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Source
Not animal-derived
Allergen
No
Role in food
Manufacturers add sugar mainly as a sweetener to enhance taste in foods and beverages. …
What it is
Sugar is a common carbohydrate, a type of simple sugar. It is primarily extracted from plants such as sugarcane and sugar beets through processes of crushing, purification, and crystallization.
Why it's used
Manufacturers add sugar mainly as a sweetener to enhance taste in foods and beverages. It also contributes to texture, browning, and can act as a preservative in certain food products. It is widely used in baked goods, candies, desserts, and sweetened drinks.
Health notes
Sugar is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by the FDA. JECFA has evaluated various forms of sugar. 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 advises that free sugars should make up less than 10% of total energy intake. Excessive consumption of added sugars is associated with various health concerns.
Note:
This site presents label data from USDA FoodData Central for general information. It is not medical advice.
Check the package label; formulations change.