Other Names for Sugar: 61 Hidden Names You Need to Know

Sugar is hiding in your food under dozens of different names, making it nearly impossible to know exactly how much you’re consuming each day. Understanding the other names for sugar is crucial for making informed dietary choices and protecting your health.

The average American consumes approximately 17 teaspoons of added sugar daily, often without realizing it. This hidden sugar consumption has been linked to numerous health concerns, including obesity, type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and metabolic disorders.

Food manufacturers use various types of sugar and sweeteners in processed foods, each with different names on ingredient labels. This comprehensive guide will help you identify 61 different names for sugar, understand what they are, and learn where they commonly appear in your diet.

Why Food Manufacturers Use Different Names for Sugar

Food companies use multiple types of sugar in a single product for several reasons. Each sugar variety offers different properties such as texture, shelf life, browning characteristics, and moisture retention. By using different sugars, manufacturers can also list them separately on ingredient labels, preventing “sugar” from appearing as the first ingredient.

Ingredients are listed by weight in descending order. When a product contains multiple types of sugar listed separately, consumers may not realize that sugar is actually the primary ingredient when all forms are combined.

Understanding Added Sugar vs. Natural Sugar

Before diving into the names, it’s important to distinguish between added sugars and naturally occurring sugars.

Added sugars are sugars and syrups added to foods during processing or preparation. These are the sugars you need to watch for on ingredient labels.

Natural sugars occur naturally in whole foods like fruits, vegetables, and dairy products. These foods also contain fiber, vitamins, minerals, and other beneficial nutrients that help your body process the sugar more effectively.

The Nutrition Facts label now requires manufacturers to list added sugars separately, showing both grams and the percentage of Daily Value. However, knowing the various names for sugar helps you make informed choices when reading ingredient lists.

How Different Sugars Affect Your Body

Not all sugars are metabolized the same way in your body. The two most common simple sugars are glucose and fructose, and they have different effects:

Glucose can be used by nearly every cell in your body for energy. It directly raises blood sugar levels and triggers insulin release.

Fructose is processed almost entirely in the liver. When consumed in large amounts, it can contribute to fatty liver disease, insulin resistance, and elevated triglycerides.

Most added sugars contain both glucose and fructose in varying proportions. Table sugar (sucrose), for example, is exactly 50% glucose and 50% fructose.

61 Other Names for Sugar on Food Labels

Here’s a comprehensive list of sugar names you’ll find on ingredient labels, organized by their composition:

Common Table Sugars (Sucrose-Based)

These contain approximately 50% glucose and 50% fructose:

• Sugar
• Sucrose
• Table sugar
• Cane sugar
• Cane juice
• Cane juice crystals
• Beet sugar
• Brown sugar
• Raw sugar
• Confectioner’s sugar
• Powdered sugar
• Icing sugar
• Castor sugar
• Turbinado sugar
• Demerara sugar
• Muscovado sugar
• Yellow sugar
• Golden sugar
• Coconut sugar
• Date sugar
• Sucanat
• Panela
• Rapadura
• Florida crystals

High Fructose Sweeteners

These contain higher percentages of fructose (70-90%):

• Agave nectar
• Agave syrup
• Crystalline fructose
• Fructose

Corn-Based Sweeteners

These sweeteners are derived from corn:

• High fructose corn syrup (HFCS)
• HFCS 55
• HFCS 42
• Corn syrup
• Corn syrup solids
• Corn sweetener

Syrups and Liquid Sweeteners

These contain varying amounts of glucose and fructose:

• Honey
• Maple syrup
• Molasses
• Blackstrap molasses
• Golden syrup
• Refiner’s syrup
• Carob syrup
• Sorghum syrup
• Buttered syrup
• Caramel
• Invert sugar
• Treacle

Glucose-Based Sweeteners

These are primarily or entirely glucose:

• Glucose
• Glucose solids
• Dextrose
• Dextrin
• Maltose
• Maltodextrin
• Malt syrup
• Barley malt
• Diastatic malt
• Ethyl maltol
• Rice syrup
• Brown rice syrup

Fruit-Based Sweeteners

• Fruit juice
• Fruit juice concentrate
• Grape sugar

Other Sugars

• Lactose (milk sugar)
• Galactose
• D-ribose

Where Sugar Hides in Common Foods

Added sugars appear in many foods you might not expect. Here are common products that often contain hidden sugars:

Beverages

• Soda and soft drinks
• Fruit juices and fruit drinks
• Sports drinks
• Energy drinks
• Sweetened coffee and tea beverages
• Flavored milk

Breakfast Foods

• Breakfast cereals
• Granola and granola bars
• Instant oatmeal packets
• Pancake syrup
• Toaster pastries
• Breakfast bars

Snacks and Sweets

• Cookies
• Cakes and pastries
• Ice cream
• Candy
• Chocolate bars
• Protein bars
• Cereal bars

Condiments and Sauces

• Ketchup
• Barbecue sauce
• Pasta sauce
• Salad dressings
• Teriyaki sauce
• Sweet and sour sauce

Processed and Packaged Foods

• Bread and rolls
• Crackers
• Flavored yogurt
• Canned fruit in syrup
• Processed meats
• Frozen meals
• Soup (canned or packaged)

How to Identify Added Sugars on Food Labels

Reading food labels effectively requires knowing where to look and what to look for:

Check the Nutrition Facts Label

Look for the “Added Sugars” line under “Total Sugars.” This tells you exactly how many grams of sugar were added during processing. The label also shows the percentage of Daily Value, helping you understand how much one serving contributes to the daily recommended limit.

