When I first started paying attention to what I eat, I was shocked to find out just how much hidden sugar is in my favorite foods. It’s not always easy to see, especially with those bright and shiny packaging labels. Here are some simple tips I’ve learned to help spot sneaky sugars.
First, always check the ingredients list. The ingredients are listed by how much is in the product, starting with the most. If sugar (or any names it goes by) is near the top, that means there’s a lot of it. Here are some common names to look out for:
There are many other names, but these are some of the main ones. If you see a lot of these, it might be good to think twice before grabbing that snack.
Next, check the Nutrition Facts label. You can usually find the total sugar amount under carbohydrates. A handy tip is to pay attention to the serving size, too.
For example, if a product has 12g of sugar per serving but the serving size is only half a cup, and you eat a full cup, then you’re actually getting 24g of sugar. A quick math tip to know how much sugar you’re really eating is:
Here’s a surprising fact: things labeled “low-fat” or “fat-free” often have extra sugar added to make them taste good again. So, if you pick these products thinking you’re making a healthy choice, take a second look.
Finally, pay attention to the % Daily Value (%DV) for sugars. The FDA suggests that no more than 10% of your daily calories should come from added sugars. If the %DV is high (anything above 5% should raise a flag), it’s something to think about.
Next time you're shopping for groceries, remember these tips. Being a smart shopper can help you avoid extra sugar and improve your health. At first, it might feel tricky, but with a bit of practice, reading food labels will become easy. You’ll feel more confident in making better choices for yourself!
When I first started paying attention to what I eat, I was shocked to find out just how much hidden sugar is in my favorite foods. It’s not always easy to see, especially with those bright and shiny packaging labels. Here are some simple tips I’ve learned to help spot sneaky sugars.
First, always check the ingredients list. The ingredients are listed by how much is in the product, starting with the most. If sugar (or any names it goes by) is near the top, that means there’s a lot of it. Here are some common names to look out for:
There are many other names, but these are some of the main ones. If you see a lot of these, it might be good to think twice before grabbing that snack.
Next, check the Nutrition Facts label. You can usually find the total sugar amount under carbohydrates. A handy tip is to pay attention to the serving size, too.
For example, if a product has 12g of sugar per serving but the serving size is only half a cup, and you eat a full cup, then you’re actually getting 24g of sugar. A quick math tip to know how much sugar you’re really eating is:
Here’s a surprising fact: things labeled “low-fat” or “fat-free” often have extra sugar added to make them taste good again. So, if you pick these products thinking you’re making a healthy choice, take a second look.
Finally, pay attention to the % Daily Value (%DV) for sugars. The FDA suggests that no more than 10% of your daily calories should come from added sugars. If the %DV is high (anything above 5% should raise a flag), it’s something to think about.
Next time you're shopping for groceries, remember these tips. Being a smart shopper can help you avoid extra sugar and improve your health. At first, it might feel tricky, but with a bit of practice, reading food labels will become easy. You’ll feel more confident in making better choices for yourself!