Hidden Sugar: The Foods Where It's Hiding

Surprising Sources of Hidden Sugar

Here are some common foods that appear innocent but are actually loaded with sugar:

• Bread and Baked Goods: Even the bread we eat daily can contain a lot of added sugar. It's often added to improve the flavor and give the bread a more appealing color.
• Fruit Juices and Smoothies: While fruit juice seems healthy, it often contains high amounts of sugar with very little of the fiber found in whole fruits. A much better option is to eat fresh fruit or make your own juice at home.
• Yogurts: Many flavored yogurts can contain as much sugar as a glass of soda. The best choice is to buy plain, unsweetened yogurt and add your own fresh fruit.
• Cereals and Granola: These products are often marketed as a healthy breakfast, but many are packed with sugar and syrups. It's important to check the nutritional labels carefully.
• Sauces and Dressings: Condiments like ketchup, barbecue sauce, and various marinades are full of hidden sugar. For example, a single tablespoon of ketchup can contain around 4 grams of sugar.
• Dried Fruits: Although they are a natural product, many dried fruits are processed with added sugar or syrups to make them more visually appealing and sweeter.

How to Spot Hidden Sugar on Labels

The key to a healthier diet is learning how to read food labels. Sugar can hide behind many different names, such as glucose syrup, high-fructose corn syrup, dextrose, maltose, and fructose.

Always check the ingredients list. The higher up an ingredient is on the list, the more of it the product contains. By paying attention to these details, you can make more informed choices and avoid consuming sugar unknowingly.