Kit Kat Wafer Bar - Sugar

Sugar is a sweet-tasting carbohydrate, primarily sucrose. It is typically extracted and refined from sugarcane or sugar beets. The process involves crushing the plants to extract juice, which is then purified, concentrated, and crystallized.

Manufacturers add sugar primarily as a sweetener to enhance taste in a wide range of products. It also functions as a preservative, contributes to texture and browning in baked goods, and adds bulk to many processed foods. It is commonly found in candies, desserts, beverages, and sauces.

Sugar is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by the FDA. It provides calories and energy to the body. 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 limiting free sugars to under 10% of total energy intake. JECFA has evaluated sugars and did not set a numeric limit (ADI not specified) because they are macronutrients; excessive intake of added sugars is associated with an increased risk of health issues like obesity and type 2 diabetes.