Not sure what to think of these ingredients how can there be no added sugar: what to track and how to measure progress

Understanding "No Added Sugar" Claims

When a product label says no added sugar, it means manufacturers did not include table sugar, high-fructose corn syrup, or other caloric sweeteners during processing. However, the food can still contain natural sugars from ingredients like fruit, milk, or grains. The FDA allows this claim if the product has less than 0.5 grams of added sugar per serving. This distinction matters for those of us in our late 40s and early 50s dealing with hormonal changes that slow metabolism and make blood sugar swings more problematic.

In my book, The Midlife Reset, I explain that focusing solely on this label can mislead. Many "sugar-free" items use sugar alcohols like erythritol or maltitol, which register as zero on nutrition panels but can cause digestive issues and still impact insulin in sensitive individuals managing diabetes or blood pressure.

Key Ingredients to Track on Labels

Scan the full ingredient list, not just the front marketing. Look for these common hidden