How Will Sugar-Based Ingredients Be Listed? Understanding the New Labels

January 4, 2026 •

4 min read

According to the American Heart Association, a high intake of added sugars is linked to an increased risk of cardiovascular disease. New regulations have been implemented in various regions, including the U.S. and Canada, to bring greater transparency to how sweeteners are identified on packaged food labels. This shift significantly alters how sugar-based ingredients will be listed, providing consumers with better tools to make informed decisions.

Quick Summary

Changes to food labeling now require packaged goods to specify added sugars, though the exact method differs by region. The article details how new U.S. and Canadian regulations list various sugar-based ingredients and how to decipher updated nutrition labels.

Key Points

US Regulations: The FDA now requires "Includes Added Sugars" to be listed separately under "Total Sugars" on the Nutrition Facts panel.
Canadian Regulations: In Canada, all sugar-based ingredients are grouped in parentheses after the term "Sugars" in the ingredient list.
Ingredient Order Matters: A product's ingredients are listed by descending weight; a sugar alias near the top of the list indicates a high proportion.
Recognize Aliases: Be aware of common sugar aliases like dextrose, fructose, corn syrup, and fruit juice concentrate.
Use the %DV: On U.S. labels, a %Daily Value of 5% or less for added sugars is low, while 20% or more is high.
Check Both Panels: To get the full picture, examine both the Nutrition Facts panel and the ingredients list for sugar content and sources.

The New Nutrition Facts Panel: Total vs. Added Sugars

In the United States, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) implemented a significant update to the Nutrition Facts label, making it easier to distinguish between naturally occurring sugars and those added during processing. This change, mandatory for most manufacturers since 2020, splits the sugar information into two key parts: "Total Sugars" and the new indented line, "Includes Added Sugars". Total Sugars accounts for all sugars in the product, encompassing both those naturally present in ingredients like fruit and milk and any added sweeteners. The critical addition is the "Includes Added Sugars" line, which quantifies the exact amount of sugar manufacturers add to the product. A corresponding %Daily Value (%DV) is also provided for added sugars, based on the recommendation to consume less than 10% of total calories from added sugars per day. A product with 5% DV or less is considered a low source of added sugars, while 20% DV or more is considered high. By separating these figures, consumers can better evaluate the source of a product's sweetness.

Navigating the Canadian Ingredient List: The Sugar Grouping Rule

Across the border, Canada’s approach to listing sugar-based ingredients focuses on the ingredients list rather than the Nutrition Facts table. New regulations require manufacturers to group all sugar-based ingredients together within parentheses immediately following the term "Sugars". This grouping includes common sweeteners like sugar, honey, and maple syrup, as well as less obvious ones like fancy molasses and fruit juice concentrate. By consolidating all these ingredients, the total amount of sugar-based sweeteners is more transparent, and their position in the ingredient list reflects their combined weight relative to other ingredients. If the "Sugars" grouping appears near the beginning of the list, it indicates that a significant proportion of the product's weight is composed of various sweeteners. This helps consumers avoid products with many different sugar aliases scattered throughout the list.

Deciphering the Many Names of Sugar

One of the biggest challenges for consumers has long been identifying the numerous names sugar can hide under on an ingredients list. There are dozens of aliases, and being able to recognize them is crucial for understanding a product's true sugar content. The following list includes some of the most common aliases:

Sugars ending in "-ose": Dextrose, fructose, glucose, lactose, maltose, sucrose
Syrups: Corn syrup, high-fructose corn syrup, maple syrup, rice syrup, brown rice syrup
Nectars: Agave nectar, fruit nectar
Cane/Juice-based sweeteners: Cane juice, evaporated cane juice, fruit juice concentrate
Other common names: Brown sugar, honey, molasses, maltodextrin

How to Identify Sugar's Hidden Aliases

To master label reading, it is important to remember that ingredients are listed in descending order by weight. This means the first few ingredients are the most abundant. If you see sugar aliases appearing high on the list, or multiple aliases scattered throughout, it's a clear signal that the product contains a significant amount of added sweetener. Items like fruit juice concentrates and molasses, which might sound natural, are still considered added sugars by the FDA when used as sweeteners during processing. By cross-referencing the ingredients list with the Nutrition Facts panel (in the U.S.) or the grouped "Sugars" list (in Canada), you can get a clearer picture of the product's sweetening profile.

