Chocolate Flavored Chips: Sugar

Sugar is a common carbohydrate found naturally in many plants. It is typically extracted from sugarcane or sugar beets, then purified and crystallized to produce the sweet-tasting granules used in food.

Manufacturers add sugar primarily as a sweetener to improve taste. It also contributes to texture, provides bulk, and can act as a preservative in many food products. It is widely used in baked goods, beverages, candies, desserts, and various processed foods.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) considers sugar to be Generally Recognized As Safe (GRAS). JECFA (the Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives) has evaluated sugar and did not set a numeric acceptable daily intake (ADI not specified) because it is a common food substance. 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 free sugars should make up less than 10% of total energy intake. Excessive intake of added sugars is linked to health concerns such as weight gain and an increased risk of type 2 diabetes.