Sugar is a natural carbohydrate that provides sweetness and a quick source of energy. It’s commonly used in food and drinks.
Sugar
Found In
- Baked goods
- Beets
- Beverages
- Candy
- Dairy products
- Sugar Cane
Also Known As
- Cane Sugar
- Sucrose
- Table Sugar
The Beverage Bottom Line
Sugar is authorized for use in the U.S., Europe and Canada.
This ingredient may have authorizations in countries not included on this site.
International Assessments and Authorizations
U.S. Food And Drug Administration (FDA)
Affirmation by FDA this ingredient is generally recognized as safe as a direct human food ingredient. (GRAS FDA-Affirmed)
Sucrose, Corn sugar and invert sugar are generally recognized as safe as direct human food ingredients.
In 1976, the health aspects of sucrose as a food ingredient were evaluated.
European Commission
The European Commission provides guidance related to sugars intended for human consumption.
In 2022, EFSA considered a tolerable upper intake of dietary sugars, concluding “[t]he intake of added and free sugars should be as low as possible in the context of a nutritionally adequate diet.”
Codex Alimentarius
The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and World Health Organization (WHO) Food Standards Programme provides standards related to sugars.”
A 2013 WHO-commissioned Cochrane review concluded, “The change in body fatness that occurs with modifying intakes (of free sugars) seems to be mediated via changes in energy intakes.” This review informed the WHO 2015 guidelines.
This page was last updated on 6/30/2025.