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Sugar

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Close-up photo of sugar crystals
Photo of maple syrup in a glass jug
Photo of molasses being poured into a glass measuring cup
Photo credits (left to right): Photo credits (top to bottom): Flickr: gringer; Wikimedia Commons; Flickr: waitscm

Foods Included

Honey, Maple syrup, Molasses, Agave

Description

Sugar comes in many forms and is used to make food sweeter. Common names for sugar include white sugar, brown sugar, honey, maple syrup, molasses, agave, corn syrup, fructose, high fructose corn syrup, glucose, lactose, malt syrup, raw sugar, or sucrose.

Sugar is not a nutrient that the human body needs, and many people consume too much of it. Too much sugar can contribute to developing chronic diseases, like obesity and type 2 diabetes. The American Heart Association recommends limiting sugar to 24g or less per day for women and 36g or less per day for men.

Buy It

  • Look for sugar in bulk bins -- you can purchase the amount you need and it's often less expensive than bags of sugar.
  • Avoid high fructose corn syrup. Check ingredient lists in processed foods before buying.
  • Choose processed foods, like cereal, with less than 10g of sugar per serving.

Store It

  • Keep white and brown sugars in a cool, dry place.
  • If honey begins to harden or crystalize, you can dip the jar into warm water in order to make the honey easier to pour.

Why It's Great

  • Limit added sugars. If you use any, use the smallest amount possible.
  • While sweeteners like honey and molasses have nutrients, don't be fooled—they are still forms of sugar.

Try It

Honey-Mustard Carrots
15 mins
Photo of prepared Honey-Mustard Carrots
Microwave Fruit Crisp
10 mins
Photo of Seasonal Fruit Crisp in a glass baking dish
Cinnamon-Orange Glazed Sweet Potatoes
40 mins
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Tropical Fruit and Nut Snack Mix
25 mins
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Yogurt Parfaits
15 mins
Photo of prepared Yogurt Parfait
Honey Gingered Fruit Salad
10 mins
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“Funded by USDA SNAP, an equal opportunity provider and employer. Visit http://calfreshhealthyliving.org for healthy tips.”