​The War On Hidden Sugar: Tips for Cutting Added Sugar Without Sacrificing Flavor Nutrition Family Health Women's Health Men's Health Kids' Health Weight Loss

Americans are actively trying to reduce sugar intake, but hidden sugars in everyday foods are making it challenging. New findings from the 2025 IFIC Food & Health Survey: A Focus on Sugars & Sweeteners show that more than six in 10 Americans (63 percent) remain concerned about the amount of sugar they consume, a level similar to 2006 and just below the 2015 peak of 71 percent.

To help satisfy the occasional sweet tooth craving, here are tips for spotting and replacing refined sugars with natural alternatives.

Sugar Reduction Statistics

• Sixty-three percent of Americans remain concerned about how much sugar they consume, similar to 2006 levels but below the 2015 peak of 71 percent.

• Concern about the type of sugar is 56 percent, closely aligning with 2006 results.

• Seventy-five percent of Americans report trying to limit or avoid sugar, with 61 percent reducing sugar and 14 percent avoiding it entirely.

• Of the 75 percent who are limiting sugar, 63 percent focus specifically on added sugars.

The top strategies for reducing sugar include:

• Choosing water instead of caloric beverages (55%).
• Using Nutrition Facts labels to select items with less added sugar (30%).
• Limiting certain foods and beverages (41%).
• Eliminating certain foods and beverages (36%).
• Choosing products labeled “reduced sugar” (27%).
• Buying “sugar-free” options when available (25%).

How to Spot Hidden Sugars

• Check nutrition facts for “added sugars” and percent daily value.

• Look for names ending in “-ose” (fructose, glucose, sucrose, dextrose).

• Watch for syrups (corn syrup, rice syrup, maple syrup, high-fructose corn syrup).

• Spot anything with “sugar” (cane sugar, brown sugar, raw sugar, evaporated cane juice).

• Identify other sweeteners (honey, agave nectar, molasses, fruit juice concentrates, malt syrup).

It's important to remember that hidden sugars can show up in unexpected places. Pasta sauces, ketchup, salad dressings and barbecue sauce often contain added sugar, as do granola, flavored yogurt, breakfast cereals, protein bars and whole-grain breads. Drinks such as flavored water, smoothies, fruit beverages and sports drinks can be high in sugar, and packaged meals like frozen dinners and low-fat snacks frequently include hidden sweeteners.

Sweet Sugar Substitutes

• dates or date paste
• honey
• maple syrup
• coconut sugar
• agave nectar
• molasses
• fruit juice concentrates
• mashed banana or applesauce

Many people do not realize how much added sugar is hiding in everyday foods, from sauces and condiments to packaged snacks and beverages. Checking labels and reading ingredients is key, and even small swaps can make a big difference over time.

Natural sweeteners such as dates, honey, coconut sugar or maple syrup are excellent alternatives to refined sugar. They provide sweetness while adding flavor and nutrients, and can be used in a wide range of recipes without compromising taste. Simple substitutions like these make it easier to enjoy treats while cutting back on added sugar.

Reducing sugar does not have to feel restrictive. By making mindful choices, cooking at home and experimenting with natural sweeteners, people can maintain a healthier diet while still enjoying flavorful meals and desserts. Cutting back on added sugar can be simple, flexible and enjoyable.

Check out these low-sugar recipes.

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