Why is there no DV for sugar? Understanding the Difference Between Total and Added Sugars

October 29, 2025 •

3 min read

According to the FDA, there is no Daily Value (DV) listed for total sugars on nutrition labels, which often causes confusion for consumers trying to make healthy choices. This is because total sugars include both natural sugars and added sugars, and the health impacts of these two types are very different.

Quick Summary

The distinction between naturally occurring and added sugars is why a Daily Value is not provided for total sugars on food labels. Naturally occurring sugars from whole foods are part of a balanced diet, while added sugars should be limited due to their link to health issues. Consumers are encouraged to use the provided Daily Value for added sugars to make informed dietary decisions.

Key Points

Total vs. Added Sugar: The FDA does not provide a DV for total sugars because it includes both natural sugars (like those in fruit) and added sugars, which have different health implications.
Focus on Added Sugars: The updated Nutrition Facts label includes a %DV specifically for added sugars to help consumers monitor their intake of unhealthy sugars.
Health Risks: High consumption of added sugars is linked to health problems such as obesity, heart disease, and type 2 diabetes.
Source Matters: Sugar consumed from whole foods is accompanied by fiber and other nutrients that slow absorption and reduce negative health effects.
Checking the Label: Consumers should use the %DV for added sugars (5% or less is low, 20% or more is high) and check the ingredients list for hidden sugars.

Total Sugars vs. Added Sugars: Why the Distinction Matters

When you look at a nutrition label, you'll see a line for “Total Sugars” but no percentage Daily Value (%DV) next to it. The updated FDA labels do, however, include a line for “Added Sugars” with a %DV. This difference exists because the source of sugar significantly impacts its nutritional value and health effects.

The Source of the Sweetness

Natural sugars, found in foods like fruits (fructose) and milk (lactose), are consumed as part of whole foods that also provide fiber, vitamins, and minerals. These components help regulate how the body processes the sugar. Health organizations haven't set a specific daily limit for total sugar intake because natural sugars from whole foods are not considered a public health concern within a balanced diet.

Added sugars are different. They are sweeteners added to foods and drinks during processing, such as high-fructose corn syrup or honey. These add calories without significant nutrients, often called "empty calories".

The Health Impact of Added Sugars

High intake of added sugars is linked to various health problems. The Dietary Guidelines for Americans suggest limiting added sugars to less than 10% of daily calories. For a 2,000-calorie diet, this is about 50 grams, which is the basis for the %DV for added sugars on labels. The American Heart Association recommends even lower limits for heart health.

Too many added sugars can contribute to:

Weight Gain: Especially from sugary drinks.
Increased Risk of Chronic Diseases: Including heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and fatty liver disease.
Nutrient Displacement: Making it harder to get essential nutrients.
Insulin Resistance: A risk factor for type 2 diabetes.

Comparison of Total Sugar vs. Added Sugar


Feature	Total Sugars	Added Sugars
Source	Includes both naturally occurring and added sugars.	Sugars and syrups added during processing or preparation.
Nutritional Context	Comes with naturally occurring fiber, vitamins, and minerals in whole foods like fruit.	Provides "empty calories" with little to no nutritional value.
Health Impact	Sugar from whole foods is digested slower and does not pose the same health risks as added sugars.	Excess intake is linked to obesity, diabetes, and heart disease.
Labeling	Grams listed, but no % Daily Value (%DV) is assigned.	Grams listed with a corresponding %DV to indicate daily contribution.

How to Interpret the Nutrition Label

Focusing on the “Added Sugars” on the nutrition label is key. Here's how to use it:

Check the %DV for Added Sugars: A %DV of 5% or less per serving is low, while 20% or more is high.
Compare Products: Use the %DV to choose options with less added sugar.
Read Ingredients: Look for various names for added sugars like corn syrup or dextrose. Ingredients are listed by amount, with the highest first.
Make Swaps: Choose whole fruits over juices and unsweetened drinks over sugary ones.

Conclusion

The lack of a Daily Value for total sugars highlights the important distinction between natural and added sugars in food. By focusing on the %DV for added sugars, consumers can make healthier choices and reduce their intake of sugars linked to negative health outcomes. Prioritizing whole foods naturally low in added sugars is a key strategy for a healthier diet. You can find more comprehensive dietary guidelines at DietaryGuidelines.gov.

Frequently Asked Questions

There is no %DV for total sugars because this number includes both natural and added sugars. Health recommendations focus on limiting added sugars, not the sugars naturally present in whole, nutritious foods like fruit and milk.

The Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommend limiting calories from added sugars to less than 10% of your total daily calories. For a 2,000-calorie diet, this is about 50 grams of added sugars per day, which corresponds to the 100% Daily Value on the nutrition label.

No, not all sugars are bad. Natural sugars found in whole foods like fruits and vegetables are part of a healthy diet because they are accompanied by fiber, vitamins, and minerals. The primary health concern is the overconsumption of added sugars.

To identify added sugars, first look for the "Added Sugars" line under "Total Sugars" on the updated Nutrition Facts label. You can also read the ingredients list for terms like corn syrup, molasses, or anything ending in "-ose" (e.g., dextrose, fructose).

Natural sugars in whole foods are digested more slowly due to fiber, preventing drastic blood sugar spikes. Added sugars, particularly from processed foods and drinks, are absorbed quickly, can lead to weight gain and increase the risk of chronic diseases.

Yes, the American Heart Association (AHA) recommends even lower daily limits for added sugars than the Dietary Guidelines: no more than 100 calories (about 6 teaspoons) per day for most women and no more than 150 calories (about 9 teaspoons) for most men.

When comparing labels, focus on the grams and %DV of "Added Sugars." Choose products with a lower %DV. If products have similar total sugars but one has significantly more added sugars, the lower-added-sugar option is generally healthier.