybe not. Some moms are fine with the original drink, and that’s their choice. But if you’ve been curious, hesitant, or just want something better-tasting and cleaner, it’s worth looking into.
I’m so glad I found it. I felt empowered, informed, and respected in my decision—and that’s exactly how every mom deserves to feel during pregnancy.
You’re not alone, mama—and your choices matter.
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