Dipping Sauce: Sugar

Sugar is a common carbohydrate, also known as sucrose, that provides sweetness. It is primarily extracted from sugarcane or sugar beets. The raw plant material is processed to extract the juice, which is then refined and crystallized to produce the familiar white granules.

Manufacturers add sugar primarily as a sweetener to enhance the taste of foods and beverages. It also contributes to texture, provides bulk, and can act as a preservative in high concentrations. Sugar is found in a wide range of products, including desserts, soft drinks, baked goods, and sauces.

In the United States, sugar is Generally Recognized As Safe (GRAS) by the FDA. 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. JECFA and EFSA have both evaluated sugars. While sugar itself provides energy, excessive intake of added sugars is a public health concern linked to various health issues.