What does NO ADDED SUGAR mean? and are products with such an indication dietary or healthier?
Such a question comes to mind when you see more and more products labeled "no added sugar" on store shelves. That is why we are looking for answers to questions together with certified nutritionist Diana Neshatajeva.
What is the regulation, or what should it be?
The claim that a food product has no added sugar, and any claim that can be understood by the consumer, may only be used if the product does not contain added mono- or disaccharides or other food products used for their sweetening properties. If sugar is present in the product due to its natural properties, the label should bear the following indication: "CONTAINS NATURAL SUGAR". (EU Register of Nutrition and Health Claims on Food Products)
Amount of sugar in products WITHOUT ADDED SUGAR.
Do products without added sugar contain no sugar? Yes! They can even contain very large amounts of sugar, and it will be only because it is naturally present in one of the ingredients. Both of these products are labeled, but one has 40.7 grams of sugar and the other only 3 grams.
Is the NO ADDED SUGAR product dietary and can it help you lose weight?
No, how much sugar is listed on the nutrition label will matter anyway.
It does not matter to the body whether the sugar comes from dates or from regular white sugar.
If we consume fewer calories than we take in, the sugar that is not used is stored in our body fat.
Therefore, you should not rely on the indication, but check how many g of sugar per 100 g of the product is indicated in the nutritional value.
Is the NO ADDED SUGAR product healthier than others?
A snack with this indication will definitely be better for your body than a snack without any indication of sugar, because it may also contain valuable substances that are in the sweet component of the product, for example dates, raisins, fruits will also give you minerals and vitamins. Pure sugar does not contain vitamins and minerals, only glucose.
Remember that the amount of sugar per day, which should not be exceeded, is 25 grams (~5 teaspoons) for an adult, 15 grams (~3 teaspoons) for a child. Sugar is naturally found in almost all food products, we reach this norm from our daily diet even without sweets. Additional sugar should not be taken by adults or children.
Are products without added sugar suitable for people with diabetes?
Indication does not mean that the product is suitable for people suffering from diabetes. A diabetic can choose such a product, but should rather choose a product with the indication NO SUGAR or LOW SUGAR and in any case the amount and composition of carbohydrates, sugar should also be evaluated.
A person with diabetes should read how many grams of sugar per 100 grams of the product is listed on the nutrition facts of the product and choose the one with less sugar, carbohydrates and more fiber.
Fibers give a feeling of satiety and help regulate glucose and insulin levels, so sugar level fluctuations are also smoother when eating fiber-rich products. During the day, a person should take an average of 25-40 g of fiber.
Conclusion
Products labeled NO ADDED SUGAR may still contain sugar and this does not mean that they are dietetic or suitable for people with diabetes.
The main thing when choosing products is their nutritional value and composition. By choosing sweets without added sugar at ANATA.LV, you will not only enjoy the taste, but also take care for the health of your body by taking the necessary vitamins and minerals together with the treat.