Chocolaty Chips: Sugar

Sugar, most commonly sucrose, is a sweet-tasting carbohydrate found naturally in many plants. It is primarily extracted from sugarcane or sugar beets through a process of crushing, juicing, purification, evaporation, and crystallization. The resulting crystals are then refined to produce the white granulated sugar typically used in foods.

Sugar is widely used in foods as a sweetener, providing a pleasant taste and enhancing other flavors. It also functions as a preservative in jams and jellies, and contributes to texture, browning, and fermentation in baked goods. It is a common ingredient in desserts, beverages, candies, and many processed foods.

Sugar is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by the FDA. While it provides energy, consuming too much added sugar can contribute to excess calorie intake, which may lead to weight gain and dental cavities. The 2025-2030 Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommend no amount of added sugars, and at most 10 grams per meal. JECFA has evaluated sugars, and EFSA has also assessed their safety in the diet.