DiabetesTeam

Where are hidden sugars lurking, and how can someone with diabetes spot them?

Added sugars hide in many everyday foods — even ones that don't taste sweet. Here are some common culprits to watch out for:

- Candy and pastries
- Sweetened fruit juices
- Ice cream and flavored yogurts
- Granola bars and breakfast cereals
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Where are hidden sugars lurking, and how can someone with diabetes spot them?

Added sugars hide in many everyday foods — even ones that don't taste sweet. Here are some common culprits to watch out for:

- Candy and pastries
- Sweetened fruit juices
- Ice cream and flavored yogurts
- Granola bars and breakfast cereals
- Ketchup and other condiments
- Pasta sauces and salad dressings Not all sugars behave the same way. Natural sugars found in fruit and dairy come packaged with fiber, vitamins, and minerals, so they're generally less of a concern. Added sugars in processed foods are the ones to watch — they can contribute to weight gain and make blood sugar harder to manage.

On food labels, added sugars can go by many names, including:

- Glucose
- Fructose
- Sucrose (table sugar)
- Maltose
- High-fructose corn syrup
- Honey or agave nectar

Sugars higher on the glycemic index, like glucose and maltose, raise blood sugar more quickly — so spotting these on labels is especially important. A good habit is to check the nutrition label for total carbohydrates AND the ingredients list. If sugar (by any name) appears near the top of the ingredients, there's quite a bit of it in that product.

When in doubt, a dietitian can help identify hidden sugars in a specific diet and suggest smarter swaps.

 AI-generated responses are not a substitute for medical advice. These services are not intended to diagnose, treat, or cure any condition or disease. Always ask your doctor about specific health concerns.

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