Reading Labels to Spot Added Sugars in Processed Items

Nutrition panels have become more transparent, now often displaying total sugar and added sugar separately. This distinction lets consumers identify how much sugar is naturally occurring versus how much has been introduced during manufacturing.

To interpret the data, start with the serving size. Multiply the listed grams of added sugar by the number of servings you actually consume. If a granola bar lists 8 g of added sugar per 40‑gram bar, eating two bars means 16 g of added sugar.

Next, scan the ingredient list for alternate names of sugar. Common aliases include: - Cane sugar, beet sugar - Corn syrup, high‑fructose corn syrup (HFCS) - Rice syrup, maple syrup, agave nectar - Maltose, dextrose, sucrose, fructose, glucose - Molasses, caramel, honey If any of these appear near the top of the list, they contribute a significant share of the product's sweetness.

Products labelled "no added sugar" may still contain naturally occurring sugars from fruit purees, dairy or whole grains. While these are generally healthier, portion control remains important.

By consistently checking both the nutrition facts and ingredients, shoppers can dramatically reduce hidden sugar intake and protect long‑term health.