Yes, there is a difference between sugar-free, no added sugar, and unsweetened, but which one is better for you? Below, we decode these sugar claims, so you don't have to, plus broken down common types of sugar to help you better understand nutrition labels and ingredient lists. Use this guide to make an informed food choice next time you shop.
Different Types of Sugars...
Before we get into the nitty gritty of labeling, let’s take a look at common types of sugars—from sugar alternatives to sugar replacements—you may see on food labels. Keep in mind that naturally occurring sugars such as those in fruit are not required to appear in ingredient lists.
Naturally Occurring Sugar
These sugars are found naturally in fruit (fructose) and dairy (lactose). These sugars are hard to overdo because they typically come in combination with fiber, protein, and good-for-you vitamins and minerals.
Foods that pack a naturally sweet flavor such as pineapples, bananas, and sweet potatoes are nutrient-rich and part of a healthy diet.
Added Sugar
Processed foods, baked goods, and soft drinks may contain added sugar to enhance their flavour or achieve proper texture. Added sugar includes baking staples such as brown sugar, honey, maple syrup, high fructose corn syrup, granulated sugar, and more.
Artificial Sweeteners
Common sources of artificial sweeteners include foods often marketed as sugar-free—such as diet soft drinks and tabletop sweeteners. Common artificial sweeteners are labeled as aspartame, saccharin, and sucralose on ingredient lists.
Sugar Alcohols
Also called polyols, sugar alcohols are commonly used to sweeten sugar-free foods because they are not associated with tooth decay. Common sources of sugar alcohols include chewing gum and hard candy and appear on ingredient lists as sorbitol or mannitol. Keep in mind that they may have a laxative effect on some people.
Unsweetened
If you see this term on a food label, it means the product contains no added sugars, artificial sweeteners, and sugar alcohols whatsoever. Again, it doesn't mean the food is sugar-free, as it may have naturally occurring sugars. Examples of unsweetened food products may include almond milk, coconut milk, apple sauce, iced tea, and more. If you're looking to avoid artificial sugars or reduce the amount of added sugar in your diet, unsweetened foods are a solid pick.
So, which sugar claim do we think is the best choice? In all honestly, none of them. Here's why—whether sugar-free, unsweetened, or no added sugar, it's important to consider the full nutrition of any food carrying these claims, and ask yourself if it's the right choice for your dietary needs.
While unsweetened foods can be a better option, why not get your sweet fix from nutrient-packed, naturally-sweet whole fruits and vegetables? Lastly, building an arsenal of healthy low sugar recipes that minimise added sugars and rely more on natural sources of sugar for flavour will ensure the sweetest success.
No Added Sugar
The FDA permits a food label to claim “no added sugar” if it “contains no sugars added during processing or packing, including ingredients that contain sugar such as juice or dry fruit.” In other words, as long as sugar isn’t added to the food manually, it can carry this claim. This term is not the same as sugar-free, since naturally occurring sugars, artificial sugars, and sugar alcohols may still be present. Look for this claim on foods such as granola, peanut butter, fruit juice, fruit preserves, and more.
Sugar-Free
According to the FDA, a food is considered “sugar-free” if it contains less than 0.5 grams of sugar per serving. It’s important to note the actual number of servings in the food because there may still be a small amount of sugar, even with a sugar-free claim. What’s more, sugar-free includes naturally occurring and added sugars, but doesn’t include artificial sweeteners or sugar alcohols.
Check the ingredient list for artificial sweeteners or sugar alcohols, both of which are used to enhance flavor in the absence of sugar. Common sources of "sugar-free" on food labels include chewing gum, pancake syrup, fruit preserves, sweeties, and more.
Summary...
Basically, If you are looking add sugar to fill your craving, Low glycemic fruits such as berries, green apples, and fruits from the citrus family are good natural options to help you satisfy a sweet craving. These fruits provide a hint of sweetness while also providing you with a fair amount of fiber and beneficial phytonutrients.
A sugar-free alternative to stay away from is sucralose, also known as Splenda. A 2017 study found that zero-calorie sweeteners such as aspartame and sucralose were actually found to increase, not decrease, weight.
Make a mental note or store this image on your phone in order to check your food packaging for hidden sugar forms.
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