Read the Ingredient List

Ingredients are listed by weight in descending order. If any form of sugar appears in the first three ingredients, the product is likely high in added sugar. Be aware that a product may contain multiple types of sugar listed separately throughout the ingredients.

Look for Ingredients Ending in “-ose”

Most sugar names end in “-ose,” which is a chemical suffix for sugars. Examples include sucrose, fructose, glucose, maltose, dextrose, and lactose.

Watch for “Syrup,” “Sweetener,” and “Nectar”

Words like syrup, sweetener, nectar, and juice often indicate added sugars.

Daily Sugar Recommendations

Health organizations provide guidelines for maximum added sugar intake:

The American Heart Association recommends:

• Women: No more than 6 teaspoons (25 grams) of added sugar per day
• Men: No more than 9 teaspoons (38 grams) of added sugar per day
• Children ages 2-18: Less than 6 teaspoons (25 grams) per day

The Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommend that added sugars should account for less than 10% of your daily calories. For a 2,000-calorie diet, that’s no more than 200 calories or 50 grams from added sugar.

Health Effects of Excessive Added Sugar

Consuming too much added sugar has been linked to numerous health problems:

Weight Gain and Obesity

Added sugars provide empty calories without essential nutrients, contributing to weight gain. High sugar intake is associated with increased belly fat and overall obesity.

Type 2 Diabetes

Regular consumption of large amounts of added sugar can lead to insulin resistance, a precursor to type 2 diabetes.

Heart Disease

Studies have shown that high sugar diets increase risk factors for heart disease, including high blood pressure, inflammation, and elevated triglycerides.

Fatty Liver Disease

Excessive fructose consumption is particularly linked to non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.

Dental Problems

Sugar feeds harmful bacteria in your mouth, leading to tooth decay and cavities.

Increased Inflammation

High sugar intake may promote chronic inflammation, which is linked to various diseases.

Strategies to Reduce Added Sugar Intake

Here are practical ways to cut back on added sugars:

Choose Whole Foods

Focus on whole, unprocessed foods like vegetables, fruits, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats. These naturally contain little to no added sugar.

Cook at Home

Preparing meals from scratch gives you complete control over ingredients and sugar content.

Read Labels Carefully

Always check both the Nutrition Facts label and ingredient list for added sugars, using the names listed in this guide.

Choose Unsweetened Versions

Select unsweetened varieties of yogurt, plant-based milk, oatmeal, and other foods, then add your own fresh fruit for natural sweetness.

Reduce Sugary Beverages

Replace soda, fruit juice, and sweetened drinks with water, unsweetened tea, or sparkling water with fresh fruit.

Be Cautious with “Health Foods”

Many products marketed as healthy—like granola bars, protein bars, and flavored yogurt—can be high in added sugar.

Start Gradually

Reduce sugar slowly to allow your taste buds to adjust. Over time, you’ll find that foods taste sweeter with less added sugar.

Natural Sugars: Not All Sugars Are Equal

It’s important to note that naturally occurring sugars in whole foods are not a concern for most people.

Fruits, vegetables, and dairy products contain natural sugars along with:

• Dietary fiber that slows sugar absorption
• Vitamins and minerals
• Antioxidants
• Beneficial plant compounds
• Water content that provides satiety

The fiber in whole fruits, for example, helps slow the absorption of sugar, preventing blood sugar spikes. These foods also provide nutritional benefits that far outweigh any concerns about their natural sugar content.

The health problems associated with sugar consumption come primarily from excessive intake of added sugars, not from eating whole fruits and vegetables.

Special Considerations for “Natural” Sweeteners

Many people turn to “natural” sweeteners thinking they’re healthier alternatives, but your body processes most of them similarly to regular sugar:

Honey

While honey contains small amounts of vitamins and minerals, it’s still approximately 80% sugar and affects blood sugar similarly to table sugar.

Agave Nectar

Despite being marketed as a healthier option, agave nectar is very high in fructose (70-90%), which may be more problematic than regular sugar when consumed in large amounts.

Coconut Sugar

Coconut sugar contains the same number of calories and carbohydrates as regular sugar and has similar effects on blood sugar.

Maple Syrup

Pure maple syrup contains some minerals and antioxidants, but it’s still high in sugar and should be used sparingly.

The bottom line: While these may be less processed than white sugar, they should still be limited in your diet and count as added sugars.

When to Consult a Healthcare Professional

Consider speaking with a healthcare provider or registered dietitian if you:

• Have difficulty controlling sugar cravings
• Have been diagnosed with diabetes or prediabetes
• Have a family history of diabetes or heart disease
• Are trying to lose weight
• Want personalized guidance on reducing sugar intake
• Experience symptoms that may be related to high sugar consumption

A healthcare professional can provide personalized recommendations based on your individual health status, medical history, and nutritional needs.

Conclusion

Understanding the many other names for sugar empowers you to make informed decisions about your diet. With 61 different names appearing on food labels, sugar can be difficult to identify—but not impossible.

By learning to recognize these various forms, reading labels carefully, and choosing whole foods whenever possible, you can significantly reduce your added sugar intake and improve your overall health.

Remember, the goal isn’t to eliminate all sugar from your life, but to be aware of how much added sugar you’re consuming and to keep it within recommended limits. Small changes in your food choices can lead to significant improvements in your long-term health and well-being.

Start by identifying the major sources of added sugar in your diet, then work on gradually reducing them. Your body will thank you for making these positive changes.

Sources:

• American Heart Association – Added Sugars
• FDA – Added Sugars on the New Nutrition Facts Label
• CDC – Get the Facts: Added Sugars
• National Institutes of Health – Fructose Metabolism and Metabolic Disease
• U.S. Department of Health and Human Services – Dietary Guidelines
• World Health Organization – Healthy Diet