Skip to main content

How do I determine how much sugar is in a product?

How do I determine how much sugar is in a product?

Find Help

More Items From Ergsy search


Understanding Food Labels

When determining how much sugar is in a product, start by examining the food label. In the UK, packaging must include a nutritional information table. This table provides details on the product's sugar content.

Look for the "Carbohydrates (of which sugars)" section. This indicates the total sugar per serving or 100g. It includes naturally occurring sugars and added sugars.

Identifying Added Sugars

To find out how much sugar is added, carefully read the ingredients list. Ingredients are listed by weight, from highest to lowest. Products high in sugar will often list it among the first few ingredients.

Be aware of terms like "sucrose", "glucose", "fructose", and "syrup". These are common forms of added sugar. Manufacturers might use different names to list sugar.

Using Sugar-Free Alternatives

If you're looking to reduce sugar intake, consider products labelled "sugar-free" or "no added sugar". However, these may still contain naturally occurring sugars. Always examine the label closely.

Some products use artificial sweeteners as a substitute. Check the label for mentions of sweeteners like aspartame or stevia. These are used to provide sweetness without the sugar.

Be Cautious About Serving Sizes

Pay attention to the serving size information on labels. The nutritional values are often based on a specific portion size, which might differ from your typical consumption.

Consider how many servings you plan to consume. It's easy to underestimate sugar intake if you're not mindful of actual portion sizes.

Understanding Sugars in Drinks

Many beverages, such as soft drinks and fruit juices, contain high sugar levels. Check labels on drinks thoroughly to understand their sugar content. Drinks can contribute significantly to daily sugar intake.

Look for "no added sugar" drinks and consider water or diet beverages as alternatives. Reducing sugary drinks can greatly decrease overall sugar consumption.

Utilizing Online Resources

Many websites and apps can help estimate sugar intake. Resources like Change4Life and MyFitnessPal can track and compare nutritional values.

These tools offer extensive databases that take the guesswork out of sugar content. They can be especially useful when shopping or planning meals.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the first step to determine how much sugar is in a product?

Check the Nutrition Facts label on the packaging for the 'Total Sugars' and 'Added Sugars' section.

Where can I find information about sugar content on a product?

The sugar content is usually listed under 'Total Sugars' in the Nutrition Facts label on the back or side of the product packaging.

What does 'Total Sugars' mean on the Nutrition Facts label?

'Total Sugars' includes both natural sugars found in the product and any added sugars.

What are 'Added Sugars'?

'Added Sugars' are sugars that are added during the processing of foods, such as sucrose or dextrose, and include sugars from syrups and honey, as well as sugars from concentrated fruit or vegetable juices.

If a product doesn't have a Nutrition Facts label, how can I find out the sugar content?

You may need to contact the manufacturer directly or look for the product's information on the company's website.

How are sugars listed in the ingredients list?

Sugars can be listed under various names such as sucrose, high fructose corn syrup, cane sugar, and others. Multiple sugars might appear throughout the list.

Why should I pay attention to ‘Added Sugars’ on the label?

Added sugars are not necessary for nutrition and reduce nutrient density, so it's important to limit their intake according to dietary guidelines.

How can I calculate the total sugar amount if only 'Added Sugars' is listed?

Look for 'Total Sugars' on the packaging, which will include both added and naturally occurring sugars in the product.

What measurement is used for sugar content on the Nutrition Facts label?

Sugar content is typically measured in grams on the Nutrition Facts label.

Is the sugar content listed per serving or for the whole package?

The sugar content is usually listed per serving, so check the serving size to understand the total amount you might consume.

How is the serving size related to the sugar content?

Sugar content information is tied to the serving size; consuming more than the serving size will increase sugar intake proportionally.

What are natural sugars?

Natural sugars are those found naturally in foods like fruits and milk, as opposed to sugars added during processing.

Can I find sugar content information for fresh fruits and vegetables?

For fresh produce, you can use online resources or nutritional databases to find average sugar content.

Are organic products generally lower in sugar?

Organic products can still contain natural and added sugars, so always check the Nutrition Facts label regardless of the product being organic.

Why might there be discrepancies in sugar content between similar products?

Different brands and product formulations can include varying types and amounts of added sugars, leading to discrepancies.

Are there specific apps to help track sugar consumption?

Yes, there are several apps available, such as MyFitnessPal and Nutritionist platforms, that can help track sugar and other nutrient intake.

How can I tell if a product is low in sugar?

Look for products labeled as 'Low Sugar' or with 'Reduced Sugar'. Check the Nutrition Facts label for confirmation of the amount per serving.

What should I do if I don't understand the sugar content on a product label?

Consult with a nutritionist or use educational resources online to better understand how to read and interpret the label.

Is it better to focus on total sugars or added sugars for a healthy diet?

Both are important, but focusing on reducing added sugars can be beneficial for health. Natural sugars are part of whole foods, which often provide essential nutrients.

Do low-calorie sweeteners contribute to the sugar content?

No, low-calorie sweeteners do not count as sugars and are often included in products without increasing sugar grams.

Useful Links

Useful Links : How do I determine how much sugar is in a product?
How to cut down on sugar

NHS guide on reducing sugar intake, including label reading tips.
Check the label: sugar

British Heart Foundation explanation on checking food labels for sugar content.
Understanding labels

Diabetes UK guide to understanding food labels for sugar content.
Sugar: the facts

NHS facts about sugar and its health implications.
How sugar affects your health

Information from Diabetes UK on how sugar impacts health and tips for managing sugar intake.
Important Information On Using This Service


This website offers general information and is not a substitute for professional advice. Always seek guidance from qualified professionals. If you have any medical concerns or need urgent help, contact a healthcare professional or emergency services immediately.

  • Ergsy carfully checks the information in the videos we provide here.
  • Videos shown by Youtube after a video has completed, have NOT been reviewed by ERGSY.
  • To view, click the arrow in centre of video.
Using Subtitles and Closed Captions
  • Most of the videos you find here will have subtitles and/or closed captions available.
  • You may need to turn these on, and choose your preferred language.
Turn Captions On or Off
  • Go to the video you'd like to watch.
  • If closed captions (CC) are available, settings will be visible on the bottom right of the video player.
  • To turn on Captions, click settings .
  • To turn off Captions, click settings again.

More Items From Ergsy search