Sugar is hiding in the Food Label
Sugar is hiding in the Food Label

Let’s take our power back! We have choice over what we purchase to put in our refrigerators, on our tables, and in our mouths! Here are some things to know about food labels:

  • The fewer ingredients, the better
  • The first ingredient listed on the label is the primary ingredient
  • Sugar is a master of disguise. Just because you don’t see “sugar” on the ingredient list when scanning a nutrition label does not guarantee the item is sugar or sweetener-free

There are several “synonyms” for sugar that you should be aware of – at least 56 of them! Sugar goes by a slew of different names, making it easy for manufacturers to hide how much sugar is truly in a given product. While some of these names are more obvious, like brown and cane sugar, others are trickier to spot (e.g., maltodextrin and dextrose). Shockingly, over 68% of barcoded food products sold in the U.S. contain added sweeteners—even if they are labeled as “natural” or “healthy.”

Added sugar =

“sugars that are added during the processing of foods…and include sugars (free, mono- and disaccharides), sugars from syrups and honey, and sugars from concentrated fruit or vegetable juices….” FDA 2016

Sugar is hiding in thte food label

Sugar is sneaky, and can appear where you least expect it. There are the more obvious items like cakes, sweets, sodas, and table sugar that you might add to your morning coffee. But it can also hide out in things like sauces, salad dressings, granola bars, and pre-made foods. Even fruit – while it’s considered “natural” – contains sugar.

If you can’t pronounce it or picture what it looks like in nature, you probably shouldn’t be consuming it.

Sugar synonyms – the most common names for sugar (Excluding artificial sweeteners and sugar substitutes):

Basic Simple Sugars (monosaccharides and disaccharides):

  1. Dextrose
  2. Fructose
  3. Galactose
  4. Glucose
  5. Lactose
  6. Maltose
  7. Sucrose

Solid or Granulated Sugars:

  1. Beet sugar
  2. Brown sugar
  3. Cane juice crystals
  4. Cane sugar
  5. Castor sugar
  6. Coconut sugar
  7. Confectioner’s sugar (aka, powdered sugar)
  8. Corn syrup solids
  9. Crystalline fructose
  10. Date sugar
  11. Demerara sugar
  12. Dextrin
  13. Diastatic malt
  14. Ethyl maltol
  15. Florida crystals
  16. Golden sugar
  17. Glucose syrup solids
  18. Grape sugar
  19. Icing sugar
  20. Maltodextrin
  21. Muscovado sugar
  22. Panela sugar
  23. Raw sugar
  24. Sugar (granulated or table)
  25. Sucanat
  26. Turbinado sugar
  27. Yellow sugar

Liquid or Syrup Sugars:

    1. Agave Nectar/Syrup
    2. Barley malt
    3. Blackstrap molasses
    4. Brown rice syrup
    5. Buttered sugar/buttercream
    6. Caramel
    7. Carob syrup
    8. Corn syrup
    9. Evaporated cane juice
    10. Fruit juice
    11. Fruit juice concentrate
    12. Golden syrup
    13. High-Fructose Corn Syrup (HFCS)
    14. Honey
    15. Invert sugar
    16. Malt syrup
    17. Maple syrup
    18. Molasses
    19. Rice syrup
    20. Refiner’s syrup
    21. Sorghum syrup
    22. Treacle

    Food Addiction-Informed abstinence starts with abstaining from sugar in all forms from your diet – the obvious sugar laden baked goods, chocolate and candy, as well as the less obvious sugar ingredients that are hidden in the processing and used to increase the palatability of processed foods to increase shelf life, texture and color.

    The Hidden Truth About Ultra-Processed Food and Addiction: Amanda Leith and Esther Helga Discuss

    Guests Amanda Leith  SHiFT, Recovery By Acorn and Esther Helga GuðmundsdóttirINFACT School both experienced the misery of obesity and countless failed diets—until they discovered their real problem: food addiction, a brain disease. Like many late-stage food addicts, they used food to cope with life, consuming far more food than their bodies needed. Once they recognized their addiction, they began abstinent food plans and recovery programs, shedding excess weight and doing the emotional work required to heal. Today, they live at healthy body weights and enjoy freedom from food addiction—one day at a time. Today, they devote their lives to helping others understand and recover from this illness.

    Food addiction is a substance use disorder involving ultra-processed foods, similar to alcohol or drug addiction. Amanda and Esther assess clients using food use history and tools like the Yale Food Addiction Scale. Sugar—technically not a food but an additive—has over 260 names and is often hidden in products through deceptive labeling by food companies.

