Many shoppers feel confident avoiding sugary pastries and desserts, choosing products labeled “all natural,” “organic,” or “high-protein,” such as granola, low-fat yogurt, or plant-based milk. Nutrition experts warn, however, that these health-focused labels can mask surprisingly high levels of added sugar, reports AP.
Added sugars are often difficult to detect because food manufacturers rely on marketing language that diverts attention from nutrition facts, said Nicole Avena, a professor of neuroscience and psychiatry at Mount Sinai Medical School and Princeton University who researches sugar consumption. While some health-conscious brands are responding to growing awareness of sugar-related risks, she said many large food companies remain more focused on sales than consumer well-being.
Excess sugar intake—along with high salt and saturated fat—has been linked to obesity, heart disease, diabetes, and other chronic health problems. According to the American Heart Association, the average American consumes about 17 teaspoons of added sugar per day, totaling roughly 57 pounds a year. While sugary drinks account for about half of that intake, the rest is often hidden in foods such as cereals, sauces, dairy products, prepared meals, and even whole-grain bread.
Since 2021, U.S. food labels have been required to list added sugars separately. However, Avena noted that some companies have replaced traditional sweeteners like refined sugar and high-fructose corn syrup with alternatives such as monk fruit or sugar alcohols like erythritol. Because these substitutes are not classified as added sugars under FDA rules, products may still taste very sweet while appearing healthier.
Dietitian Collin Popp of NYU Langone Health said federal dietary guidelines allow added sugar to account for up to 10% of daily calories, though he believes the limit should be lower, especially for people with diabetes or prediabetes.
Popp advised consumers to remain cautious even when products appear healthy or carry organic labels. Foods such as flavored yogurts, plant-based milks, English muffins, and snack items often contain more sugar than expected. Choosing plain versions and adding natural ingredients at home can help reduce sugar intake.
Experts also caution that artificial sweeteners may stimulate the brain’s reward system and encourage overeating. While sugar substitutes may be useful for some people, reducing reliance on sweet flavors overall is key to better health.
“Consumers shouldn’t let food companies determine how much sugar they consume,” Avena said.
Bd-pratidin English/ Jisan
