Make no mistake, sugar is a legitimate addiction. The body can build tolerance to sugar over time, requiring more and more of that sweet taste to satisfy a craving. Many of us may not even be aware that many of our favorite packaged foods are absolutely laden with added sugars. One reason for this is the multitude of names for sugar. Just because you do not see the word “sugar” listed on the ingredient list does not necessarily mean the food or drink is sugar free.

In fact there are currently a whopping 56 names for sugar! Click here for a list of other names for sugar. 

While some of these names are more obvious, like brown sugar and cane sugar, others are trickier to spot like maltodextrin and dextrose. Even “natural” sugar sources like concentrated fruit juice, maple syrup, coconut sugars, and honey should be consumed in moderation. 

How much sugar is too much?

The American Heart Association (AHA) recommends that women consume about 6 teaspoons (25 grams) per day and men no more than 9 teaspoons (37.5 grams).

Ready for some good news?

The nutritional facts label on foods and drinks just got an upgrade with the intention of making it easier for consumers to read and understand. 

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) requires that all packaged foods and beverages display the sugar content per serving on the nutrition facts label. Recently the FDA has issued new rules with some significant updates to the nutrition facts label. This is the first major update to the label in over 20 years. The new regulations went into effect Jan 1, 2021 for most manufacturers and a select few have until July 2021 to comply.

The new label is more realistic to what people are eating today and also finally brings to the forefront the link between diet and chronic diseases. 

The new addition that we find most beneficial for helping us make healthier eating choices is the addition of “Added Sugars” to the label. This addition reflects the current scientific knowledge about sugar and its relationship to type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease and obesity.

Want to learn more about all six changes? Click here to get to know the new label (link to nutrition facts label)

Investigate your food pantry

Even some foods promoted as "natural" or "healthy" are in fact full of added sugars. Often, when we think of foods that are most likely to have high amounts of added sugar we think of sweets, like cookies, cakes, candy and ice cream. However, we challenge you to open your pantry and read the nutrition labels on some of your favorite packaged foods. You may be shocked at what you discover. Many products like breads, pasta sauces, peanut butters, and salad dressings contain high amounts of added sugar. In fact, according to the Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, added sugar is hiding in 74% of packaged foods. 

For example: 

•  A leading brand of yogurt contains 7 teaspoons (29 grams) of sugar per serving.
•  A popular breakfast bar that touts made with "real fruit" and "whole grains" lists 15 grams of sugar.
•  A single tablespoon serving of a popular ketchup contains one teaspoon of sugar.

The most effective way to reduce your sugar intake is to eat a diet that consists of mostly whole and minimally processed foods. If you do add processed foods into your diet, make sure you keep an eye out for all the names sugar goes by on the label. 

Full of nutrition and extremely low in sugar

Yes, Noni Fruit Leather. As a raw food, noni fruit contains less than 1% carbohydrates. In addition, noni fruit’s compounds: saponins, flavonoids, and rutin can help maintain blood sugar levels already within the normal range. 

We grow, harvest, process, package and distribute each and every one of our organic noni products. We maintain full control over our entire process to ensure the utmost quality and potency is met. Our Noni Fruit Leather is a raw food that gives you all the essential nutrients present in the raw pulp of noni fruit — because it’s 100% raw noni pulp with absolutely zero additives or preservatives. Our unique low heat drying process (below 115F) maintains the maximum potency and beneficial compounds found in noni for your benefit. 

Learn more about Noni Fruit Leather benefits here

Sources:

https://www.fda.gov/food/new-nutrition-facts-label/whats-new-nutrition-facts-label
https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/too-much-sugar#TOC_TITLE_HDR_12
https://www.webmd.com/diabetes/features/how-sugar-affects-your-body
https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/18-surprising-foods-high-in-sugar#3.-Ketchup