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The Truth about Hidden Sugars: A Risk for Health

Course Number: 694

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Product Comparison: Choose a Better Option

Reading food labels can be a daunting task while grocery shopping. Here are shortcuts that can help you choose the best options.

• Find the “plain” version of foods, yogurt, oatmeal, and crackers. Stay clear of foods with the label advertising “low-fat, low-calorie, fat-free.” They typically have more added or artificial sugars.
• Consider a food scanning application (Yuka, Spoonful, Foodswitch) to determining if the product is a healthy option.
• Food labels using the terms “natural or organic” does not mean a food has less added sugar.
• Scan the ingredient list for “code words” for sugars; Sugars are listed by their weight.
• Check the “added sugars” line and the percentage Daily Value. 4 grams=1 teaspoon of sugar.
• Compare ultra processed foods (UPF) for the best option; even the same manufactured product in a different flavor may vary in sugar content.

Assess your knowledge:

Practice comparing the food labels by answering the corresponding questions below.

[EN] - ce694 - Images - Assess Your Knowledge - Quiz - Q1 Which breakfast food has the highest source of added sugars?

[EN] - ce694 - Images - Quiz Q2 If you were to eat the entire can of tuna, how much saturated fat would you consume?

[EN] - ce694 - Images - Quiz Q3 If you were to eat three servings of peanut butter, what percentage daily value of added sugars would you be consuming?

[EN] - ce694 - Images - Quiz Q4 If you would like to reduce your intake of added sugars, which is the best beverage choice?

[EN] - ce694 - Images - Quiz Q5-6 Which of the following ingredients on the food label is most abundant?

[EN] - ce694 - Images - Quiz Q5-6 Which of the following ingredients on the food label is least abundant?

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