Is added sugar mandatory on food labels?

January 4, 2026 •

3 min read

Since 2020, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has made it mandatory to list added sugar on food labels for most packaged food products. This significant update offers consumers vital transparency by differentiating between sugars naturally present in food and those added during processing, empowering healthier dietary choices.

Quick Summary

Understand current food labeling laws requiring added sugar declarations on U.S. Nutrition Facts panels. Discover how to identify added sweeteners and distinguish them from naturally occurring sugars to make more informed dietary choices.

Key Points

Mandatory in the US: As of recent FDA updates, it is mandatory to list added sugars on the Nutrition Facts panel for most packaged foods sold in the United States.
Not Total Sugar: The 'Added Sugars' line is a separate item under 'Total Sugars' and only includes sweeteners added during processing, not natural sugars from fruits or milk.
Check the Daily Value (%DV): The label includes a %DV for added sugars, which helps consumers understand how much one serving contributes to the recommended daily intake limit.
Recognize All Names: Many different names exist for added sugars (e.g., cane sugar, corn syrup, dextrose), so reading the full ingredients list is essential for accurate identification.
International Variations: Labeling laws differ globally; for example, the European Union only mandates total sugars, not added ones.
Empowers Consumer Choice: The added sugar declaration empowers consumers to make more informed decisions to manage their intake and promote better health outcomes.

Understanding the Mandatory 'Added Sugars' Label

In a significant update, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) mandated the inclusion of added sugars information on the Nutrition Facts label. This change addresses public health concerns and dietary guidelines by distinguishing natural sugars from added sweeteners. The new label, with its dedicated "Includes X g Added Sugars" line, helps consumers manage their sugar intake more effectively.

The Critical Difference: Total vs. Added Sugars

Total sugars on a food label include all sugars, both naturally occurring and added. Added sugars are those introduced during food processing, including syrups, honey, and concentrated fruit or vegetable juices beyond what's found in 100% juice. Naturally occurring sugars are often accompanied by beneficial nutrients like fiber, while added sugars frequently contribute "empty calories".

How to Spot Added Sugars on the Label

The new Nutrition Facts panel clearly displays "Includes X g Added Sugars" below "Total Sugars". This line shows the amount of added sugars in grams per serving and a percent Daily Value (%DV) based on a 2,000-calorie diet. Aim for less than 10% of daily calories from added sugars; a %DV of 5% or less is low, while 20% or more is high.

Check the Ingredients: Ingredients are listed by weight. If sugar or various forms of sugar appear early in the list, the product likely contains significant added sweeteners.
Recognize Other Names: Be aware of common alternative names for added sugars such as high-fructose corn syrup, cane sugar, dextrose, molasses, and sucrose.
Look for Footnotes: For some products like pure honey, the gram amount might not be listed, but the %DV for added sugars will be on the panel, potentially with a footnote.

Comparison Table: Understanding Sugars


Feature	Total Sugars	Added Sugars
Definition	The sum of all sugars in a food.	Sugars, syrups, and honey added during processing.
Source	Naturally occurring sugars and added sugars.	Sweeteners added by the manufacturer.
Nutritional Value	Often with nutrients from natural sources.	Provides 'empty calories'.
Health Impact	Varies by source; natural sources beneficial.	Excessive intake linked to health risks.
Daily Value (%DV)	Not listed on the label.	Listed on the label for tracking intake.
Labeling	Appears as "Total Sugars".	Appears as "Includes X g Added Sugars".

Global Perspectives on Added Sugar Labeling

While the U.S. mandates added sugar labeling, regulations differ internationally. The European Union requires total sugar declaration but not the distinction between natural and added. Other regions like Australia and New Zealand are considering clearer labeling. New York City has a specific warning icon for high-sugar items in chain restaurants. These variations highlight the need to understand local labeling rules.

The Importance of Labeling for Public Health

The mandatory added sugar label is a public health measure addressing the link between high added sugar intake and health issues like heart disease, obesity, and type 2 diabetes. The label empowers consumers to make informed choices, such as comparing products based on added sugar content, leading to potentially better health outcomes.

Conclusion

In the United States, added sugar labeling is mandatory due to recent FDA regulations. This provides crucial transparency for consumers to differentiate natural from added sugars. By understanding the Nutrition Facts panel and identifying added sugar names, individuals can better manage their dietary intake. This mandatory labeling is a valuable tool for promoting healthier diets and mitigating health risks associated with excessive sugar consumption.

Get expert advice on nutrition labels and health guidelines from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, for most packaged foods in the U.S., the FDA requires manufacturers to list added sugars on the Nutrition Facts panel, expressed in grams and as a percent Daily Value.

Total Sugars include all sugars in a product, both naturally occurring and added. Added Sugars are only the sweeteners and syrups specifically added during the food's processing.

For single-ingredient sugars like pure honey, maple syrup, or agave, manufacturers are only required to list the percent Daily Value for added sugars, not the gram amount.

Look for various names for sugar, such as corn syrup, dextrose, fructose, maltose, sucrose, and fruit juice concentrates, especially if they are listed near the top of the ingredients.

No, food labeling regulations vary by country. For example, while the U.S. mandates added sugar labeling, the European Union only requires total sugar to be declared.

The FDA's decision was based on dietary guidelines recommending a limit on added sugar intake due to its link with health issues like obesity and heart disease. The label aims to help consumers make healthier choices.

The Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommend limiting calories from added sugars to less than 10% of total daily calories. This is equivalent to about 50 grams for a 2,000-calorie diet.