Does ‘No Added Sugar’ Still Mean Sweet? Let’s Unpack It

You’ve seen the label. It says no added sugar, so it must be healthy—right? Not always. While it sounds promising, it’s important to understand what no added sugar really means and how it compares to sugar free options. (Learn How to Spot Hidden Sugars, click here)

 Does No Added Sugar Mean Sugar Free?

Not quite. No added sugar means that no extra sugars—like cane sugar, honey, or syrups—are added during processing. But the product may still contain naturally occurring sugars from fruit, dairy, or grains.

So, does no added sugar mean sugar free? Definitely not.

Is No Added Sugar Still Sweet?

Yes—no added sugar foods can still taste sweet. That’s because brands often use sugar substitutes in food like dates, stevia, or sugar alcohols in food to maintain sweetness.

So, is no added sugar still sweet? In most cases, yes.

How to Read Sugar on Food Labels

To make informed choices, learn how to read sugar on food labels. Look for:

• Total Sugars
  
• Added Sugars
  
• Sweeteners or hidden sugars in no added sugar food in the ingredient list
  

Even in no added sugar products, sweeteners can sneak in.

No Added Sugar vs Sugar Free: What's the Difference?

• Sugar free = less than 0.5g sugar per serving, whether natural or added
  
• No added sugar = no sugars added during processing, but natural sugars may still be present
  

Understanding the difference between sugar free and no added sugar helps you shop smarter.

Is No Added Sugar Healthy?

Is no added sugar healthy? It can be—but only if the product avoids overusing sugar substitutes, concentrates, or ultra-processed ingredients. Always read labels and know what you're really feeding your family.

 

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