Glucose
The body's primary blood sugar and fuel.
What is Glucose?
Glucose is the simple sugar that circulates in your blood and serves as the body's main energy currency. Most carbohydrates you eat are ultimately broken down into glucose, which the brain and muscles rely on. It occurs naturally in fruit and honey and is also called dextrose.
Health benefits of Glucose
- The primary fuel for the brain and red blood cells
- Provides fast energy for working muscles
- Stored as glycogen in muscle and liver for later use
Top food sources of Glucose
See full rankingFruit, honey, and the digestion of starches and other sugars. Values shown per 100 g.
Infant formula, MEAD JOHNSON, ENFAMIL, LACTOFREE, with iron, powder, not reconstituted
57.0 g
Infant formula, MEAD JOHNSON, ENFAMIL, LACTOFREE LIPIL, with iron, powder, with ARA and DHA
54.8 g
Honey
35.8 g
Dates, medjool
33.7 g
Apricots, dried, sulfured, uncooked
33.1 g
McDONALD'S, Honey
32.6 g
Raisins, seedless
27.8 g
Plums, dried (prunes), uncooked
25.5 g
Figs, dried, uncooked
24.8 g
Prune puree
22.3 g
Drink mix, QUAKER OATS, GATORADE, orange flavor, powder
20.0 g
Dates, deglet noor
19.9 g
How much Glucose do you need?
There is no Daily Value for glucose itself; it falls under total carbohydrate. Whole-food carbohydrates release glucose more gradually than refined sugars.
Glucose deficiency
There is no need to eat glucose directly — the body makes it from other carbohydrates and, if needed, from protein. Low blood glucose (hypoglycemia) is a separate medical matter.
Can you have too much Glucose?
Frequent spikes in blood glucose from refined carbohydrates can strain blood-sugar control over time. Pairing carbohydrates with fiber, protein and fat softens the rise.
Nutrition data per 100 g from the USDA & FooDB databases. Daily Values follow the FDA 2016+ labeling standard for a 2,000-calorie diet. This guide is for general information and is not medical advice.
Frequently asked questions
What does Glucose do?
Glucose is the simple sugar that circulates in your blood and serves as the body's main energy currency. Most carbohydrates you eat are ultimately broken down into glucose, which the brain and muscles rely on. It occurs naturally in fruit and honey and is also called dextrose.
How much Glucose do I need per day?
There is no Daily Value for glucose itself; it falls under total carbohydrate. Whole-food carbohydrates release glucose more gradually than refined sugars.
Which foods are highest in Glucose?
Per 100 g, some of the richest sources are Infant formula, MEAD JOHNSON, ENFAMIL, LACTOFREE, with iron, powder, not reconstituted, Infant formula, MEAD JOHNSON, ENFAMIL, LACTOFREE LIPIL, with iron, powder, with ARA and DHA, Honey, Dates, medjool, Apricots, dried, sulfured, uncooked.
What happens if I don't get enough Glucose?
There is no need to eat glucose directly — the body makes it from other carbohydrates and, if needed, from protein. Low blood glucose (hypoglycemia) is a separate medical matter.
Can you have too much Glucose?
Frequent spikes in blood glucose from refined carbohydrates can strain blood-sugar control over time. Pairing carbohydrates with fiber, protein and fat softens the rise.