Navigating the Sweetness: So Delicious Explained
It is a common misconception that all dairy-free or plant-based products are automatically low in sugar. In reality, just like their dairy counterparts, So Delicious offers a wide variety of yogurt alternatives with different sugar profiles. The brand provides transparent nutritional information on its website and product packaging, allowing consumers to make an informed choice based on their dietary needs.
Which So Delicious Products Contain Added Sugar?
So Delicious uses organic cane sugar to sweeten many of its flavored coconutmilk yogurt alternatives. For instance, the standard Vanilla and Plain Coconutmilk Yogurt varieties are sweetened and clearly list organic cane sugar in their ingredients. The standard Raspberry and Chocolate flavors also contain added sugars. The amount of added sugar can be significant, so it is crucial to read the label. For example, a single-serve Vanilla Coconutmilk Yogurt cup contains 15g of added sugars, which makes up 30% of the daily value.
Which So Delicious Products Have Zero Added Sugar?
For those looking to reduce their sugar intake, So Delicious has a specific line of products labeled "0g Added Sugar". These options are sweetened with fruit or are simply unsweetened. The ingredients for the 0g Added Sugar Vanilla flavor include organic coconutmilk, organic apple puree concentrate, and lemon juice concentrate, but no cane sugar. The Unsweetened Plain variety has less than 1g of total sugar per serving and includes zero added sugar. The 0g Added Sugar Coconut and Blueberry flavors are also excellent choices for those monitoring sugar levels.
How to Read the Nutrition Facts Panel
Understanding the Nutrition Facts label is key to identifying added sugars. Recent FDA regulations require manufacturers to list 'Added Sugars' separately from 'Total Sugars'. This makes it easier to tell the difference between sugars naturally present in the ingredients (like fruit puree) and those added during processing.
Reading the label, you should look for the following:
- Total Sugars: This number includes both natural and added sugars.
- Includes Added Sugars: This is the critical line to check. It explicitly states the amount of sugar the company has added to the product.
- Ingredients List: Sugar and other sweeteners like cane sugar, organic apple puree concentrate, fruit juice, or syrups are listed here. The higher up these are on the list, the more prevalent they are in the product.
Comparison Table: So Delicious Flavors with and without Added Sugar
| Feature | Standard Vanilla | 0g Added Sugar Vanilla | Unsweetened Plain |
|---|---|---|---|
| Added Sugar Per 5.3oz Cup | 15g | 0g | 0g |
| Sweetener Source | Organic Cane Sugar | Apple Puree, Fruit Concentrate | None (just fruit sugars) |
| Total Sugar Per 5.3oz Cup | 15g | 4g* (Natural fruit sugar) | <1g (Coconutmilk sugar) |
| Key Ingredients | Coconutmilk, organic cane sugar, natural flavor | Coconutmilk, apple puree concentrate, vanilla beans | Coconutmilk, rice starch, active cultures |
*Note: Total sugar content in the 0g Added Sugar Vanilla is naturally occurring from the fruit and fruit concentrate used for flavoring.
Tips for Making a Healthier Choice
If your goal is to minimize sugar intake, your best bet is to opt for the unsweetened products and add your own flavorings. This gives you complete control over the level of sweetness and the source of your sugar. You could add fresh or frozen fruit, a sprinkle of cinnamon, or a small drizzle of maple syrup or honey if desired. Many health experts agree that plain, unsweetened yogurt is the healthiest option.
Conclusion
While the answer to "does So Delicious yogurt contain added sugar?" is not a simple yes or no, the brand makes it easy for consumers to distinguish between their sweetened and unsweetened options. By checking the "Includes Added Sugars" line on the nutrition label and reviewing the ingredients, you can make an informed decision based on your dietary preferences. For those seeking a low-sugar option, the "0g Added Sugar" and "Unsweetened Plain" varieties are the clear choices. As with any packaged food, reading the label is the most reliable way to know what you're consuming.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are all So Delicious yogurt alternatives sugar-free?
No, not all So Delicious yogurt alternatives are sugar-free. The company offers both sweetened versions, which contain organic cane sugar, and a specific line of products labeled "0g Added Sugar".
How can I tell if a So Delicious product has added sugar?
You can check for added sugar by looking at the nutrition facts label on the product packaging. Find the line item labeled "Includes Added Sugars" and check the ingredients list for sweeteners like "organic cane sugar".
What sweeteners does So Delicious use in its sugar-free products?
The So Delicious products that are designated as "0g Added Sugar" are typically sweetened with fruit and fruit concentrates, such as apple puree. The Unsweetened Plain varieties do not have any added sweeteners.
Why does the total sugar count differ between vanilla products?
The total sugar count is different because the standard Vanilla flavor contains added organic cane sugar, while the 0g Added Sugar Vanilla flavor relies on natural sugars from fruit concentrate for sweetness.
Is the Plain Coconutmilk Yogurt Alternative unsweetened?
No, the standard Plain Coconutmilk Yogurt Alternative does contain added sugar. For a truly unsweetened option, you must purchase the specific "Unsweetened Plain" version, which has less than 1g of total sugar per serving.
Is So Delicious a healthy choice if it contains added sugar?
Whether a product with added sugar is considered healthy depends on your overall diet and health goals. It is recommended to minimize added sugar intake, so opting for the unsweetened varieties or enjoying sweetened versions in moderation is advisable.
Are there any naturally occurring sugars in So Delicious yogurt?
Yes, the unsweetened fruit-flavored varieties contain natural sugars from the fruit and fruit concentrates used. For example, the 0g Added Sugar Vanilla flavor has 4g of total sugars from the fruit.
