How do I Identify the Different Types of Sugars?

Published March 6, 2024

I check on food labels and look for particular ingredients

The most widely used are Sucrose, commonly known as table sugar, is derived from sugar cane or sugar beets. High Fructose Corn Syrup (HFCS), another common sweetener, is processed from corn and has become a staple in many soft drinks and processed foods. Both are omnipresent in the modern diet, contributing significantly to our daily sugar intake.

Beyond the well-known sucrose and HFCS, sugars hide under numerous aliases on ingredient lists, including:

• Fructose: Found naturally in fruits but also added to foods for sweetness.
• Glucose: A simple sugar that is a primary source of energy for our bodies.
• Maltose: Sugar derived from barley, often found in beers and cereals.
• Dextrose: Another name for glucose, commonly added to processed foods.

These and other sugars, like agave nectar, honey, and maple syrup, can add sweetness but also contribute to the sugar overload in our diets.

Conclusion

Not finding the specific term 'sugar' on ingredient lists doesn’t ensure the product is free of it.

References

• Consuming Sucrose- or HFCS-sweetened Beverages Increases Hepatic Lipid and Decreases Insulin Sensitivity in Adults
• UC Davis Article: Both Sucrose and High Fructose Corn Syrup Linked to Increased Health Risks
• Sugar

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