Can you start your day with a glass of sugarcane juice or drink it on an empty stomach? Here are the health issues expert says you should consider before doing so

There is something deeply nostalgic about a glass of fresh sugarcane juice in an Indian summer. The loud crushing machine by the roadside, the vendor tossing in a bit of ginger, mint, or lemon, and that first icy sip after standing in the heat for too long.

For many people, sugarcane juice is not just a drink. It feels cooling, energising, and oddly comforting at the same time.And because it is considered “natural,” many people assume it is automatically healthy no matter when they drink it. Some even start their mornings with it, especially during peak summer, hoping it will hydrate the body and boost energy instantly. But is sugarcane juice on an empty stomach actually good for you? Or could it quietly create problems for some people?According to Ms. Chitra BK, Chief of Dietetics at KIMS Hospitals, Electronic City, Bengaluru, the answer depends on your body, your blood sugar levels, and how much you are drinking.“One popular natural beverage is sugarcane juice it's especially enjoyed during the summer. Many individuals enjoy this drink because of the immediate pleasure it provides and the boost of energy it provides. But one of the biggest questions about sugarcane juice is whether it has health benefits if consumed on an empty stomach as well as if it can create health issues if not consumed with food.”That instant “energy kick” people feel after drinking fresh sugarcane juice is real.

After several hours of sleep and mild dehydration overnight, the body responds quickly to the natural sugars present in sugarcane. The juice contains sucrose, glucose, and fructose, which can rapidly raise energy levels. It also contains water, small amounts of antioxidants, and minerals like potassium, magnesium, and calcium, making it feel refreshing during hot weather.But there is another side to it that often gets ignored.

Drinking sugarcane juice first thing in the morning may not work well for everyone, especially people dealing with diabetes, insulin resistance, prediabetes, or unstable blood sugar levels. Since the drink is naturally high in sugar, consuming it on an empty stomach can sometimes lead to a sudden spike in blood sugar. Some people may also feel bloated, slightly nauseous, or uncomfortable afterward, particularly if they are sensitive to sweet drinks early in the day.Ms. Chitra BK explains, “Moderate consumption of sugar cane juice on an empty stomach is typically not harmful to most healthy people. Sugar cane juice has a significant number of natural sugars (e.g., sucrose, glucose, and fructose) and will offer an immediate energy boost following a long night of sleep (due to dehydration). Additionally, sugar cane juice has high water content, antioxidants, and trace levels (small amounts) of minerals (like potassium, calcium, and magnesium) that can help keep you hydrated and well.

”She adds, “However, certain people may experience discomfort after they consume cane juice on an empty stomach, as a result of the high levels of naturally occurring sugar in sugar cane juice, leading to a rise in blood sugar level at an unusually fast rate. Therefore, people with diabetes, prediabetes, insulin resistance, and those trying to maintain their blood sugar at stable levels should consult with their physician regarding the appropriate portions of cane juice to consume.

”“Drinking large quantities of pure sugar cane juice on an empty stomach can lead to symptoms of nausea, feeling bloated, and having mild abdominal discomfort. However, these symptoms will differ for each individual depending on their individual digestive system's health and tolerance of sweet drinks,” she adds.

Pay attention to hygiene

Fresh sugarcane juice is usually prepared in open-air environments, often with machines that run continuously throughout the day.

If the equipment is not cleaned properly, or if contaminated water and ice are used, the drink can sometimes trigger stomach infections, food poisoning, or digestive issues. This risk exists whether you drink it before breakfast or after lunch.“Safety and hygiene are also very important factors when drinking freshly squeezed sugar cane juice. Because fresh sugar cane juice is made by crushing the stalks in open air, if the equipment used to make the juice, the water used to make the juice, or the place where the juice is stored are not clean and sanitary, the juice could be contaminated with bacteria and other germs and cause stomach infections or digestive upset regardless of whether you drink it after eating or before eating,” says Ms.

Chitra BK.So, should you stop drinking sugarcane juice completely? Not really.

For healthy adults, having a moderate amount of fresh, hygienically prepared sugarcane juice is generally considered safe. But experts say it should not replace a proper breakfast. Pairing it with fruit, nuts, or a balanced meal can help avoid sudden sugar spikes while keeping you full for longer.“In general, healthy adults can drink freshly squeezed, sanitised sugar cane juice on an empty stomach in moderation.

However, sugar cane juice cannot take the place of a healthy breakfast. It is best to eat something nutritious like fruit or nuts with your fresh cane juice or have a healthy lunch after drinking the fresh cane juice to give yourself energy all day long and help balance your nutrition,” she explains.At the end of the day, sugarcane juice is not “bad.” But like most things in nutrition, context matters. Your health condition, the quantity you drink, and the hygiene of where it is prepared make all the difference.“Sugar cane juice by itself is not bad for you if you drink it on an empty stomach. Drinking sugar cane juice in moderation, your health, and implementing good hygiene are the 3 factors to consider,” Ms. Chitra BK concludes.