Added Sugar
Added sugar is sugar put into foods and drinks during processing, as opposed to the sugar naturally present in whole foods like fruit and milk.
Published by Repit Fitness · Last updated
Key facts
- Provides calories with little nutritional value.
- Common in soft drinks, sweets, and processed foods.
- Easy to over-consume because it's not very filling.
- Best kept moderate, but not necessarily eliminated.
Added sugar is what's put into products to sweeten them — distinct from the natural sugars in fruit or dairy, which come packaged with fiber and nutrients. It delivers quick energy but little else, and because sugary foods and drinks aren't very filling, they make it easy to over-consume calories.
You don't need to eliminate sugar entirely; within a balanced, calorie-appropriate diet a moderate amount is fine. The practical issue is that high added-sugar intake tends to crowd out more nutritious, satiating foods and push total calories up. Watching liquid sugar (sodas, juices) is especially worthwhile.
Frequently asked questions
Is added sugar worse than natural sugar?
Chemically they're similar, but natural sugars come with fiber and nutrients in whole foods, while added sugars provide calories with little else and are easier to over-consume.
Do I have to cut out sugar to lose fat?
No. Fat loss depends on total calories. Moderating added sugar helps because it frees up calories for more filling foods, but it isn't strictly required.
This article is general information, not medical advice. Talk to a doctor or registered dietitian before making changes if you have a health condition, are pregnant or take medication.
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