Is Sugar Hiding in Your Pantry? Here’s How to Spot It!
If you're on a wellness journey, understanding where added sugars hide in everyday foods is a game-changer. Reducing hidden sugars can improve energy, stabilize mood, support digestion, and reduce inflammation—key pillars of a holistic lifestyle.
What you don’t know can hurt your health, so this is your go-to guide for identifying hidden sugars in your pantry—and making simple, nourishing swaps to help you feel more energized, balanced, and in control of your cravings.
Sugar’s Secret Identities: What to Look for on Labels
Sugar goes by more than 50 names! Some of the most common include:
High fructose corn syrup
Cane sugar or evaporated cane juice
Brown rice syrup
Agave nectar
Fruit juice concentrate
Anything ending in “-ose” (glucose, dextrose, fructose, etc.)
Even so-called natural or organic foods can be loaded with sweeteners.
Sneaky Sources of Sugar in Your Pantry
Here are a few surprising places sugar might be lurking in your kitchen:
Nut butters (especially “honey roasted” or flavored versions)
Jarred pasta sauces
Granola and cereals
Flavored yogurts
Protein bars and snack bars
Breads and wraps
Don’t worry—you don’t have to ditch these foods altogether. Just learn how to shop smart.
Once you reduce your sugar intake, your body starts to adjust. Natural sugars from fruit and veggies become more flavorful. Try roasting sweet potatoes or snacking on fresh fruit to satisfy those cravings.
And remember: sometimes a sugar craving is really your body asking for rest, hydration, or emotional care.
If this post has you eyeing your pantry with suspicion—don’t worry! You don’t have to overhaul everything overnight. Start small. Swap one or two items at a time. And if you’d like support…
Let’s work together!
I offer 1:1 holistic nutrition coaching and concierge grocery shopping services to help you reset your relationship with sugar, read food labels like a pro, and create a pantry that supports your healthiest, most vibrant self.
Click here to book a free discovery call.
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