How to Look for Low Sugar Foods

Adding sugar to your food may make drinks and meals taste better, but you pay a hefty price. Excessive sugar intake can cause weight gain, and according to ABC News, increase the risk of heart disease from obesity. In addition, too much sugar can be harmful if you have any type of diabetes. Eating low-sugar foods is simple; however, it is essential that you know how to find them to avoid eating additional sugar by mistake.

Things You'll Need

• Pocket calorie guide

Show More

Instructions

• 1

  Check nutrition facts. The sugar content in a food is listed under carbohydrates on nutrition labels. According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), nutrition labels show only grams of sugar and not the daily recommended percentage as there isn't a set suggested amount.

• 2

  Read all of the ingredients. The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) suggests that added sugar is listed by type in the ingredients section on nutrition labels. Ingredients such as corn syrup, honey, and fructose are all types of sugar.

• 3

  Purchase a pocket calorie guide. You can find calorie guides at most book stores, large department stores, and online. Unfortunately, not all restaurants and food vendors carry copies of their nutritional menus, and the guide is an excellent way to know how much sugar certain foods contain before ordering. If you choose to order a food that is high in sugar, eat only a portion and take the rest home for the next day.

• 4

  Substitute a sugar-free alternative for or in your favorite foods. One of the best ways to avoid eating excessive amounts of sugar is by buying foods that have sugar-free or low-sugar written on the label. Opt for 50 percent less sugar ice cream instead of regular and eat sugar-free candies and gelatin. Also use a sugar substitute in coffee, tea or recipes.