Get The Scoop On Sugars

We get it – the topic of sugar is complex! From added sugars to naturally occurring sugars in fruits, vegetables, and dairy foods, consumers are curious. Explore the IFIC Sugars Toolkit where you’ll find consumer research, evidence-based resources, and more.

Key Messages

While many of us enjoy our sweet tasting foods, most Americans are keeping an eye on sugar. According to the 2024 IFIC Food & Health Survey, 76% of Americans are trying to limit or avoid sugars. But not all sugar is the same.

    While we often think of “sugar” as a singular ingredient added to coffee or baked goods, sugar occurs naturally in many of the whole foods we enjoy, such as fruits, vegetables, and dairy products. The U.S. Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommends limiting intake of added sugars to less than 10% of total daily calories for most individuals.

      Woman eating yogurt

      Understanding the difference between added and naturally occurring sugars—and knowing how to find them on food labels—can help you make more informed choices, while still enjoying the foods you love.

        IFIC Resources

        Shareable IFIC Resources

        IFIC Expert Webinars

        IFIC Expert Webinar: Sensing Sweetness: Balancing Taste, Health, and Consumer Demand
        IFIC Expert Webinar: Sweet Insights: Consumer Preferences and the Role of Food Science in Sugar Reduction

        IFIC Consumer Research

        2025 IFIC Spotlight Survey: Americans’ Perceptions Of Sweetness In Their Diets
        2024 IFIC Food & Health Survey
        2024 IFIC Spotlight Survey: American Perceptions Of Sweeteners In Foods & Beverages
        2023 IFIC Spotlight Survey: Public Perceptions of Dietary Sweeteners
        2021 IFIC Spotlight Survey: Perceptions and Use of Dietary Sweeteners

        IFIC Perspectives

        Sweet Spot For Science: Navigating What Consumers Think & Know About Low- & No-Calorie Sweeteners

        Related Resources & Select References