How Much Sugar Is in Strawberry Extract?

December 11, 2025 •

4 min read

According to manufacturers like McCormick and Cook Flavoring Company, many commercial strawberry extracts contain 0 grams of sugar per serving. The amount of sugar in a product labeled as 'strawberry extract' can vary significantly depending on whether it is a pure extract, an imitation flavoring, or a flavored syrup, which contains added sugar. Pure extracts, made by soaking a flavor source in a high-proof alcohol, are typically sugar-free.

Quick Summary

The sugar content of strawberry extract depends entirely on the product type. Pure and most imitation extracts contain zero sugar, while syrups and other flavorings do. Understanding the ingredients list is key to identifying the presence of added sugars.

Key Points

Sugar-Free by Default: Most pure and imitation strawberry extracts contain 0 grams of sugar because they are flavor concentrates, not sweeteners.
Check the Label: Always read the ingredients and nutrition facts, as some products might contain added sugars or be confused with sugary syrups.
Process Removes Sugar: The extraction process, which uses alcohol to pull out flavor compounds, leaves behind the fruit's natural sugars.
Know the Difference: Pure extracts use natural fruit concentrate, while imitation flavorings are synthetically created but generally still sugar-free.
DIY Option: Making your own strawberry extract at home with strawberries and high-proof alcohol is an easy way to ensure a completely sugar-free product.
Keto-Friendly: Pure strawberry extract is an excellent way to add flavor to low-carb recipes without impacting your sugar intake.

Is Strawberry Extract Truly Sugar-Free?

While a ripe strawberry contains natural sugars, a pure strawberry extract does not. This is a common point of confusion for consumers, especially those monitoring their sugar intake for health reasons. The process of creating an extract, which involves using a solvent like alcohol to draw out flavor compounds, leaves the sugar molecules behind. The result is a concentrated flavoring agent that delivers the essence of strawberry without the fruit's sweetness or carbohydrates.

Pure Extracts vs. Imitation Flavorings

Not all products labeled 'strawberry extract' are the same. It is crucial to distinguish between pure extracts and their artificial counterparts, as well as the different types of strawberry flavorings available on the market.

Pure Extracts: These are made by infusing strawberries or strawberry juice concentrate in a base of water and alcohol. The flavor is derived exclusively from the natural source. A true pure extract contains no added sugars, making it an excellent option for those following a keto or sugar-free diet. The label will typically list ingredients like 'water, alcohol, strawberry juice, natural flavor.'

Imitation Flavorings: These are synthetically created in a lab to mimic the taste of strawberry. The ingredients are not derived directly from natural strawberries but from other sources. Like pure extracts, most imitation versions are formulated without sugar. However, some might contain incidental additives, so checking the label is essential.

Syrups and Emulsions: These products are designed for flavor and often for added sweetness. They are not the same as extracts. Strawberry syrups, for example, are commonly used in beverages and often contain a significant amount of sugar or other sweeteners. Strawberry emulsions and pastes may also contain added sugars to improve texture and shelf life. For these products, the sugar content will be listed on the nutrition label.

How to Check for Sugar in Your Strawberry Extract

Reading the product label is the most reliable way to determine the sugar content. Here is a quick guide:

Read the Ingredients List: Pure extracts will list ingredients like water, alcohol, and strawberry concentrate. The presence of corn syrup, high-fructose corn syrup, or other sweeteners is a red flag for a sugar-laden product.
Examine the Nutrition Facts Panel: Look for the 'Total Sugars' line. A pure or standard imitation extract will show 0g of sugar per serving. Be aware of the serving size, as extracts are used in tiny quantities.
Distinguish Between "Natural Flavor" and "Natural Sweetener": The term "natural flavor" on an ingredients list is not an indication of added sugar. It refers to the origin of the flavor chemicals. A different story is a product containing a natural sweetener like stevia or monk fruit, which would be listed separately.

Comparison of Strawberry Flavoring Options


Product Type	Ingredients	Sugar Content	Ideal Use Case	Keto/Low-Carb Friendly?	Note
Pure Strawberry Extract	Water, Alcohol, Strawberry Concentrate/Juice	Typically 0g per serving	Baked goods, icings, frostings, desserts	Yes	Most reliable sugar-free option.
Imitation Strawberry Flavoring	Water, Alcohol, Artificial Flavoring	Typically 0g per serving	Baking, confectionery where a consistent flavor is desired	Yes	Check label for additives.
Strawberry Syrup	Sugar, water, strawberry flavoring, additives	High	Beverages, pancakes, ice cream toppings	No	Primary use is to add both flavor and sweetness.
Strawberry Emulsion/Paste	Varying, may include sugar, gums, food coloring	Varies; often contains sugar	Baking, ice cream, fillings; provides flavor and color	Varies	Always check the label.

Making Your Own Strawberry Extract

For those who want complete control over their ingredients, making a homemade strawberry extract is a straightforward process. The method involves infusing fresh or freeze-dried strawberries in a high-proof alcohol, such as vodka or Everclear. Since no sugar is added during this process, the resulting extract is naturally sugar-free and has a concentrated, authentic flavor. You can find many recipes online for this simple DIY project. This is a great way to ensure there are no hidden sugars or synthetic additives in your flavoring agent.

Conclusion

In summary, most commercial and homemade strawberry extracts, both pure and imitation, do not contain sugar. These are concentrated flavorings, not sweeteners. Confusion often arises from different products like syrups or emulsions, which are intended to provide sweetness in addition to flavor. For those on a keto diet or limiting sugar, pure or imitation extracts are typically safe. Always review the nutrition facts and ingredients list to confirm the product's sugar content, especially when purchasing syrups or pastes. A pure extract provides the vibrant taste of strawberry without any of the associated carbohydrates or added sugars.

This article is for informational purposes only and is not medical advice. For dietary or health-related concerns, it is best to consult a healthcare professional.

Optional Link

To learn more about the chemical differences between natural and artificial flavors, you can explore this resource from the Environmental Working Group: Natural vs. Artificial Flavors

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, most pure and imitation strawberry extracts are zero-carb and sugar-free because they are concentrated flavorings made by extracting flavor compounds from strawberries and leaving the sugar behind.

No, standard imitation strawberry extract, like its pure counterpart, typically contains no sugar. It is made with synthetic compounds to mimic the flavor of strawberries without the need for sugar.

The flavor is captured by soaking strawberries or other flavor sources in a solvent, usually alcohol. This process isolates the volatile flavor compounds, resulting in a concentrated liquid that tastes like strawberry but contains no sweetness.

Your flavoring likely contains sugar if it is a syrup, an emulsion, or a paste. These products are different from extracts and are formulated to provide sweetness as well as flavor, making them unsuitable for sugar-free diets.

Yes, pure strawberry extract is an ideal flavor additive for a keto diet. It provides concentrated strawberry flavor without adding any carbohydrates or sugar, which helps maintain ketosis.

The key difference is the sugar content. Extracts are concentrated, sugar-free flavorings, while syrups are sweetened liquids used to add both flavor and significant amounts of sugar to foods and drinks.

The term 'natural flavor' does not indicate added sugar. It simply means the flavor compounds were derived from a natural source. However, extracts can contain other incidental additives, so checking the entire ingredients list is always recommended.