What are some hidden sources of sugar in our diet ?

The given text discusses the hidden sources of sugar in our diet, emphasizing that sugar is often added to foods and drinks without our knowledge. Here's a summary of the main points covered: 1. **Sauces and Condiments**: Many common condiments like ketchup, BBQ sauce, and certain salad dressings contain significant amounts of sugar. 2. **Beverages (Non-Alcoholic)**: Flavored waters, fruit juices, and sports drinks can be high in sugar, sometimes comparable to the amount found in sodas. 3. **Breakfast Foods**: Many breakfast items, including yogurt, cereal, and instant oatmeal, often have added sugars. 4. **Snacks and Processed Foods**: Snacks like granola bars, canned soups, and frozen meals can contain unexpectedly high amounts of sugar. 5. **Dairy Products**: Flavored milk, sweetened coffee drinks, and ice cream are examples of dairy products with notable sugar content. The text concludes by stressing the importance of being aware of these hidden sugar sources for maintaining a healthy diet and controlling sugar intake, advising readers to always check nutrition labels and choose products with less added sugar.

Hidden Sources of Sugar in Our Diet

Introduction

Sugar is often added to foods and drinks without our knowledge, leading to a higher intake than we realize. Here are some hidden sources of sugar in our diet:

1. Sauces and Condiments

  • Ketchup: A single tablespoon can contain up to 4 grams of sugar.
  • BBQ Sauce: Often loaded with sugar, one serving can have up to 12 grams.
  • Salad Dressing: Some varieties, like honey mustard or sweet vinaigrette, can have over 6 grams per serving.

2. Beverages (Non-Alcoholic)

  • Flavored Water: Many vitamin waters and flavored waters contain several teaspoons of sugar per bottle.
  • Fruit Juices: Even 100% fruit juice can have as much sugar as a soda, with around 24 grams in a single cup.
  • Sports Drinks: Marketed for athletes but often high in sugar, with up to 14 grams per serving.

3. Breakfast Foods

  • Yogurt: Some flavored yogurts can have up to 20 grams of sugar per serving.
  • Cereal: Many breakfast cereals are loaded with sugar, sometimes as much as 10 grams per serving.
  • Instant Oatmeal: Flavored packets often have added sugars, with up to 9 grams per packet.

4. Snacks and Processed Foods

  • Granola Bars: Marketed as healthy but can contain up to 10 grams of sugar or more.
  • Canned Soup: Some brands add sugar to enhance flavor, with up to 12 grams per serving.
  • Frozen Meals: Convenience meals like frozen dinners can have over 15 grams of sugar per serving.

5. Dairy Products

  • Flavored Milk: Chocolate or strawberry milk can have up to 12 grams of sugar per cup.
  • Coffee Drinks: Sweetened coffee beverages from cafes can have upwards of 25 grams of sugar.
  • Ice Cream: A single serving can contain up to 18 grams of sugar, depending on the flavor.

Conclusion

Being aware of these hidden sugar sources is crucial for maintaining a healthy diet and controlling sugar intake. Always check nutrition labels and opt for products with less added sugar.