Added Sugars

Many of the foods we eat naturally contain sugars, including fruit and milk. Added sugars are sugars that are not naturally found in foods. Added sugars are sugars that are added to foods and drinks when they are processed or prepared to make them taste sweeter and last longer. Eating and drinking too much added sugars is not good for your health. These extra calories may lead to obesity, type 2 diabetes, heart disease, cavities, and other health conditions. Aim to limit your intake of added sugars.

The Nutrition Facts Label now shows total sugars and added sugars separately. Carefully read the label to choose foods with less added sugars. Remember to look at the total amount of sugar, because labels do not list natural and added sugars separately.

Foods and drinks that commonly have added sugars:

  • Soda, energy drinks, sports drinks, fruit drinks, sweetened drinks
  • Coffee, tea
  • Cereal
  • Candy, cookies, ice cream
  • Cakes, pastries, donuts

Here are some ways to eat less added sugars:

  • Eat more whole, unprocessed foods like fruits and vegetables
  • Prepare meals at home
  • Limit your intake of baked desserts, candy and sweetened drinks
  • Limit amount of sugar added to foods and drinks to sweeten them
  • Choose fruit for a sweet snack
  • Drink water when thirsty

The current WIC food package provides foods that have little or no added sugars. For more information on the WIC food package go to WIC Food Packages.

For more information: