Added Sugar Identification Framework
Identify added sugars
This framework helps individuals identify added sugars in food products by reading labels and understanding the different names for sugar. It provides a simple and effective way to make informed decisions about sugar intake.
- Check the ingredient list for added sugars
- Look for the 'added sugars' line on the nutrition facts label
- Be aware of the different names for sugar
- Read the ingredient listCheck the ingredient list for added sugars. If it says 'added sugars', it is likely sucrose or high fructose corn syrup.Pro tipLook for ingredients like high fructose corn syrup, sucrose, and glucoseWarningBe aware of the different names for sugar
- Check the nutrition facts labelLook for the 'added sugars' line on the nutrition facts label. If it is greater than 4 grams per serving, consider avoiding the product.Pro tipAim for products with less than 4 grams of added sugars per servingWarningBe aware of serving sizes and calculate the total amount of added sugars
Identifying added sugars in a food product
A person checks the ingredient list and nutrition facts label of a food product and finds that it contains 10 grams of added sugars per serving. They decide to avoid the product and choose a alternative with less added sugars.
OutcomeThe person reduces their sugar intake and makes a healthier choice.
Not reading labels
Not reading food labels can lead to consuming high amounts of added sugars without realizing it.
Not understanding different names for sugar
Not being aware of the different names for sugar can lead to misidentifying added sugars in food products.
Dr. Robert Lustig discussed the importance of identifying added sugars in food products during the podcast. He explained that there are 262 names for sugar and that the food industry uses these different names to hide the amount of sugar in their products.
Source · PODCAST
How Sugar & Processed Foods Impact Your Health | Dr. Robert Lustig