Brownie Mix Ingredients: Sugar

Sugar is a common term for sweet-tasting carbohydrates, most often referring to sucrose. Sucrose is naturally found in many plants, but commercially it is primarily extracted and refined from sugar cane or sugar beets.

Manufacturers add sugar primarily as a sweetener to enhance the taste of foods. It also contributes to the texture, browning, and acts as a preservative in various products. Sugar is a key ingredient in baked goods, confectionery, beverages, and many processed foods.

Sugar (sucrose) is considered Generally Recognized As Safe (GRAS) by the FDA. The 2025-2030 Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommend no amount of added sugars, and at most 10 grams of added sugars per meal. The World Health Organization (WHO) advises that intake of free sugars should be under 10% of total energy intake. JECFA has evaluated sugars and did not set a numeric limit (ADI not specified), as they are considered macronutrients; EFSA has also evaluated sugars. Excessive intake of added sugars is a public health concern due to its association with increased risk of obesity, type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular disease.