Pinwheels: Sugar

Sugar, specifically sucrose, is a common carbohydrate found naturally in many plants. It is typically extracted and refined from sugarcane or sugar beets. The refining process involves crushing, juicing, purifying, and crystallizing the sugar.

Sugar is primarily used as a sweetener to enhance the taste of foods and beverages. It also contributes to texture, browning, and acts as a preservative in many products. It is commonly found in baked goods, candies, desserts, and processed foods.

Sugar is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by the FDA. When consumed in excess, high intake of added sugars is associated with increased risk of chronic diseases. The 2025-2030 Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommend no amount of added sugars, and suggest limiting intake to at most 10 grams of added sugars per meal. The World Health Organization (WHO) advises limiting free sugars to less than 10% of total energy intake. JECFA has evaluated sucrose, but as a macronutrient, it does not typically have an acceptable daily intake (ADI) set in the same way as food additives.