Added Sugars

Definition

Added sugars are sugars that are added to foods and beverages during processing or preparation, as opposed to sugars naturally found in foods.

Scientific / Technical Definition

Added sugars refer to monosaccharides and disaccharides added to foods or beverages during processing or preparation. They include sugars from syrups and honey, as well as sugars from concentrated fruit or vegetable juices that are in excess of what would be expected from the same volume of 100% fruit or vegetable juice of the same type.

Benefits

Examples

• Table sugar (sucrose) in baked goods like cakes and cookies
• High fructose corn syrup in soft drinks and snacks
• Honey added to tea or yogurt
• Maple syrup poured over pancakes

Additional Information

• knownIssues: Consuming too much added sugar can lead to health problems like obesity, type 2 diabetes, and heart disease.

Related Terms

• Natural Sugars
• Carbohydrates
• Simple Sugars
• Sucrose
• Glucose

References

• Understanding Added Sugars
• Dietary Guidelines for Americans