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Is sugar always bad for us?
No, not all sugars are bad. We actually need sugars to function well, but sugars that come from a good source.
It can be very confusing for consumers to navigate the different sugar claims found on packaging.
We want to provide clarity and guide you through the three main claims so that you as a consumer can make an informed choice and know what you are choosing.
‘No sugars’
When a product ‘no sugars’’ contains, you can be sure that this product contains no more than 0.5 grams of sugar per 100 grams or 100 ml. This rule is also legally established.
‘No added sugars’
The claim ‘no added sugars’ on the other hand, means that the product contains no added sugars or mono- or disaccharides contains. These products may still contain sugar-containing ingredients like honey or rice syrup, and although these are natural sugars, it’s best to consume them in moderation.
‘No refined sugars’
When you see on a product that it contains no refined sugars, it means that no refined sugars, such as crystal sugar, have been added to the product, which is a good thing. We will explain in more detail what refined sugars are, what they do to your body, and why it’s best to avoid them.
In this article, we will take a closer look at the claim ‘no refined sugars’ on the nutrition label. If you want to learn more about the other two claims, be sure to read our articles on ‘no added sugars’ and ‘no sugars’.
What are refined sugars?
Refined sugars are sugars that are ‘purified’ in a factory. The juice from, for example, sugar beets is industrially purified in this process and stripped of various substances until white sugar remains as the end product. Manufacturers do this mainly to whiten the sugar, give it a neutral taste, and achieve a longer shelf life.
White sugar therefore contains no nutrients and only empty calories remain.
Moreover, sugar—especially refined sugar—has an addictive effect on your body. Sugar gives your body a kind of kick and triggers the reward mechanism in your brain, making you want more and more.
Because refined sugars are hidden under many names in most of our foods, it is not easy to limit your sugar intake with processed foods.
That is why the claimno refined sugar helping you choose a snack or product without refined sugars. This way, you can avoid those dreaded sugar highs & lows and stay full for longer with enough energy spread throughout the day thanks to real, satisfying nutrients and complex carbohydrates.
All brakes off?
Does this mean that if your snack contains no refined sugars, you can enjoy it without limits? No. Sugar is sugar, even naturally occurring sugars should not be overdone. How much you can snack per day depends on various factors.Just use your common sense and enjoy your healthy break.