7 Foods and Drinks That Are Surprisingly High in Sugar :- A growing number of people are becoming more diligent about regulating their sugar intake as they become more aware of the negative effects that might result from consuming an excessive amount of sugar. On the other hand, there are some foods and beverages that are usually thought of as being healthy or harmless.
7 Foods and Drinks That Are Surprisingly High in Sugar
yet they may actually contain considerable levels of sugars that are concealed from view. In the following paragraphs, we will discuss seven of these criminals, each of which may surprise you with the amount of sugar that they contain. After gaining an understanding of these hidden sugar sources, you will be able to make more educated decisions and keep your diet in a more balanced state.
1. Flavored Yogurt:
The flavoured variants of yoghurt can be a hidden source of sugar, despite the fact that yoghurt is commonly considered to be a nutritious snack. Additionally, fruit-flavored yoghurts, particularly those marketed towards children, may have substantial amounts of added sugars in order to enhance the flavour of the yoghurt.
There is a possibility that even seemingly healthy solutions that are labelled as “low-fat” or “light” contain a large amount of sugar. If you choose plain or Greek yoghurt and add fresh fruit or a drizzle of honey, you can reduce the amount of sugar you consume while still reaping the advantages of the probiotics and protein that yoghurt provides.
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2. Bottled Smoothies:
Smoothies that are packaged in bottles are a simple grab-and-go choice for individuals who are looking for a quick and healthful beverage; but, they can pack a significant amount of sugar. The majority of commercially available smoothies contain a significant amount of sugar since they are laden with fruit juices, yoghurt that has been sweetened, and other additions.
Sugar content in certain bottled smoothies is comparable to or even exceeds that of a can of soda. If you want to avoid consuming an excessive amount of sugar, you should think about making your own smoothies at home using fresh or frozen fruits, nutritious leafy greens, and unsweetened milk or yoghurt.
3. Granola Bars:
Granola bars are frequently marketed as nutritious snacks; however, not all variations of granola bars are in the same category. Granola bars sold in stores are typically sweetened with sugars, syrups, or honey in order to improve their flavour and provide additional energy. There is also the possibility that they contain chocolate chips or dried fruits, both of which contribute to the total amount of sugar that is there.
As a result of the fact that certain granola bars can have as much as ten grammes of sugar in each serving, they are more comparable to candy bars than they are to nutritional snacks. When shopping for granola bars, choose those that have a lesser amount of sugar in them, or create your own at home by combining oats, nuts, seeds, and a little amount of added sweeteners.
4. Salad Dressings:
Salads are an essential component of a balanced diet; however, the dressing that you select can have a considerable impact on the amount of sugar that is contained in your meal. Sugars are added to many store-bought salad dressings in order to achieve a balance of flavours and to lengthen the dressing’s shelf life.
There is a widespread perception that creamy dressings, such as ranch, thousand island, and honey mustard, contain a significant amount of sugar. Vinaigrettes and mild dressings are not immune to the possibility of concealing sugars. If you want to reduce the amount of sugar you consume, look for store-bought dressings that are labelled as “sugar-free” or “no added sugar.” Alternatively, you may make your own dressings by combining olive oil, vinegar, lemon juice, and herbs.
5. Fruit Juice:
In spite of the fact that it is commonly thought of as a nutritious beverage option, fruit juice can really contain a surprising amount of sugar. Additionally, despite the fact that fruit juice does contain critical vitamins and minerals, it does not have the fibre that is present in whole fruits, which results in a more rapid increase in blood sugar levels.
Furthermore, in order to improve the flavour, a great number of commercial fruit juices contain additional sugars or sweeteners. Because even juice made from 100% fruit can include a significant amount of natural sugars, it is recommended to take it in moderation. To take advantage of the fibre and nutrients that are contained in whole fruits, you might want to think about diluting fruit juice with water or choosing to consume whole fruits instead.
6. Energy Drinks:
The consumption of energy drinks is common among people who are looking for a quick boost of energy and alertness; nevertheless, these beverages typically include a significant amount of sugar. Caffeine and taurine are two of the stimulants that are commonly included in energy drinks. Many energy drinks also contain significant levels of added sugars.
Consuming an excessive amount of these beverages can result in quick spikes and crashes in blood sugar levels, as well as long-term health implications such as weight gain and an increased chance of developing chronic diseases. If you want to avoid the additional sugars and still maintain your hydration and energy levels, you should choose water, herbal tea, or black coffee instead.
7. Condiments:
Ingredients like ketchup, barbecue sauce, and sweet chilli sauce are examples of condiments that can covertly add to the amount of sugar you consume on a regular basis. Sugars are frequently added to these sauces in order to improve their flavour and maintain a balance of acidity. There is a possibility that barbecue sauce may have even more sugar than ketchup, which can have as much as four grammes of sugar in just one tablespoon.
Despite the fact that it is difficult to totally abstain from these condiments, you may cut down on the amount of sugar you consume by using them in moderation or by selecting versions that contain less sugar or none at all. Additionally, you can think about preparing your own sauces and dressings at home, using natural sweeteners such as honey or maple syrup in moderation that you have on hand.
