Sprinkles: Sugar

Sugar, commonly known as sucrose, is a sweet carbohydrate found naturally in plants. It is primarily extracted from sugarcane or sugar beets. The process involves crushing the plants to get their juice, then purifying and crystallizing the sugar.

Sugar is widely used in food manufacturing as a sweetener. Beyond its sweet taste, it also helps create appealing textures, aids in browning during cooking, and can act as a preservative. It is a key ingredient in many baked goods, candies, beverages, and desserts.

In the United States, sugar (sucrose) is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). It provides calories and energy to the body. While JECFA has evaluated sugars, high intake of added sugars has been linked to health concerns such as weight gain and an increased risk of certain chronic diseases. The 2025-2030 Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommend no amount of added sugars, and at most 10 grams per meal. The World Health Organization (WHO) advises that free sugars should make up less than 10% of daily energy intake.