Sugar: a chameleon of the ingredients list

Not all sugar is the same. A quick glance at the list of ingredients is often not enough to identify the sweetener in food. Food manufacturers use a variety of names to disguise the sweet gold. As a cheap raw material and aromatic flavor enhancer, the sweet taste of sugar triggers an addictive potential that leads to repeat purchases of the product.

The variety of sugar names makes it difficult for us consumers to recognize the true amount of sugar in a product. Here are some of the most common names that indicate sugar:

• Sucrose: The scientific name for household sugar, which consists of glucose and fructose.
  
• Glucose syrup: A highly processed sugar often found in confectionery and baked goods.
  
• Fructose: A sugar that occurs naturally in fruit, but is also used as an isolated sugar additive.
  
• Corn syrup: A syrup derived from corn that is rich in fructose and is often used in sodas and processed snacks.
  
• Maltodextrin: An easily digestible sugar often found in sports drinks and energy bars.
  
• Dextrose: Another name for glucose, often found in baked goods and sweets.
  
• Invert sugar: A sugar substitute that consists of a mixture of glucose and fructose and is used in jams and preserves.
  
• Agave syrup: A natural sweetener that is often used in “healthy” snacks or baked goods, but is still rich in fructose.
  

Hidden sugar: where the sweet trap is hidden

It's not just the obvious sweet stuff that's full of sugar. Many supposedly healthy or savory foods also contain significant amounts of hidden sugar. Here are some surprising examples:

• Yoghurt: the fruit varieties in particular can be real sugar bombs. A single cup can contain more sugar than a chocolate bar.
  
• Breakfast cereals: Even if they are advertised as healthy, many cereals are overloaded with sugar, often under the guise “added fruit”.
  
• Prepared sauces and dressings: Ketchup, barbecue sauces and even some salad dressings can contain high amounts of sugar to intensify flavor.
  
• Bread: Even in savory foods like bread, sugar is often hidden to make the dough rise and improve the crust.
  
• Juices and smoothies: Although they are made from fruit, many packaged juices and smoothies contain added sugar to make them sweeter.
  
• Energy drinks: These drinks often advertise a quick energy boost, but this often comes from large amounts of sugar.
  
• Milk alternatives: Almond drink, oat drink and the like can also contain hidden sugar, depending on the brand.
  
• Pickled cucumbers: Very few people think of sugar when they think of aromatic cucumbers from a jar, but 4 cubes of sugar are often hidden in a jar.
  

Why is this important?

Excessive consumption of sugar is associated with numerous health risks, including obesity, type 2 diabetes and heart disease. Sugar is not only hidden in obvious sweets, but also in many everyday foods, which means that we often consume more sugar than we realize.

How can you avoid sugar traps?

Read the ingredients list: The further forward sugar or one of its “alias names” appears, the more there is in the product.

• Pay attention to nutritional information: The “of which sugar” item under carbohydrates will give you a good idea of how much sugar is actually in the product.
  
• Go for unprocessed foods: Fresh fruit, vegetables and unprocessed cereals naturally contain less sugar.
  
• Choose sugar-free alternatives: In our store you'll find a variety of products that have no added sugar but still taste fantastic.
  

Conclusion: sugar everywhere - but you have a choice!

Sugar is often hidden and goes by many names, but that doesn't mean you're at its mercy. With a little knowledge and more conscious shopping, you can minimize the hidden sugar in your diet and make healthier choices.

And if you want to keep your sugar cravings in check, you'll find plenty of options in our supplement category to help you reach your fitness goals without unwanted sugar bombs!