Decoding Sweetener Labels

Sugar hides behind 60+ different names on ingredient labels. Here's how to become a label-reading expert.

Common Sugar Aliases

Obvious Names

• Sugar, cane sugar, brown sugar
• High fructose corn syrup
• Honey, maple syrup, agave

Sneaky Names

• Dextrose, maltose, sucrose
• Rice syrup, barley malt
• Fruit juice concentrate
• "Evaporated cane juice"

Reading Nutrition Facts

Total Carbohydrates

Includes all carbs, including fiber and sugar alcohols

Sugar Alcohols

Listed separately—most don't affect blood sugar significantly

Added Sugars

New FDA requirement shows sugars added during processing