Question:
Is "SugarFree" the same as "No Sugar Added"?

My nutritionist says that I can add some Sugar-Free Carnation Instant Breakfast to my milk while I'm on liquids. I can only find "No Sugar Added Carnation Instant Breakfast". Are they the same? The No Sugar Added has 7 grams of sugar per serving...isn't that too much? I have not bought it yet, but was hoping some of you would know if there is a difference and if I should buy that stuff. Thank you!!    — LaRayne H. (posted on March 19, 2002)

March 19, 2002
Sugar Free means the item does not have any sugar in it. No Sugar Added means that while there may be naturally occurring sugars, no refined sugar has been added to it. The reason that CIB no sugar added has 7 grams of sugar is from the powdered milk in it. Milk contains lactose which is a sugar but is not sweet tasting. If you don't have problems tolerating milk, the CIB should be okay for you. If you have developed lactose intolerance, you should try one of the soy or whey products as the lactose could give you gas!
   — ctyst

March 19, 2002
No. Sugar free is sugar free. No sugar added means that no additional sugars have been added. You may have to play it by ear and see how you do with it. Some RNY patients say they read food labels and only get things with X amount of sugar grams. It may be just a trial and error thing. Good luck.
   — Cinna G.

March 19, 2002
I just went to the library and someone suggested to go to Nestle.com to look for that product. Happy losing ;)
   — Cinna G.

March 19, 2002
my husband and I both use carnation NSA , its great, we also use the store brand ones, they taste the same, never had a problem with them.
   — rebecca N.

March 19, 2002
I have found out that Carnation Instant breakfast is ONLY available in the "No Sugar Added" variety. They do not make a "Sugar Free" Hope this helps.
   — Sandra C.

March 19, 2002
They are different, as I believe Carnation Ins Bkfst is made with dry milk, which would be the source of sugar and they didn't "add" anything else to it. (guessing) But, I dumped on the no added sugar because with that 7 gm add the milk sugar which adds up.
   — ZZ S.

March 19, 2002
They are different, as I believe Carnation Ins Bkfst is made with dry milk, which would be the source of sugar and they didn't "add" anything else to it. (guessing) But, I dumped on the no added sugar because with that 7 gm add the cup of milk sugar amounts, which adds up.
   — ZZ S.

March 19, 2002
No, Sugar Free and No Sugar Added are NOT the same. However, many people use the No Sugar Added Carnation Instant Breakfast early post op to get some protein in. I don't think there is a sugar free CIB. An example of how SF and NSA can be different. Frozen fruit bars can say 'no sugar added', but they have fruit sugar in them so they are not 'sugar free'. It's a pain, but you really do have to read labels and know which sugars are OK and which not.
   — garw