Sugar hides in foods where you least expect ithere are some common sources you might not expect.
Sugarlives in a lot of foods and goes by many names.
No matter what it’s called on the label, it’s sugar.
Most Americans are getting more sugar than they should, an average of 19.5 teaspoons daily.
Over time, too much sugar can lead to obesity, diabetes and heart disease.
We know some of the obvious sources of added sugars-sweet drinks, candy, cakes, pies, cookies.
But there is also sugar lurking in places you may not expect, such as crackers and tomato sauce.
Until then, let us help!
Here are some of the most common foods that contain added sugar.
Flavored Yogurt
Blueberry, 5.3 oz.
11 g added sugar= 2 3/4 tsp.
Spare yourself sugar overload and buy plain yogurt that you’ve got the option to sweeten yourself.
Try adding a handful of berries or a small drizzle of honey for a more modest sugar intake.
Dairy-Free Milks (Soymilk)
Chocolate, 1-cup serving
17 g added sugar = 4 1/4 tsp.
Choose unsweetened dairy-free milks, which won’t have any added sugar.
Peanut Butter
Creamy, 2-Tbsp.
serving
2 g added sugar = 1/2 tsp.
Yes, even peanut butter has added sugar.
Switch to natural brands that have just good old peanuts (and sometimes salt) listed as the ingredients.
Granola Bars
Honey-oat, 40 g
9 g added sugar = 2 1/4 tsp.
Dried Fruits
Sliced mango, 6 slices
11 g added sugar = 2 3/4 tsp.
Fruit is naturally sweet, so why add sugar?
Fortunately, there are plenty of no-sugar-added options for dried fruit out there.
Just be sure to read the ingredient list before you stock up.
Salad Dressings
Classic Italian, 2-Tbsp.
serving
3 g added sugar = 3/4 tsp.
Reading the ingredients list can save you serious added sugar and sometimes funky ingredients.
Or make your own, so you know exactly what’s in your dressing with theseHealthy Salad Dressing Recipes.
Marinades
BBQ sauce, 2-Tbsp.
serving
We’ll admit BBQ sauce is a delicious staple of grilling season.
But 11 grams of added sugar is a lot for just a little bit of sauce.
Again, reading the label is your best bet here for choosing lower-sugar options.
For more, check out ourNo-Sugar-Added Meal Plan.
