Jake: Hey I’m Jake of Body by Jake here with your nutrition tip of the day. I’m here with Chef Steph, and I’ve got a question for you Chef Steph! This is an interesting one. I always think they are interesting which is why we choose them, because I think so many people ask the same questions and I figure if they all ask the same ones.
Let’s ask you, you’ll give them the right answer! What are added sugars? I think this comes from when someone is looking at the ingredients on the panel and it says “added sugar.” Good question – what’s the answer?
Chef Steph: Absolutely!
Think of added sugars as something that didn’t naturally exist in that product. So they’re enhancing the flavor, because as human beings, we have a sweet preference.
We have a sweet tooth just naturally built in. So manufacturers know that, so they are adding sugars in that wouldn’t normally be present in this food if you made it yourself at home.
Jake: So what should we be looking for, then, if we do see ‘added sugar’ on a label? Move it aside, or…
Chef Steph: Ideally if you’re buying an item that has the added sugars in it, you want the least amount. 5 grams or less – let’s not get the big numbers, because then it’s basically all sugar, right? That’s an empty calorie. It’s not nutrient dense, so you wanna get more bang for your buck, and we want more nutrients in products beside just one, like sugar.
Jake: Beautiful – thank you! Chef Steph, as always!
