Milk Chocolate Flavored Coating: Sugar

Sugar, specifically sucrose, is a common carbohydrate found naturally in many plants. It is commercially produced by extracting and refining it from sources like sugarcane or sugar beets. The refining process removes impurities to create the white crystalline sugar commonly used.

Sugar is primarily used as a sweetener to enhance the taste of foods and beverages. It also plays roles in food preservation, adds bulk and texture to products, and contributes to browning in baked goods. It is found in a wide range of products, including candies, desserts, soft drinks, and many processed foods.

Sugar is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by the FDA. When consumed in excess, sugar contributes to calorie intake without providing essential nutrients, which can be a factor in weight gain and other health concerns. The 2025-2030 Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommend no amount of added sugars, and at most 10 grams of added sugars per meal. JECFA has evaluated sugar. The World Health Organization (WHO) advises limiting intake of free sugars to less than 10% of total energy intake.