Candy Blend - Sugar

Sugar, also known as sucrose, is a common carbohydrate. It is naturally found in many plants, most often extracted from sugar cane or sugar beets. It is made by crushing the plants to get their juices, then purifying and crystallizing the sugar.

Manufacturers add sugar mainly to provide a sweet taste to foods and drinks. It also helps with texture, adds bulk, and can act as a preservative in products like jams. It is commonly found in candies, baked goods, soft drinks, and many processed foods.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) considers sugar to be Generally Recognized As Safe (GRAS). While sugar provides energy, eating too much added sugar can contribute to health issues like dental cavities and weight gain. The 2025-2030 Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommend no amount of added sugars, and at most 10 grams per meal. The World Health Organization (WHO) advises limiting free sugars to less than 10% of total energy intake. JECFA has evaluated sugar and did not set a numeric limit for it.