How to Spot Hidden Sugars in Everyday Foods

Think your child’s diet is low in sugar? Think again. Hidden sugars in food are everywhere—from breakfast cereals to “healthy” drinks—and they can sneak into your child’s diet without you realizing it.

How to Spot Hidden Sugars

The best way to catch them? Start reading food labels for sugar. Don’t stop at the front—always check the nutrition label and ingredient list to see what’s really inside.

Names for Hidden Sugars

Sugar rarely shows up as just “sugar.” You’ll find dozens of names for hidden sugars or sugar aliases on food labels, such as:

• Glucose
  
• Fructose
  
• Maltodextrin
  
• Corn syrup
  
• Rice syrup
  

Knowing how to spot hidden sugars helps you make better decisions—even when a product claims to have “no added sugar.” (Does ‘No Added Sugar’ Still Mean Sweet?, know more)

Common Sources of Hidden Sugar

Here are some foods with hidden sugars you might not expect:

• Breakfast cereals
• Flavored yogurts
• Packaged juices
• Health drinks marketed to kids

Yes, even “healthy-looking” items can have a surprising sugar content in everyday foods.

 How to Read Nutrition Labels for Sugar

To find added sugar in food, check both “Total Sugars” and “Added Sugars.” You might be shocked by how high the numbers are—even in organic or natural products.

Learning how to read nutrition labels for sugar (know more) helps you avoid accidental overconsumption.

Tips to Avoid Hidden Sugar

• Learn to spot hidden sugars by reading the full ingredient list
• Cut back on overly processed or packaged foods
  
• Choose products with no artificial sweeteners or refined sugar

Looking for a cleaner option for your child?

Grow Daily Milk Mix by The Mindful Co is made with no refined sugar, no artificial additives, and only honest, whole ingredients. It’s a simple way to support growth—without the sugar trap. Buy Now.