Think eating “healthy” means avoiding all added sugars? Think again. When it comes to hidden sugars in our diets, even seemingly healthy foods can contain too many of them. Despite its dubious reputation, sugar is actually essential for a balanced diet and good health, but things start to get dangerous when we’re not careful about what’s in a product and how much we’re consuming. In this article, we’ll show you 11 surprising culprits that probably contain more sugar than you think!
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Low fat yogurt:
Many people think low-fat yogurt is a healthy option, but most brands contain added sugar in the form of sucrose, high fructose corn syrup, or other artificial sweeteners. This means that a single serving can contain up to 30g of sugar!
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Cereal bars :
The convenience and deliciousness of granola bars makes them a popular choice for on-the-go snacks, but many of them contain an incredible amount of refined sugars. It’s not uncommon to find individual bars with more than 25g of sugar per serving.
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Agave syrup:
Agave syrup has recently become quite popular as an alternative sweetener due to its low glycemic index and natural origins. However, this does not necessarily make it healthier than other types of sugar! A single teaspoon still contains 16g of sugar – barely less than white table sugar – so it is important not to overdo it!
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Fruit juices and smoothies:
Many people believe that naturally occurring sugars in fruit are healthier than processed sugars, but that’s not necessarily the case when it comes to fruit juices and smoothies. Commercial brands often add fructose and sucrose to their products, which means a single glass can contain up to 40g of added sugars!
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Puffed rice pancake:
Although puffed rice or spelled pancakes may seem like healthy snacks, they contain high amounts of added sugar to make them sweet and palatable. One serving can contain up to 20g of sugar, the equivalent of five teaspoons!
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Dried fruits:
While dried fruits may seem like a healthier alternative to candies and chocolates, they often contain so much sugar due to the high concentration of fructose after the dehydration process. A handful of certain types of fruit – like raisins or dates – can easily exceed 20g of sugar!
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Energy drinks :
The caffeine in energy drinks is enough to give you an energy boost, but beware, many types of drinks also contain at least 5g of added sugars per serving, which can add up quickly if you consume several. during the day !
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The soy sauce:
Soy sauce is commonly used in Asian cuisine for its salty flavor – but what many people don’t know is that most varieties also contain 2-4g of added sugar per tablespoon! This sneaky ingredient can quickly add up if you use multiple tablespoons in your meal prep.
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Salad dressings:
Salads are often considered healthy options since they are mostly made up of vegetables. However, many salad dressings also contain high amounts of refined sugar and/or high fructose corn syrup which can add up quickly if consumed inadvertently!
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Protein shakes:
Protein shakes are usually marketed as meal replacements or bodybuilding supplements. However, they often contain a surprising amount of sugar since they are packed with dextrose, maltodextrin or other artificial sweeteners. A protein shake typically contains between 20-30g per serving, depending on the brand. Don’t forget to check before you sip one!
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Balsamic vinegar :
Balsamic vinegar adds flavor and complexity to any dish and many people use it as a healthier alternative to regular salad dressings – but beware! Balsamic vinegar contains up to 10g of sugar per tablespoon – that’s almost as much as a teaspoon of granulated sugar!
