Sugar: a chameleon of the ingredients list

Sugar is not just sugar. A quick glance at the ingredients list is often not enough to identify added sweeteners in food. Manufacturers use a wide range of terms to disguise sugar. As a cheap raw material and flavorful enhancer, sugar's sweet taste can trigger addictive behavior, leading to repeated purchases.

The variety of names for sugar makes it difficult for us as consumers to recognize how much sugar is really in a product. Here are some of the most common terms that indicate sugar:

• Sucrose: The scientific name for table sugar, made from glucose and fructose.
  
• Glucose syrup: A highly processed sugar commonly found in sweets and baked goods.
  
• Fructose: A sugar that naturally occurs in fruit but is also used as an isolated sweetener.
  
• Corn syrup: A syrup made from corn that’s high in fructose, often used in sodas and processed snacks.
  
• Maltodextrin: A fast-digesting sugar often found in sports drinks and energy bars.
  
• Dextrose: Another name for glucose, commonly used in baked goods and candy.
  
• Inverted sugar: A sugar substitute made from a mixture of glucose and fructose, often used in jams and preserves.
  
• Agave syrup: A natural sweetener often found in "healthy" snacks or baked goods, but still high in fructose.
  

Hidden Sugar: Where the Sweet Trap Lies

It's not just the obvious sweets that are loaded with sugar. Many seemingly healthy or savory foods also contain significant amounts of hidden sugar. Here are some surprising examples:

• Breakfast cereals: Even when marketed as healthy, many are packed with sugar—often masked by "fruit content."
  
• Ready-made sauces and dressings: Ketchup, barbecue sauce, and even some salad dressings can contain high sugar levels to boost flavor.
  
• Bread: Even savory products like bread often contain sugar—to help the dough rise and improve the crust.
  
• Juices and smoothies: While made from fruit, many packaged versions have added sugar to enhance sweetness.
  
• Energy drinks: These beverages often promise an energy boost, which mostly comes from high sugar content.
  
• Plant-based milk alternatives: Almond, oat, and other milk substitutes can contain hidden sugars depending on the brand.
  
• Pickles: Pickled cucumbers may seem like a low-sugar food, but a single jar can contain up to 4 sugar cubes worth of sugar.
  

Why does this matter?

Excessive sugar consumption is linked to numerous health risks, including obesity, type 2 diabetes, and heart disease. Sugar hides not only in sweets but in many everyday foods, which often leads us to consume more than we realize.

How can you avoid sugar traps?

1. Read ingredient lists: The closer to the beginning sugar (or its aliases) appears, the more of it is in the product.
   
2. Check the nutrition facts: Look under "of which sugars" in the carbohydrates section to see how much sugar the product really contains.
   
3. Choose unprocessed foods: Fresh fruits, vegetables, and whole grains naturally contain less sugar.
   
4. Go for sugar-free alternatives: In our shop, you'll find a variety of delicious products without added sugar that still taste great.
   

Conclusion: Sugar Everywhere – But You Have a Choice!

Sugar often hides under many names—but that doesn’t mean you’re powerless. With some knowledge and more conscious shopping habits, you can reduce hidden sugars in your diet and make healthier choices.

And if you want to keep your sugar intake in check, our supplement category offers many options to help you reach your fitness goals—without unwanted sugar bombs!