Hidden Sugars Lurk in 'Healthy' Foods—Here's How to Spot Them

Added sugars are found in many everyday foods, even those marketed as healthy. Experts warn that high intake is linked to serious health problems, including obesity, diabetes and heart disease. Yet consumers often overlook hidden sugars in items like cereal, bread and salsa, believing buzzwords like 'organic' mean lower sugar content.

The average American eats around 17 grams of added sugar each day. This adds up to 57 pounds (26 kilograms) per year—far above recommended limits. The FDA advises keeping added sugars below 10% of daily calories, while some health experts suggest cutting that to 5%.

Many food companies now use alternative sweeteners, such as erythritol or stevia, to reduce 'added sugars' on labels. However, these substitutes can make products even sweeter, potentially increasing cravings. Artificial sweeteners may also trigger the brain's reward system, leading to overeating.

To cut back, nutritionists recommend choosing plain foods and adding ingredients at home. Opting for sugar-free versions when available can also help. The key is reducing reliance on sweetness overall, rather than simply swapping one type of sugar for another.

Hidden sugars remain common in processed foods, even those labelled as healthy. While sweeteners offer a way to lower 'added sugar' counts, they may not improve long-term health. Checking labels and controlling portions are practical steps to manage intake and reduce risks linked to excessive sugar consumption.