Added Sugars
Definition
Added sugars are sugars that manufacturers add to foods and beverages to sweeten them. These can include different types of sugar such as white sugar, brown sugar, honey, and syrups.
Scientific / Technical Definition
Added sugars refer to any caloric sweeteners that food manufacturers add to foods or beverages during processing or preparation, as well as sugars that are added to foods at the table. These sugars provide calories but little or no nutritional value and can contribute to the overall caloric content of a diet, potentially leading to weight gain if consumed in excessive amounts.
Benefits
- Improves palatability and taste of foods.
- Used to preserve food items and increase shelf life.
Examples
- Soft drinks
- Candy
- Baked goods like cakes and cookies
- Sweetened dairy products like flavored yogurt
Additional Information
- Known issues: Consuming too much added sugar can lead to weight gain, higher risk of heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and dental problems such as tooth decay.
Related Terms
References
Last updated: 10/28/2024