Common Sugar Names on U.S. Ingredient Labels

Refined & Standard Sugars

  • Sugar (white or granulated)

  • Brown sugar

  • Cane sugar

  • Confectioner’s sugar (powdered sugar)

  • Invert sugar

  • Raw sugar

  • Turbinado sugar

Sugars Ending in "-ose"

  • Glucose

  • Fructose

  • Sucrose

  • Maltose

  • Dextrose

  • Lactose

  • Galactose

  • Trehalose

chemically classified simple sugars:

Sweeteners Used in “Health” Products

  • Organic cane sugar

  • Organic brown rice syrup

  • Fruit juice concentrate

  • Tapioca syrup

  • Grape juice concentrate

  • Apple juice concentrate

  • Rice malt syrup

often added to protein bars, cereals, and meal replacements:

Natrual-Sounding Sugars

  • Honey

  • Molasses

  • Maple syrup

  • Agave nectar

  • Coconut sugar

  • Fruit juice concentrate

  • Evaporated cane juice

  • Date syrup / date sugar

  • Beet sugar

Notes:

  • These sugars may not be labeled as “added sugars” on the Nutrition Facts panel unless the product follows the FDA’s updated label format

  • Many companies use multiple types in one product to split the sugar on the ingredients list and make each appear in smaller amounts