Sugars deliberately added to products during manufacturing or cooking.
Sugars added to foods or beverages during processing or preparation, distinct from naturally occurring sugars in whole foods.
Added sugars are distinct from naturally occurring sugars found in fruits, vegetables, and dairy products. They include table sugar, high-fructose corn syrup, honey, and other concentrated sweeteners introduced during food manufacturing or home preparation. Added sugars provide empty calories—energy without essential nutrients—and contribute significantly to caloric excess and dental problems. Modern diets often contain excessive added sugars from beverages, desserts, and processed foods, contributing to obesity, type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular disease.
Serves as a flavor enhancer and preservative in processed foods but provides no essential nutrients or health benefits.
Limit added sugar intake to less than 6 teaspoons (25g) daily for women and 9 teaspoons (36g) for men. Read food labels carefully for hidden sugars using alternative names. Choose whole foods and prepare meals at home to control sugar content.
Added sugars provide empty calories and should be minimized for optimal health and disease prevention.
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