Candy Ingredients: Sugar

Sugar, also known as sucrose, is a common carbohydrate found naturally in many plants. It is primarily extracted from sugarcane and sugar beets, then processed and refined into the white crystalline granules commonly used in food.

Sugar is widely used as a sweetener to enhance the taste of foods and beverages. It also contributes to texture, provides bulk, and acts as a preservative in products like jams and jellies. It is a key ingredient in candies, baked goods, desserts, and many processed foods.

Sugar is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). It provides calories and energy to the body. While sugar is a natural component of many foods, consuming too much added sugar can contribute to health issues. 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 daily energy intake. The Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives (JECFA) has evaluated sugar and set an acceptable daily intake (ADI not specified).