Icing Ingredients: Sugar
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What it is
Sugar, also known as sucrose, is a common carbohydrate found naturally in many plants. It is primarily extracted from sugarcane or sugar beets, which are then processed to remove impurities and crystallize the sugar.
Why it's used
Manufacturers add sugar primarily as a sweetener to improve taste and palatability in a wide range of foods and beverages. It also acts as a preservative in jams and jellies, contributes to texture in baked goods, and helps with browning. It is a key ingredient in desserts, candies, soft drinks, and many processed foods.
Health notes
In the United States, sugar is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by the FDA. The 2025-2030 Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommend consuming no amount of added sugars, and at most 10 grams of added sugars per meal. The World Health Organization (WHO) advises reducing intake of free sugars to less than 10% of total energy intake. JECFA has evaluated sugar and did not set a numeric limit (ADI not specified). Overconsumption of added sugars is a public health concern due to its association with various health issues.
Allergen info
Not a major allergen.