The terms Sugar-Free, No Added Sugar, Naturally Sweetened, and Unsweetened can be confusing. What do they all mean? Here is a handy guide that sums it up.
Sugar Free -
Means no sugar was added to the product, and usually artificial sweeteners or sugar alcohols are added to give it the sweet taste it is meant to have.
This is usually added to something like desserts, candy, gum, baked goods, flavored coffee syrups and creamer and anything that is meant to have a very sweet taste.
No Added Sugar -
Means that no sugar was added to the product.
Often the product does contain sugars because it is already naturally sweet from their contents such as fruit juices (like grape or apple juice) or dried fruit (like dates or raisins). It can also mean that jams or jelly are sweetened with additional fruit juice.
Naturally Sweetened -
Means no white or refined sugar was added, but honey, maple syrup, evaporated cane juice or other natural sweeteners may have been added.
Cereals and snacks can be sweetened with other natural sweeteners. Be sure to check labels.
Unsweetened -
Means that nothing has been added to the product to give it a sweet taste - either sugar or artificial sweeteners.
For example many milk substitutes such as almond and cashew milks are now available unsweetened. But it can also mean that the product is naturally sweet such as applesauce.
So, what should you look for when making a purchase for your plant based diet?
If you are buying products for recipes or to add to your plant based diet, your best bet is using something with no added sugar or unsweetened, be sure to check labels for as few and simple ingredients as possible, and of course they should be free of meat, dairy and oils.