Comparing US and Canadian Sugar Labeling

For consumers and food manufacturers alike, understanding the differences in labeling regulations between the U.S. and Canada is key. The following table provides a quick overview of the distinctions.


Feature	U.S. (FDA)	Canada (CFIA)
Added Sugar Labeling	"Includes Added Sugars" line indented under "Total Sugars" on the Nutrition Facts panel.	All sugar-based ingredients grouped in parentheses after the term "Sugars" on the ingredients list.
Nutrient Information	% Daily Value (%DV) is shown for Added Sugars.	% Daily Value (%DV) is shown for Total Sugars.
Identifier Method	Focuses on a specific numerical declaration on the Nutrition Facts panel.	Focuses on grouping all sugar aliases together on the ingredients list to show total proportion.
Single Ingredient Exemptions	Specific labeling for single-ingredient sugars (e.g., honey) to avoid suggesting added sugar.	If only a single sugar-based ingredient is used, it does not need to be grouped under "Sugars".

Practical Tips for Making Informed Choices

Armed with knowledge of the new labeling rules, you can make smarter food choices. Here are some actionable steps:

Check for Added Sugars First: If shopping in the U.S., look directly at the "Includes Added Sugars" line to see how much sugar has been added, and check the %DV.
Scan the Ingredient List: In either country, always read the ingredient list. Look for sugar aliases and note their position. The closer to the beginning, the more sugar the product contains.
Compare Products: Use the new labels to compare similar products. Choose the one with a lower %DV for added sugars (in the U.S.) or with the sugar grouping appearing lower on the ingredient list (in Canada).
Look for Whole Foods: Opt for products with natural sources of sweetness, like fruits, which also contain beneficial fiber and vitamins.
Use the 5/20 Rule: The FDA's 5/20 rule for added sugars is a simple guideline: 5% DV or less is low, while 20% DV or more is high.

Understanding the Nutrition Facts Label - FDA

Conclusion: Empowering Consumers with Label Clarity

The changes to food labeling, though varied by region, represent a significant win for consumer transparency. Whether you are navigating the U.S.'s new format with its prominent "Includes Added Sugars" line or Canada's grouped ingredient list, the goal is the same: to provide clearer insight into a product's sweetening profile. By understanding these new rules and staying vigilant about sugar aliases, consumers can take greater control of their dietary choices and work toward healthier eating habits. These regulations make it more difficult for manufacturers to obscure high sugar content, empowering consumers to make well-informed decisions at the grocery store.

Frequently Asked Questions

Total Sugars includes all sugars present in a food, both those that occur naturally (e.g., in milk or fruit) and any added sugars. Added Sugars are those sweeteners and syrups that are added to foods during processing or preparation.

No, Canada does not use a separate line for Added Sugars on its Nutrition Facts table. Instead, it requires all sugar-based ingredients to be grouped together under the term "Sugars" in the ingredients list, sorted by weight.

Common aliases include corn syrup, high-fructose corn syrup, dextrose, fructose, sucrose, maltose, molasses, honey, agave nectar, and fruit juice concentrate.

Ingredients are listed in descending order by weight. If sugar or any of its aliases appear near the beginning of the ingredient list, or if many different aliases are listed, the product is likely high in added sugar.

Yes. While a natural sweetener, honey is classified as an added sugar by the FDA and CFIA when it is used as an ingredient in processed foods and beverages.

The %Daily Value (%DV) tells you how much a serving of food contributes to your recommended daily intake for that nutrient. For added sugars, 5% DV or less is considered low, while 20% DV or more is considered high.

The purpose is to provide greater clarity and transparency for consumers. It prevents manufacturers from masking high sugar content by using multiple different sugar-based ingredients.

No. The 'Includes Added Sugars' line on the U.S. label specifies only sugars added during processing, not those naturally present in the food's ingredients.