The hidden dangers of sugar in everyday foods
Sharlee Whiddon
Sugar is everywhere. From breakfast cereals to salad dressings, even seemingly healthy foods
are often packed with hidden sugars—posing a silent but serious threat to public health. While
many people know to avoid obvious sweets like candy and soda, the real challenge lies in
identifying the less-obvious sources of added sugar lurking in everyday meals.
One of the biggest culprits is beverages. Flavored waters, sports drinks, and bottled teas often
contain as much sugar as a can of soda, despite being marketed as “healthier” alternatives. A
single 16-ounce bottle of sweetened iced tea can contain up to 32 grams of sugar—more than
the daily recommended limit in just one drink. Try making a simple swap from sugary beverages
to infused waters. This recipe for cucumber water will not only quench your thirst but will also
provide your body with potassium.
But it’s not just drinks. Everyday items like pasta sauces, breads, granola bars, and yogurts are
often loaded with added sugars under names like maltose, dextrose, cane juice, corn syrup, and
fructose. A flavored yogurt, for instance, can have 20 grams of sugar in one small
container—that’s comparable to a candy bar.
The health implications are serious. Excessive sugar consumption has been linked to obesity,
type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and even some cancers. It can also contribute to chronic
inflammation and dental decay. For children, high sugar intake is associated with behavioral
issues, mood swings, and a higher risk of developing lifelong health problems.
One major issue is how food manufacturers use marketing to mislead consumers. Terms like
“natural,” “organic,” or “lightly sweetened” often give the illusion of health, even when
products are still loaded with sugar. Reading food labels carefully is essential. Consumers
should check both the Ingredients List and the Nutrition Facts Panel. The Ingredients List is
where added sugars may appear under many aliases and the Nutrition Facts Panel includes a
separate line for “Added Sugars.”
For individuals, the best defense is education. Preparing meals at home, reducing processed
food intake, and getting into the habit of reading labels can significantly lower sugar intake.
Choosing whole fruits over fruit juices, unsweetened versions of favorite products, and
gradually reducing the sugar in coffee and tea can all make a meaningful difference. Sugar may
be sweet, but the effects of too much are sour.
If you or your organization would like to learn more about creating a healthier lifestyle, you
may contact Sharlee Whiddon at 850-875-7255 or Sharlee.Whiddon@ufl.edu for more
information.
Sharlee is the family and consumer sciences agent for University of Florida/Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences Extension Gadsden County.
