Honey is often considered as an added sugar, as it is used to sweeten various food and beverage products, just like other added sugars such as corn syrup and table sugar. However, honey is also a naturally occurring sweetener derived from the nectar of flowers and is considered a healthier alternative to other added sugars because it contains antioxidants, amino acids, vitamins, and minerals.
However, despite its natural origin, honey still contains a high amount of sugar, and consuming excessive amounts can lead to weight gain and other health problems associated with added sugars. Additionally, many commercial honey products have added sugar or other sweeteners, which can reduce its nutritional benefits.
This applies to other natural sweeteners such as maple syrup, agave syrup, date syrup, coconut nectar and more.
In their final guidance, the FDA exempted single-ingredient packages of pure honey from beating the words “includes added sugars” but said they must still include the percent Daily Value (DV) for added sugars on their label. These regulations include maple syrup, agave syrup and other sugars (Click here to read the regulations)
In conclusion, honey (and other natural sweeteners) is considered an added sugar due to its use as a sweetener, but it also has unique properties that distinguish it from other added sugars. While it is a healthier alternative, it is still important to consume it in moderation to avoid the negative effects of excessive sugar consumption.
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