FoodScore
0/ 100
AvoidsnackLEVEL LIFE· 1 POUCH

LEVEL LIFE, GLUCOSE GEL, MANDARIN ORANGE, MANDARIN ORANGE

LEVEL LIFE GLUCOSE GEL, MANDARIN ORANGE scores 0/100, primarily due to its high content of added sugar and its classification as an ultra-processed food.

  • This product receives a FoodScore of 0/100, indicating it is an 'Avoid' choice.
  • It contains 33.87g of added sugar per 100g, contributing significantly to its low score.
  • Classified as NOVA class 4, this is an ultra-processed snack with minimal nutritional value.
  • Compared to a whole-food snack, this gel offers no protein, fiber, or essential micronutrients.
  • Best used for rapid glucose delivery in specific situations rather than as a regular snack.
  • Scores -41 points above the snack category average (41/100 across 2903 foods).
Fiber
0g
0% of Daily Value
Protein
0g
0% of Daily Value
Added sugar
33.87g
68% of Daily Value
Sodium
16mg
1% of Daily Value
+
What it brings to the table

Nothing notable — but nothing harmful either.

What holds it back
Added sugar (33.9g)-25
Ultra-processed (NOVA 4)-10
Empty calories-15

Why it scores 0

LEVEL LIFE GLUCOSE GEL, MANDARIN ORANGE receives a FoodScore of 0 out of 100, placing it in the 'Avoid' category. The primary factor driving this low score is the significant amount of added sugar, with 33.87g per 100g, which incurs a substantial penalty of -25 points. The main ingredient, D-glucose, is a simple sugar, and its high concentration contributes to the product's caloric density without providing essential nutrients. Furthermore, this product is classified as NOVA class 4, indicating it is ultra-processed, which results in an additional -10 point penalty. It lacks any protein, fiber, or healthy fats, and contains no measurable amounts of essential micronutrients like potassium, calcium, iron, or vitamins. This leads to a -15 point penalty for empty calories. Compared to a whole-food snack alternative, which would typically provide fiber, protein, and various vitamins and minerals, LEVEL LIFE GLUCOSE GEL offers virtually none of these beneficial components, making it a poor choice for general nutritional intake.

Health benefits

What the nutrients in level life, glucose gel, mandarin orange, mandarin orange actually do for you, grounded in established dietary science.

Rapid Glucose Delivery

LEVEL LIFE GLUCOSE GEL is formulated to provide rapidly absorbed glucose. The primary ingredient, D-glucose, is a simple sugar that enters the bloodstream quickly. This makes it suitable for individuals who need to raise blood sugar levels quickly, such as those experiencing hypoglycemia. It is designed for immediate energy rather than sustained nutritional support.

Convenient and Portable

This product offers convenient and portable energy in a small pouch format. Its compact size and lack of refrigeration requirements make it easy to carry for on-the-go situations. This can be particularly useful for athletes during endurance activities or individuals who need a quick source of carbohydrates when access to other food options is limited.

Specific Use Case for Hypoglycemia

For individuals managing specific health conditions, such as diabetes, this gel serves as a targeted intervention for low blood sugar. Its precise dose of D-glucose allows for controlled and rapid correction of hypoglycemic episodes. It is important to use such products under guidance from a healthcare professional as part of a broader management plan.

How to eat it

LEVEL LIFE GLUCOSE GEL is typically consumed as a quick source of carbohydrates, often in situations requiring rapid energy or blood sugar elevation. It is not intended as a regular snack or meal replacement due to its minimal nutritional content beyond simple sugars. Consumers usually consume one pouch at a time.

Use this gel primarily for rapid energy replenishment during intense physical activity or to address low blood sugar levels.
Consider pairing with a source of protein and fiber, such as a handful of nuts or a piece of fruit, if using as a general snack to improve satiety and nutrient balance.
Always follow the guidance of a healthcare professional if using this product for blood sugar management.
Store at room temperature and consume directly from the pouch for maximum convenience.
Things to keep in mind

Consumers should be aware that LEVEL LIFE GLUCOSE GEL is an ultra-processed product with a high concentration of added sugar. The ingredient list includes sodium benzoate and potassium sorbate, which are common preservatives. While generally recognized as safe, some individuals may prefer to limit their intake of foods containing these additives. Due to its high D-glucose content, individuals with diabetes or those monitoring their blood sugar should use this product cautiously and only when rapid glucose elevation is necessary, ideally under medical supervision. It offers no fiber or protein to mitigate the rapid sugar absorption, which can lead to a quick spike in blood glucose.

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Reader questions
Is LEVEL LIFE GLUCOSE GEL, MANDARIN ORANGE healthy?
LEVEL LIFE GLUCOSE GEL, MANDARIN ORANGE scores 0/100 on FoodScore, indicating it is not considered a healthy food for regular consumption. It is very high in added sugar (33.87g per 100g) and lacks essential nutrients like protein, fiber, vitamins, and minerals. Its primary function is to provide a rapid source of glucose.
How does LEVEL LIFE GLUCOSE GEL compare to a generic fruit snack?
Compared to many generic fruit snacks, LEVEL LIFE GLUCOSE GEL is specifically designed for rapid glucose delivery, often containing a higher concentration of simple sugars like D-glucose. While both are typically high in added sugar and ultra-processed, the gel's formulation is more targeted for immediate blood sugar elevation, whereas fruit snacks like Welch's Fruit Snacks might offer a broader mix of sugars and some fruit juice concentrate, but still lack significant nutritional value.
What is D-glucose, and why is it the main ingredient?
D-glucose is a simple sugar, also known as dextrose, and it is the primary form of sugar that the body uses for energy. It is the main ingredient because the product is designed to provide fast-acting carbohydrates to quickly raise blood sugar levels. This makes it effective for situations requiring immediate energy, such as managing hypoglycemia.
What is a typical portion size, and how often can I consume this?
A typical portion size is one pouch, which is designed to deliver a specific amount of glucose. Due to its high added sugar content and lack of other nutrients, it is not recommended for daily or frequent consumption as a general snack. It should be reserved for specific situations where rapid glucose is needed, such as during intense exercise or to correct low blood sugar.
Does this product contain any allergens?
The ingredient list for LEVEL LIFE GLUCOSE GEL, MANDARIN ORANGE does not explicitly list common allergens like milk, soy, wheat, tree nuts, peanuts, or egg. However, individuals with severe allergies should always check the packaging for any 'may contain' statements or cross-contamination warnings, as these are not always included in the ingredient list provided.

Explore more

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Data & references