What Criteria Must Be Met for a Food Label to Carry the Term "Sugar Free"?

December 30, 2025 •

4 min read

According to regulatory bodies like the FDA, for a product to be labeled "sugar free," it must contain less than 0.5 grams of total sugar per serving. This strict regulation is designed to help consumers manage their sugar intake, yet the full picture is often more complex than a simple front-of-package claim.

Quick Summary

This article outlines the specific regulatory criteria, including differing FDA and EU standards, for using the 'sugar free' claim. It clarifies related terms and discusses hidden sweeteners and the importance of checking serving sizes for truly informed food choices.

Key Points

Regulatory Standard: A product labeled "sugar free" must contain less than 0.5 grams of total sugar per serving (FDA) or 100g/ml (EU).
Serving Size Matters: For FDA-regulated products, the 'sugar free' claim is based on the serving size, so eating more than one serving increases total sugar intake.
Check for Substitutes: Products often use artificial sweeteners or sugar alcohols, like erythritol or maltitol, to provide sweetness without sugar.
Consider All Carbs: Sugar alcohols are carbohydrates and can still affect blood sugar levels, especially for diabetics, so review the total carbohydrate count on the label.
Distinguish Claims: "Sugar free" is distinct from "no added sugar," which means no sugars were added during processing but does not regulate the level of naturally occurring sugars.
Read the Full Label: A "sugar free" claim does not guarantee a low-calorie or healthy product; always check the entire nutrition panel and ingredient list.

The Official Definition of "Sugar Free"

For a product to be legally labeled "sugar free," it must meet specific criteria set by regulatory authorities. The exact interpretation can vary slightly depending on the region, but the core principle is a minimal sugar content.

In the United States, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) requires that a food product contains less than 0.5 grams of sugar per labeled serving to use the claim "sugar free". This total sugar amount includes both naturally occurring sugars and any added sugars. The FDA also allows similar terms like "zero sugar," "no sugar," or "sugarless" for products meeting this standard. Consumers should note that consuming multiple servings will increase the total sugar intake.

In the European Union, the standard is based on weight or volume. A product can be labeled "sugar free" if it contains no more than 0.5 grams of sugar per 100 grams for solids or 100 milliliters for liquids.

Differentiating Key Sugar Claims

Understanding the various sugar claims on food packaging is crucial for making healthy choices. "Sugar free" is just one of several terms with different legal meanings.

No Added Sugar vs. Sugar Free

The claim "no added sugar" is not the same as "sugar free." A product labeled "no added sugar" means that no sugar or ingredients containing sugar were added during processing. However, it may still contain naturally occurring sugars. In the US, if a "no added sugar" food is not low-calorie, the FDA requires a disclaimer.

Reduced Sugar and Low Sugar

Claims like "reduced sugar" or "less sugar" signify that a product contains at least 25% less sugar per serving than a comparable regular version in the US. In the EU, the requirement is 30% less sugar than the standard equivalent product. The EU also has a "low sugar" claim for products with no more than 5g of sugar per 100g (solids) or 2.5g per 100ml (liquids).

Navigating the Nuances: Hidden Sweeteners and Carbohydrates

A "sugar free" label does not mean a product is free of sweeteners or carbohydrates. Manufacturers often use sugar substitutes or sugar alcohols to provide sweetness.

Sugar alcohols, such as erythritol, xylitol, and maltitol, are carbohydrates only partially absorbed by the body. They contain fewer calories and generally have a lower glycemic index than regular sugar but can still affect blood glucose and may cause digestive issues in large amounts. Those managing diabetes should consider the total carbohydrate count, which includes sugar alcohols.

Artificial sweeteners, like sucralose and aspartame, provide sweetness with minimal calories and do not significantly impact blood sugar. Products using these can be labeled "sugar free".

Global Regulations: A Comparative Look


Claim	FDA (United States)	EU (European Union)
Sugar Free	Less than 0.5g of total sugar per labeled serving	No more than 0.5g of total sugar per 100g or 100ml
No Added Sugar	No sugar or sugar-containing ingredients added; may contain naturally occurring sugars	No mono- or disaccharides or other food used for sweetening properties added
Reduced Sugar	At least 25% less sugar per serving than the regular version	Requires 30% less sugar than the standard equivalent product
Low Sugar	Not regulated as a specific claim by the FDA	No more than 5g of sugar per 100g (solids) or 2.5g per 100ml (liquids)

Becoming a Label Detective: Your Guide to Informed Choices

To make truly informed decisions, it is essential to look beyond the headline claim and become a proficient label reader. Here is a checklist for savvy consumers:

Scrutinize the Ingredients List: Ingredients are listed by weight. Look for sugar or sugar substitutes high on the list and terms ending in "-ol" for sugar alcohols.
Read the Nutrition Facts Panel Carefully: Check the "Total Carbohydrate" line, as it includes sugar alcohols and other carbohydrates.
Pay Attention to Serving Size: For FDA-regulated products, the "sugar free" claim is based on the serving size.
Evaluate the Whole Product: A "sugar free" label doesn't guarantee a healthy product. Consider the overall nutritional profile, including fat and calories. As noted by the American Heart Association, a sugar content claim doesn't inherently mean a product is good for you.

For more detailed information on US food labeling requirements, refer to the FDA's Food Labeling Guide.

Conclusion: Beyond the "Sugar Free" Label

While the "sugar free" claim is governed by specific regulatory standards, it requires a discerning eye from consumers. The primary criterion is a minimal sugar content, but the source of sweetness can vary. To make the best choices for your health, always read the full ingredient list and nutrition facts, understand the subtle differences between claims like "sugar free" and "no added sugar," and be aware of how regional regulations influence labeling.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, it means the product contains less than 0.5 grams of total sugar per serving (FDA) or per 100g/ml (EU). It is not necessarily zero.

Yes, manufacturers often use non-nutritive sweeteners, such as sucralose or stevia, or sugar alcohols to provide sweetness without the sugar content.

"Sugar free" is a claim about the total sugar content (<0.5g/serving). "No added sugar" means no sugars were added during processing, but naturally occurring sugars from ingredients like fruit can still be present.

Sugar alcohols are carbohydrates used as sugar substitutes. While they contain fewer calories and have a lower glycemic index, they are included in the total carbohydrate count and can impact blood glucose levels or cause digestive issues in some individuals.

Not necessarily. A "sugar free" claim is not an indication of caloric content. If a food is not low-calorie, FDA regulations require a disclaimer to be included on the label.

To identify hidden sugars, carefully read the ingredient list for terms ending in "-ol" (indicating sugar alcohols), as well as ingredients like fruit juice concentrates. Also, look at the total carbohydrate count on the nutrition panel.

Yes. While a common standard of less than 0.5g exists, the basis for measurement varies. The FDA uses a "per serving" basis, while the EU uses a "per 100g or 100ml" basis, and other regions have their own specific regulations.

While it can be helpful, people with diabetes must still consider the total carbohydrate content and the potential effects of sugar alcohols on blood glucose levels. Consulting a healthcare provider for personalized advice is recommended.