Did you know?
Added sugars should be limited to 10% of your daily calories, which is about 12 teaspoons per day based on a 2,000-calorie diet.

Added sugars are sneaky!

Added sugars are not the same as naturally occurring sugar in fruits and milk.

Diets high in added sugars may lead to an increased risk of heart disease, cancer, type 2 diabetes and excess weight gain.

Added sugars have many names, such as: agave, corn sweetener, dextrose, juice concentrate, glucose, honey, maltodextrin, maltose, molasses, sucrose and anything with the words sugar or syrup.

When looking at food labels, added sugars are listed separately under carbohydrates.

Try reducing added sugars by:

  • Reading labels and choosing foods lower in added sugars
  • Draining out the liquid from fruits canned with sugar and rinsing
  • Choosing lower-sugar recipes
  • Adding less sugar to your favorite recipes
  • Limiting sodas, sports drinks and sweetened beverages
Nutrition Information for Older Adults - Compilation (PDF)
Peer Review Logo
Lindsay, A. and Helm, M. 2025, Added Sugars - Nutrition information for older adults, Extension | University of Nevada, Reno, FS-25-04-11

Extension Associated Contacts

Macy Helm
Macy Helm
Anne R. Lindsay
Anne R. Lindsay
Natalie Mazzullo
Natalie Mazzullo
 

Also of Interest:

 
Nutrition Facts
Nutrition Facts Label - Nutrition Information for Older Adults
The servings per container tells you how many servings are in that package.
 Lindsay, A. and Helm, M. 2025, Extension | University of Nevada, Reno, FS-25-04
fast food
Results From a Workplace Health and Wellness Program
In March 2013, University of Nevada Cooperative Extension received a grant to develop, implement and evaluate a six month pilot Workplace Health and Wellness program for employees at a local business. The program was to be delivered between April 1, 2013 and September 30, 2013.
 Powell, P. 2016, Extension, University of Nevada, Reno, Special Publication-16-05
 

Associated Programs

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Healthy Aging Initiative

Extension's Healthy Aging Initiative (HAI) connects you with the resources to navigate aging and its trends. Our programs are offered for adults over 50 and those who partner with them to provide care and support. We provide expert nutrition and physical activity training information for elders, caregivers and professionals. We have sponsorship options for tours and professional education, and we offer careers in aging exploration programs for middle and high school students and incoming college