Added Sugar – Learn the Hidden Names & Protect Your Health
From recent scientific data it is known that added sugar is one of the unhealthiest ingredients in the modern diet. When consumed in excess, it plays a major role in the development of obesity, type 2 diabetes, heart disease, fatty liver disease, inflammation, and many other chronic conditions.
For bariatric patients, recognising and avoiding added sugars is especially important, as even small amounts can affect treatment process from obesity, weight loss, trigger dumping syndrome, or slow long-term progress.
What Is Added Sugar?
Added sugar includes any sugar that is not naturally present in food but is added during processing, cooking, or preparation.
These sugars appear in almost all processed foods – even those marketed as “healthy,” “low fat,” or “natural.”
Food labels rarely use the word sugar alone. To identify hidden sugars, you must learn their many names.
Hidden Names for Added Sugar
Here are some of the most common forms of added sugar you may find on ingredient labels:
Sugars ending in –ose
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Dextrose
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Maltose
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Fructose
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Galactose
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Sucrose
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D-ribose
Sugars disguised as starch derivatives
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Dextrin
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Maltodextrin
Syrups and concentrated sweeteners
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Corn syrup
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Rice syrup
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Agave syrup
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Maple syrup
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Malt syrup
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Sorghum syrup
Refined and unrefined sugars
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Brown sugar
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Coconut sugar
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Cane sugar
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Beet sugar
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Confectioner’s sugar
Other sweeteners
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Molasses
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Barley malt
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Fruit nectars
If you see any of these words on a label — the product contains added sugar.
Why Bariatric Patients Must Be Especially Careful
After bariatric surgery, added sugar can:
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Slow weight loss
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Trigger hunger and cravings
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Cause dumping syndrome
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Increase blood sugar and insulin production
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Lead to weight regain over time
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Reduce nutrient intake by replacing healthy calories
A simple sugar control guideline:
Choose products with preferably no added sugars or with no more than 5 g of sugar per 100 g of product. Read labels. Especially for dairy products like yoghurt and ready made sauces and foods from grocery store.
What to Choose Instead
Healthy, naturally low-sugar foods
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Fresh fruit
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Fresh or steamed vegetables
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Whole grains
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No added sugars dairy
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Lean protein sources
These foods provide natural sugars and essential nutrients without the harmful effects of added sweeteners.
Foods & Drinks to Avoid
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Table sugar
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Sodas
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Sugary juices
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Candies
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Cookies
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Cakes & pastries
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Honey & syrups (even “natural” ones)
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Highly processed packaged foods
Be a Smart Shopper — Don’t Let Labels Fool You
Manufacturers often use multiple types of sugar in the same product to hide how much sweetener is really added.
Learning these hidden names empowers you to make healthier decisions, protect your weight-loss progress, and stay in control of your long-term success.
