Chocolate Flavored Coatings - Sugar

Sugar, chemically known as sucrose, is a common carbohydrate found naturally in many plants. It is primarily extracted from sugarcane or sugar beets through a process of crushing, purification, and crystallization.

Manufacturers add sugar primarily as a sweetener to enhance the taste of foods and beverages. It also contributes to texture, acts as a preservative in products like jams, and aids in browning during cooking. It is a key ingredient in a wide variety of processed foods, including desserts, baked goods, and soft drinks.

Sugar is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). It provides energy to the body. 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 limiting free sugars to less than 10% of total energy intake. As a fundamental nutrient, sugar is not typically evaluated by bodies like JECFA or EFSA for an acceptable daily intake (ADI) in the same way as food additives.