Chocolate Contains: Sugar

Sugar is a sweet carbohydrate that occurs naturally in plants like sugarcane and sugar beets. It is typically refined from these sources through processes involving extraction, purification, and crystallization. The most common form is sucrose, a white crystalline solid.

Manufacturers add sugar primarily as a sweetener to enhance the taste of foods and beverages. It also contributes to texture, browning, and acts as a preservative in some products. Sugar is found in a vast array of foods, including baked goods, candies, dairy products, and beverages.

The FDA considers refined sugar to be Generally Recognized As Safe (GRAS) for use in food. While sugar provides calories, it offers little in the way of essential nutrients. High intake of added sugars is linked by health organizations like the WHO to increased risk of weight gain, type 2 diabetes, and heart disease. JECFA has evaluated sugar and set an acceptable daily intake. Evidence on sugar's direct impact on health is extensive, with ongoing research and public health recommendations focusing on limiting added sugar consumption.