Purple Band Ingredients: Sugar

Sugar is a common carbohydrate, primarily sucrose, that is naturally found in many plants. It is most often extracted from sugarcane or sugar beets. The process involves crushing or slicing the plants, extracting their juice, purifying it, and then crystallizing the sugar.

Sugar is primarily used as a sweetener to enhance the taste of foods and beverages. Beyond sweetness, it also contributes to texture, helps with browning in baked goods, and can act as a preservative in high concentrations, such as in jams. It is a key ingredient in a wide range of products including candies, desserts, soft drinks, and processed foods.

In the United States, sugar is Generally Recognized As Safe (GRAS) by the FDA. While sugar provides energy, excessive intake of added sugars is a public health concern, linked to an increased risk of health issues like type 2 diabetes and heart disease. The 2025-2030 Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommend no amount of added sugars, and at most 10 grams of added sugars per meal. JECFA and EFSA have evaluated sugars in the context of diet and health, but typically do not set an Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI) for macronutrients like sugar.