Tootsie Roll Midgees: Sugar

Sugar, specifically sucrose, is a common carbohydrate found naturally in many plants. It is primarily extracted and refined from sugarcane or sugar beets to produce the white crystalline product known as table sugar.

Sugar is widely used in foods and beverages as a sweetener, providing a pleasant taste. It also functions as a preservative in jams and jellies, contributes to texture and browning in baked goods, and adds bulk to many products.

Sugar is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by the FDA for its intended uses. As a source of calories, it provides energy to the body. However, the Dietary Guidelines for Americans (2025-2030) recommend no amount of added sugars, and at most 10 grams per meal. The World Health Organization (WHO) advises limiting free sugars to less than 10% of total energy intake. Excessive intake of added sugars has been linked to an increased risk of dental cavities and may contribute to health issues such as obesity and type 2 diabetes. JECFA has evaluated sugars as macronutrients.