Gumdrops: Sugar

Sugar, also known as sucrose, is a common carbohydrate found naturally in many plants. It is primarily extracted from sugar cane or sugar beets, then purified and crystallized to produce the white granular product commonly used in homes and food manufacturing.

Sugar is widely used as a sweetener to enhance the taste of foods and beverages. Beyond sweetness, it also contributes to texture, provides bulk, and acts as a preservative in many products. It is a key ingredient in baked goods, candies, soft drinks, and a wide variety of processed foods.

Sugar (sucrose) is Generally Recognized As Safe (GRAS) by the FDA. It provides calories and energy, but consuming too much added sugar is linked to health concerns like dental cavities and weight gain. 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 keeping intake of free sugars to less than 10% of total energy intake. The Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives (JECFA) has evaluated sugars.