Sugars

NutritionThe sum of monosaccharides and disaccharides such as glucose, fructose, sucrose and lactose. Includes both added sugars and sugars naturally present in ingredients (fruit, milk).

Less is betterDaily value 100gNutrition label item

Definition

The sum of monosaccharides and disaccharides such as glucose, fructose, sucrose and lactose. Includes both added sugars and sugars naturally present in ingredients (fruit, milk).

In the body

Absorbed quickly, raising blood sugar and triggering insulin. Surplus sugar is stored as fat.

Watch out for

The WHO recommends keeping added sugars under 10% of daily energy (about 50 g), ideally under 5%. The 100 g label reference is for total sugars and is far more lenient.