New York, NY — Many shoppers take pride in their healthy choices, often gravitating towards products labeled as “all natural,” “organic,” or containing “real fruit.” However, these labels can sometimes mask a concerning truth: many of these purportedly healthy items are loaded with unhealthy amounts of sugar.

Experts warn that marketing tactics can make it difficult for consumers to recognize added sugars hidden in products. Nicole Avena, a neuroscience and psychiatry professor at Mount Sinai Medical School, emphasizes that while some health-conscious brands are attuned to growing consumer awareness regarding sugar’s dangers, larger companies often sidestep these concerns.

Added sugars contribute significantly to various health problems, including obesity, heart disease, and diabetes. According to recent data, the average American consumes about 17 grams of added sugar daily, translating to roughly 57 pounds annually. Much of this sugar sneaks into everyday items like breakfast cereals, sauces, and even some types of whole-grain bread.

To combat excessive sugar intake, consumers are encouraged to scrutinize nutrition labels more carefully. Since 2021, new regulations mandate the separate listing of added sugars, yet some companies have responded by replacing common sweeteners with alternatives that are not classified as added sugars, leaving many products even sweeter than before.

Dietitian Collin Popp from NYU Langone Health suggests that consumers should ideally limit their added sugar intake to no more than 10% of daily calories, or about 50 grams for a 2,000-calorie diet. However, some experts propose that this guideline may still be too lenient, especially for individuals managing conditions like diabetes.

Mindfulness is key when selecting products that appear healthy; many options, including plant-based milks and various snacks, can still contain significant levels of added sugars. For instance, a popular brand of yogurt labeled as healthy can still contain upwards of 9 grams of added sugar, which is equivalent to more than two teaspoons.

Minimizing sugar consumption often requires a proactive approach. Consumers might consider purchasing plain yogurt and adding their own fruit or sweeteners to exercise greater control over what they consume. Even seemingly innocuous choices like almond milk can surprise consumers with their sugar content.

Artificial sweeteners, while lowering calorie counts, may not offer a healthier alternative. Research suggests that these substitutes can lead to overeating as they stimulate the brain’s reward center, regardless of their low sugar content. However, some alternatives, like allulose, may be suitable for individuals with specific health conditions, such as Type 1 diabetes, as they do not affect blood sugar levels.

Ultimately, the emphasis should be on reducing overall sweetness in diets. Avena cautions against allowing food manufacturers to dictate sugar consumption, advocating for a more informed and conscious approach to eating.