Sugars can come from natural and added sources. For example, fruit and milk are sources of natural sugar. Added sugars, on the other hand, typically come from syrups and sweeteners that are added to foods and recipes. Sugar is also commonly added at the table, such as on cereal or sprinkled on fruit.
Other Names for Added Sugar
Sugar goes by many different names on the food label. Words that end in “-ose” such as fructose and maltose are some of the different names for sugars.
Here are some examples of other names for added sugars you may find in an ingredient list:
anhydrous dextrose | fructose | molasses |
Agave nectar | cane crystals | corn sweetener |
crystalline fructose | invert sugar | maltose |
brown rice syrup | fruit nectar | pancake syrup |
brown sugar | glucose | raw sugar |
evaporated cane juice | high-fructose corn syrup (HFCS) | sucrose |
cane sugar | maple syrup | Beet sugar |
confectioner's powdered sugar | honey | sugar |
corn syrup | invert sugar | sugar cane juice |
crystal dextrose | liquid fructose | white granulated sugar |
dextrose | malt syrup | evaporated corn sweetener |
Coconut sugar | Turbinado sugar | carob syrup |
For more information on reading a food label, check out our webpage https://eat-move-save.extension.illinois.edu/eat/balance-your-plate/reading-nutrition-facts-label.
Common Foods that Contain Added Sugars
Sometimes it is obvious when a food contains added sugar because it tastes sweet. There are some foods, though, that can be surprising when it comes to sugar content so it is important to check the nutrition facts label if you are concerned about how much added sugar you are eating. Take a look below for some of the most common sources of added sugars that you will find in the grocery store.