Chocolaty Chunks: Sugar

Sugar, also known as sucrose, is a common carbohydrate found naturally in plants. It is typically extracted and refined from sugarcane or sugar beets to produce the white crystalline substance used in foods.

Manufacturers add sugar primarily for its sweet taste, but it also enhances flavor, contributes to texture, and acts as a preservative in many products. It is widely used in desserts, beverages, baked goods, and various processed foods.

In the United States, sugar (sucrose) is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by the FDA. JECFA has evaluated sugar and did not set a numeric acceptable daily intake (ADI) because it is a macronutrient. While sugar provides energy, the 2025-2030 Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommend no amount of added sugars, suggesting consumers limit intake to at most 10 grams per meal. The World Health Organization (WHO) advises limiting free sugars to less than 10% of total energy intake. Excessive consumption of added sugars is associated with various health concerns.