But taste is only one of the important roles sugars play in food. For example, sugars help preserve jams, cereals, cakes, candies, cookies and drinks. Sugars also help produce the tender, moist texture of cakes and the golden-brown, crispy essence of many cookies. As part of a balanced plan for healthy eating, you can enjoy sugars in moderation. This brochure answers questions you may have about sugars and their role in a healthful diet.
Sugars are carbohydrates, which serve as the main energy source for the body.
There are many types of sugars. They occur both naturally and as ingredients in many foods. The most familiar sugar is sucrose. It is made of two simple sugars, fructose and glucose. Fruits and vegetables naturally contain fructose and glucose.