UNWANTED SUGAR

Do you what is invisible sugar?

There are variety of sugars that are soluble carbohydrates that provide energy through our diet. In comparison to another types of carbohydrates, they are absorbed quickly by our body and are less filling. They can be used to enhance the flavour of food and drink which makes them an attractive option for both consumers and the food industry.

What are Hidden Sugars?

Let’s understand some commonly used sweet terms.

Natural or Naturally Occurring Sugars

Natural sugars are sugars which are present in fruits, vegetables, and dairy products mostly in the forms of fructose and lactose, these type of sugars  are often accompanied by other nutrients like  fiber, vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and water.

Refined Sugars

Refined sugars are processed by-products of sugar cane, which are being added to several processed foods to top-up sweetness.

Added Sugars

Added sugar are sugars in syrups added in the preparation, processing, or consumption. To name a few sucrose, glucose, fructose, dextrose, and high fructose corn syrup, maple syrup etc.

what are Hidden Sugars

Hidden sugars are added sugars present in processed food and drinks but are disguised with less well-known names and are in products where you would not expect to find them.

To know how much and what type of sugar you will be consuming, simply read the nutrition label mentioned on the packaging.

Simple steps to read a Nutrition Label

When reading the Nutrition Facts panel, check the total grams of sugar in one serving. Four grams of sugar is equals to 1 teaspoon. Be mindful that if you consume more than one serving, the proportion will increase automatically.

The new Nutrition Facts Label requires a separate “added sugar” section for all products, except single-ingredient sugar items. Some products, such as flavoured yogurt, peanut butter, and jam, will contain both natural and added sugars. Added sugars are the ones you want to limit.

How to track down the traces of Sugar in Food Products

To find out the type of added sugar is present in the product, go through the ingredients list.  We have more than 60 different names for sugar. Few of the very commonly used key words that may help you to pick them on the ingredient list:

• Word that ends in “-ose” – sucrose, fructose, dextrose, maltose
• “Concentrated” Syrups – malt syrup, brown rice syrup, maple syrup
• “Juices” – evaporated cane juice, fruit juice, cane juice

Here is a list of different names for sugar: