From time to time I receive free product samples from companies and may write a review. Good Idea Drinks™ sent me some drinks to try over the summer, but the feedback shared here is my own and I have no affiliation with the product and I was not compensated in any way.

Functional products are a growing sector of the supplement market and are also appearing on traditional grocery store shelves in the form of foods, snacks, and beverages. Good Idea™ (the Swedish Sugar Buster® Dietary Supplement) is marketed as a supplement to aid blood sugar control. It’s a sparkling water beverage supplemented with a special mix of amino acids and a chromium that could have a beneficial effect on the blood sugar spike following a meal. Their Swedish researchers found that when the beverage is consumed with a meal rich in sugar and simple carbohydrates, it reduced blood glucose by 20-30%. Their research is founded on the idea that the consumption of whey (a milk protein) before or during a meal, along with chromium picolinate, may reduce blood sugar spikes (this is also why consuming milk or dairy aids is associated with better weight control).

Chromium has been shown to have an impact on glucose control in people with diabetes. Studies over the years have shown that 200mg of chromium daily may be of benefit, but those with more impairments in sugar tolerance and diabetes usually require more. You’ll find chromium in common foods such as egg yolks, whole-grain products (including bran breakfast cereals), coffee, nuts, green beans, broccoli, meat, and brewer’s yeast. You also may find it in your typical vitamin-mineral supplement, or at higher doses (of 200-600 micrograms) in a chromium picolinate supplement. The US National Academy of Science recommendation for chromium is only 50-200 micrograms per day, but there’s no upper limit. Studies seem to show that the effectiveness of chromium in controlling blood sugar may have to do with the type, and the dose. The Good Idea™ drinks contain 250 micrograms of chromium picolinate.

The drinks are packaged in slim 12-ounce cans, and come in a variety of flavors. Consumers are directed to drink one before or during a carb-heavy meal. I tried each flavor, with my lunch meal. I don’t have diabetes, and was not able to monitor my blood sugar after consumption, so can only evaluate these products based on their taste and the science behind them.

Some scientific studies on chromium supplementation is suggestive of improving both glucose control and insulin sensitivity in some people with or without diabetes. These sparkly beverages may be an easy way to meet that need. The effectiveness of the amino acids is not as clear cut, but some research does show there could be benefits in terms of glycemic control.

Good Idea™ (the Swedish Sugar Buster® Dietary Supplement) did have a slightly metallic taste to me but I was able enjoy them nonetheless. I am intrigued by the preliminary research but can’t say that I could feel any impact in a short period of time in terms of weight or energy level. I also think the price point may be too high for many consumers if they are to include at least one beverage daily into their meal plan. Nonetheless, with the popularity of sugar-free sparkling waters, these beverages could easily be appealing to someone who prefers to drink and eat their meal, over taking a pill or a meal replacement bar. So stay tuned, and check them out here for more information.