    Many of their clients have tried everything to control their food use and/or lose weight, often arriving desperate and willing to try something new. At SHiFT, Amanda guides clients toward abstinence from addictive foods while addressing the emotional drivers behind food use. As cravings and withdrawal pass, clients gain relief from the addiction and obsessive food thoughts and learn to enjoy eating whole, nourishing foods.

    Unlike drug or alcohol addiction, we cannot abstain from food entirely, which makes food addiction more complex. Yet the solution lies in abstaining from addictive foods and engaging in emotional recovery work.

    Phil Werdellwebsite, a pioneer in the field, greatly influenced Amanda and Esther. His teachings on powerlessness and denial are foundational to their treatment approach, and they credit him for shaping their understanding and protocols.

    Amanda explains the difference between emotional eating and true food addiction in this episode. While emotional eaters may recover through therapy alone, food addicts must first remove addictive substances and engage in structured recovery with support. At SHiFT, Recovery By Acorn, food and emotional issues are treated concurrently.

    With chronic disease and metabolic dysfunction at crisis levels—primarily driven by poor nutrition, food addiction, and obesity—Esther Helga argues that food companies knowingly exploit this addiction for profit.

    The International Food Addiction Conference will hold its second event in London, September 4–5, 2025, highlighting food addiction and its comorbidities. At the 2024 London conference, an influential group of professionals reached a Consensus:   Ultra-Processed Food is a Substance Use Disorder.   Advocacy continues to classify food addiction within the ICD (World Health Organization) and the DSM (American Psychiatric Association), paving the way for insurance coverage of treatment.

    Don’t miss this powerful episode as we explore food addiction—its root causes, and the hope of recovery.

    Listen now!

    Proudly sponsored by:

    ✨ SHiFT: Recovery by Acorn
    Helping people heal from food addiction for over 30 years, SHiFT’s 12-week program and alumni support network offer effective, compassionate care. Schedule your free 30-minute consultation today at foodaddiction.com or call 941-378-2122.

    ✨ Milestones in Recovery
    Located in southeast Florida, Milestones offers residential and outpatient treatment for eating disorders and food addiction, with most insurance plans accepted. Learn more at milestonesprogram.org or call 1-800-347-2364.

    We are excited to announce new training options for 2025—designed to offer even more flexibility, accessibility, and global reach for aspiring professionals in the field of food addiction recovery.

    📅 Next Certification Cohort Begins:

    • September 19, 2025

    🎓 What to Expect from the Program:

    • 170 hours of dynamic and interactive virtual learning
    • Access to our exclusive student platform filled with tools, community support, and essential resources
    • A complete package of comprehensive lectures, a detailed teaching manual, and downloadable course materials
    • Earn the prestigious Certified Food Addiction Professional (CFAP) designation, recognized by the European Certification Board

    Whether you're a clinician, counselor, or someone passionate about helping others recover from food addiction, this program is your next step toward making a meaningful impact.

    💥 Let’s change lives—starting with yours.

    Sign up today!

    Our Sponsors

    SHiFT: Recovery by Acorn

    For over three decades, SHiFT: Recovery by Acorn has been a beacon for individuals struggling with food addiction, guiding countless people toward the freedom of a life without food dependency. As a trailblazer in the field of food addiction treatment, SHiFT commits to uplifting clients from the deep grips of food addiction through innovative and comprehensive treatment programs. Whether it's the fixation on food, weight concerns, or the physical and mental burdens of addiction, SHiFT understands these challenges and offers effective solutions. Their 12-week treatment program, supplemented by extensive alumni support, fosters a profound transformation in participants' relationship with food and their bodies. If you are ready to begin a new chapter in your life, free from food dependency, contact SHiFT to schedule a free 30-minute consultation. Visit their website at foodaddiction.com or call them at 941-378-2122.

    Milestones in Recovery

    Milestones in Recovery stands as a pivotal resource for individuals battling eating disorders and food addiction, offering both residential and outpatient treatment options. Nestled in the scenic region of southeast Florida, Milestones boasts a modern facility where highly skilled professionals deliver top-tier treatment and support. Patients receive tailored recovery plans that include guided nutritional counseling and strategies to overcome compulsive eating behaviors. With services spanning various eating disorders such as bulimia, anorexia, and binge-eating disorder, Milestones ensures comprehensive care. Most health insurance plans are accepted, making it accessible for many seeking help. Take the first step toward a fulfilling and liberated life; contact Milestones to learn more about their programs and how they can assist in your recovery journey. Visit their website at milestonesprogram.org or call 1-800-347-2364 today.

    Learn more about SHiFT!
    Learn more about Milestones!
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