4 Everyday Foods You Won’t Believe Actually Contain Sugar
Refined sugar is one of the most disliked ingredients on any packaged product now as many diseases have been linked to it. However, there is increasing concern about certain food items that contain sugar but aren't labeled so, at least not in an obvious manner. Instead, sugar is listed as a less popular term. Read on for four everyday foods you probably didn't know contained sugar.
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Whether you're on a sugar free diet or not, it is imperative that you know food items that might be secretly hiding refined sugar and also recognise alternative names that might be used to describe it on labels.
There are more than 60 names for added sugar and there are major clues that can help you identify them easily:
- It has syrup (examples: corn syrup, rice syrup)
- The word ends in “ose” (examples: fructose, sucrose, maltose, dextrose)
“sugar” is in the name (examples: raw sugar, cane sugar, brown sugar, confectioners sugar) - Other examples of added sugar include fruit nectars, concentrates of juices, honey, agave and molasses.
4 Foods With Hidden Sugar
Here are 4 foods that are less obvious sources of sugar.
1. Breakfast cereal
Just because it says “whole grain” or “fortified with vitamins and minerals” doesn’t mean there’s no sugar.
Pro tip: Try to choose a cereal with 10–12 grams or less of sugar per serving. Granola and granola bars can be heavy sources of added sugars, so check their labels.
2. Yogurt
If you like flavored yogurt, peek at the nutrition facts label. You may be shocked at the amount of sugar you are eating.
Pro tip: Try looking around and experimenting with other, less sweet yogurts. A plain yogurt pairs nicely with an assortment of fruits!
3. Condiments
Sometimes your food just needs a little extra kick, but keep in mind that this might contain high amounts of sugar. Ketchup, barbecue sauce, hoisin sauce, teriyaki sauce, salad dressings and relish all have added sugars.
4. Beverages
A study reports that drinking high levels of sugar-sweetened carbonated beverages can be linked to a higher risk of coronary artery disease in adults without a history of cardiovascular disease, cancer or diabetes.
Pro tip: Always carefully read the nutrition facts label when choosing carbonated beverages, flavored milks and sports drinks.
On a final note, remember to talk to your doctor or a dietitian before making changes to your diet.
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