In recent years, there has been growing concern about the amount of added sugar in our diets. To help consumers make informed choices, this article provides a comprehensive list of common foods and beverages that often contain added sugars.
Beverages
Soft Drinks
Soft drinks are a major source of added sugars. This includes:
- Regular sodas
- Colas
- Lemonades
- Sweetened iced teas
- Energy drinks
Fruit Juices
Even though they seem healthy, many fruit juices contain added sugars:
- Apple juice
- Orange juice
- Grape juice
- Fruit punches
Coffee and Tea Drinks
Specialty coffee and tea drinks often have added sugars:
- Flavored lattes
- Iced coffees with syrups
- Sweetened iced teas
- Bubble tea
Snacks and Sweets
Baked Goods
Many baked goods are loaded with added sugars:
- Cakes and cupcakes
- Cookies
- Brownies
- Donuts
- Muffins
Candy and Chocolates
Candies and chocolates are obvious sources of added sugars:
- Milk chocolate bars
- Gummy candies
- Caramel candies
- Hard candies
Breakfast Cereals
Breakfast cereals, especially those marketed to children, often contain high levels of added sugars:
- Frosted flakes
- Cocoa puffs
- Fruit loops
- Honey nut cereals
Dairy Products
Flavored Yogurts
Flavored yogurts often have significant amounts of added sugars:
- Strawberry yogurt
- Vanilla yogurt
- Blueberry yogurt
- Fruit-on-the-bottom varieties
Ice Cream and Frozen Desserts
These treats are typically sweetened with added sugars:
- Ice creams
- Sorbets
- Frozen yogurts
- Ice pops
Condiments and Sauces
Ketchup and Salad Dressings
Common condiments that contain added sugars include:
- Ketchup
- Barbecue sauce
- Honey mustard
- Sweet salad dressings
Pasta Sauces
Many pasta sauces have added sugars to enhance flavor:
- Marinara sauce
- Alfredo sauce
- Tomato basil sauce
Processed Foods
Canned Fruits and Vegetables
These often contain added sugars in the syrup or sauces:
- Canned peaches in syrup
- Canned pears in syrup
- Sweetened tomato sauces
Packaged Snacks
Packaged snacks can also be a hidden source of added sugars:
- Granola bars
- Protein bars
- Flavored popcorn
- Sweetened dried fruits