How much sugar does BEAR BRAND milk have?

December 18, 2025 •

4 min read

While all dairy milk contains natural sugar in the form of lactose, the amount of total sugar in BEAR BRAND milk varies significantly depending on the product type and whether added sugars are included. This guide provides a detailed breakdown of the sugar content found in popular BEAR BRAND variants.

Quick Summary

The total sugar in BEAR BRAND milk differs across its various formulations, including specific powdered milk drinks and sterilized milk. The content is influenced by natural lactose and added sugars, requiring label checks for accurate information.

Key Points

Check the specific variant: Sugar content varies significantly across BEAR BRAND products, including powdered milk drinks, sterilized milk, and flavored versions.
Lactose and Added Sugars: The total sugar listed on the label includes natural lactose plus any added sweeteners like sucrose.
Sterilized vs. Powdered: Fortified powdered milk drinks, especially those flavored or for children, often contain more added sugar than plain sterilized milk.
Read the Label: The most reliable information for sugar content is found on the nutritional facts panel of the specific product packaging.
Regional Variations: Nutritional compositions, including sugar levels, can differ by country, so information found online may not match local products.
Not Sugar-Free: Despite some older claims, BEAR BRAND milk is not sugar-free, as it naturally contains lactose and many variants include added sugars.

Understanding Sugar in Milk

Before diving into specific products, it's important to understand the different types of sugars found in milk. Lactose is a naturally occurring sugar present in milk and dairy products. Added sugars, on the other hand, are sweeteners that manufacturers add during processing to enhance flavor or shelf life. The total sugar count on a nutritional label includes both natural lactose and any added sugars.

Sugar Content in BEAR BRAND Sterilized Milk

BEAR BRAND Sterilized Milk is a ready-to-drink product available in liquid form. Based on nutritional information from Open Food Facts and MyNetDiary, the sugar content can be analyzed per serving. For example, a 200 ml serving of Bear Brand Sterilized Full Cream Milk contains approximately 11.5 grams of total sugars. It is important to note that this includes natural lactose. Conflicting claims, such as one from Quora stating no sugar, likely refer to added sugar in some specific, undifferentiated variants, which can be misleading. Consumers should always refer to the specific nutritional panel on the packaging for the most accurate details.

Sugar Content in BEAR BRAND Fortified Powdered Milk

The sugar content in BEAR BRAND's fortified powdered milk drink is a bit more complex, with variations reported based on region and specific formulation.

Fortified Powdered Milk Drink: One source indicates a 33g serving contains around 11g of sugar. Another source, for a different product variant, lists 15.7g of sugars for a 29g serving. These differences highlight the importance of checking the product-specific label.
Fortified Powdered Milk Drink (per 100g): Another source for a fortified powdered milk drink shows 30g of sugars per 100g. This would translate to 9.9g of sugar in a 33g serving, aligning with other data but showing potential differences based on formulation.
Ingredients: The presence of ingredients like sucrose in some versions, such as the BEAR BRAND Junior 1+ milk supplement, confirms the use of added sugars in certain powdered milk products. A Facebook post also mentions high sugar content percentages in some milk powders, reinforcing that added sugar is a factor.

Sugar Content by BEAR BRAND Variant

Here is a comparison of typical sugar content found in different types of BEAR BRAND milk, highlighting the variability across the product line. Please note that figures can vary by country and formulation, so always check the label of the specific product you are purchasing.


Product Variant	Serving Size	Approximate Sugar Content	Key Considerations
Sterilized Full Cream Milk	200 ml	11.5g	Contains natural lactose and may contain added sugar.
Fortified Powdered Milk Drink	33g	11g	Sugar levels vary; includes fortified nutrients and added sugar.
Fortified Powdered Milk Drink (Variant)	29g	15.7g	Contains higher sugar per smaller serving in some regional formulations.
Full Cream Milk (variant)	140 ml	6g	A lower sugar content compared to some fortified versions.

Key Factors Influencing Sugar Levels

Understanding the factors behind the varying sugar amounts helps consumers make informed decisions.

Product Formulation: Fortified powdered drinks, especially those intended for children, often contain added sucrose alongside the natural lactose to enhance flavor and aid fortification. Ready-to-drink sterilized products generally contain lower amounts of added sugar or only natural lactose, depending on the specific variant.
Regional Differences: Nestle tailors its products to local markets. Nutritional information can differ significantly from one country to another. This is a primary reason for the conflicting data found in online sources.
Variant Specifics: Flavored milks, like BEAR BRAND Choco, will have a higher sugar content than plain varieties. Milk supplements designed for specific age groups (e.g., BEAR BRAND Junior 1+) also have unique formulations with different sugar levels.

Reading the Label Accurately

The most reliable method to determine the sugar content is to read the nutritional facts panel on the product packaging. Here's a guide from the FDA on how to read nutritional labels for reference.

When examining the label:

First, check the serving size. All the figures that follow are based on this amount, so if you consume more, you'll need to multiply the sugar content accordingly.
Next, find the 'Total Sugars' line. This number reflects the total amount of sugar from all sources, including natural lactose and added sweeteners.
Some labels also list 'Added Sugars'. If this is the case, it provides a clearer picture of how much sugar was added beyond what is naturally present.

Conclusion

There is no single answer for how much sugar BEAR BRAND milk contains, as the amount varies considerably across its diverse product range. The sugar content depends on whether the product is sterilized, powdered, flavored, or specifically fortified for a particular age group. While all variants contain natural lactose, many also contain added sugars. Consumers are advised to always check the specific product's nutritional information label to accurately determine the sugar content for their dietary needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, while BEAR BRAND milk naturally contains lactose, many of its variants, particularly flavored and fortified powdered products, contain added sugars like sucrose to enhance flavor and aid fortification.

Generally, plain sterilized versions of BEAR BRAND milk have less sugar compared to their sweetened or flavored counterparts, but the lowest sugar content will depend on the specific product formulation. Always check the nutritional label.

To get the most accurate sugar information, you must read the nutritional facts panel on the packaging of the specific BEAR BRAND product you are consuming, as content varies by variant and country.

It depends on the specific BEAR BRAND variant. Plain, non-fortified, sterilized BEAR BRAND milk may have a similar sugar profile to fresh milk (containing only lactose). However, many fortified or flavored BEAR BRAND products contain significantly more added sugar than fresh milk.

The sugar content of BEAR BRAND Fortified Powdered Milk varies. For example, a 33g serving may have around 11g of sugar, while other formulations could be higher. You need to check the specific product label for an accurate figure.

No, BEAR BRAND Choco milk will have a higher sugar content than the plain variants due to the addition of chocolate flavoring and extra sweeteners. While both offer similar fortification, the sugar profile differs.

Online sources may report different sugar values for several reasons, including regional differences in product formulations, updates to nutritional information, or quoting different variants. Always rely on the physical product's label.