Lucuma

botanical

Best with a meal

What is it

Lucuma (Pouteria lucuma) is a South American fruit with a maple-caramel flavor. Its dried pulp powder is used as a low-glycemic natural sweetener and as a source of fiber, carotenoids, and small amounts of micronutrients.

Evidence for 1 use

AI-assisted evidence assessment — talk to your doctor before relying on any single supplement.

Low-glycemic sweetener / nutrient-dense whole food

Limited Evidence

Lucuma powder contributes nutrients and fiber with modest glycemic impact compared with refined sugar. Specific clinical benefits beyond food-quality claims are not well established.

How it works

Lucuma powder is roughly half carbohydrate with notable fiber, modest beta-carotene, vitamin C, and B vitamins. Its low glycemic index relative to refined sugar comes from fiber content and naturally lower simple sugar concentration. In supplements and foods, it is used to add sweetness and texture without a steep glycemic load.

Dosage

There is no RDA. Typical use is 1-2 tablespoons (~10-20 g) as a sweetener or smoothie ingredient. DSLD does not provide a median dose for this entry.

When and how to take it

Use as a culinary ingredient with meals. No specific time of day required.

1 commercial form

Lucuma fruit powder

Whole-food carbohydrate matrix; standard food absorption.

Used in smoothies, baking, and nutrient blends.

Safety

Very well tolerated as a food. No notable safety concerns at culinary doses.

Who should be cautious

No specific population concerns at culinary doses. People with diabetes should still account for its carbohydrate content.

Interactions

No significant interactions reported.

Food sources

Food	Amount	%DV
Lucuma fruit / powder	10 g	—

Frequently asked questions

Is lucuma a good sugar substitute?⌄

It is lower-glycemic than refined sugar and adds nutrients, but it still contains carbohydrates. It is not zero-calorie.

Is it safe for diabetics?⌄

Account for its carbs as you would any natural sweetener. Its lower glycemic impact may be helpful, but portion control still matters.

References

Lucuma on Wikidata — Wikidata link
Lucuma on NIH DSLD (US supplement label database) — NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database link
Research on Lucuma (PubMed search) — PubMed link

Track Lucuma with Pilora

Set up dose reminders, check interactions, and join the community in the Pilora iPhone app.

Coming to App Store

Evidence-based·How we grade evidence

Disclaimer: These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. This page is educational, not a substitute for personalized medical advice. Evidence grades are AI-assisted assessments — talk to your doctor before starting any new supplement, especially if you’re pregnant, breastfeeding, on medications, or managing a chronic condition.