How to avoid sneaky hidden sugars in your food

It’s the silent saboteur, sneaking its way into all sorts of foods and drinks – including some you might not expect. Here’s how to unmask the master of disguise that is sugar.

You may have managed to kick your soft drink, cake and cookie habit – but that doesn’t guarantee your diet is low in sugar.

While good sugars (think those you get from dairy, fruit and veggies) are an important part of a healthy diet, others, known as “added”, “refined” or “free” sugars are empty calories and true baddies for health.

According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, the average Aussie consumes 60g of free sugars each day, equivalent to about 14 teaspoons of white sugar.

That’s at least five to eight more teaspoons than the recommended limit.

Which takes the cake when it comes to knocking your best health intentions off track, because it’s not only your waistline paying the price.

Science shows too much added sugar can contribute the many chronic diseases that come with excess weight.

Where is sugar hiding?

Making things tricky is that this sneaky carbohydrate can be hard to spot.

A 2017 study by Australia’s George Institute for Global Health found there were at least 42 different names used on labels for added sugar.

And it can be disguised in foods you may not necessarily think of as sweet — like pasta sauce, breakfast cereal, crackers, yoghurt and salad dressings.

Keep a close eye on food labels and look for names like corn syrup, rice syrup, fructose, sucrose, maltose, golden syrup… all names for added sugars.

And where possible, stick to foods you cook from scratch, rather than eating out of a packet.

Sorting out your supplements

It’s not just food choices you need to make wisely.

Sugar can creep its way into supplements too, particularly when it comes to gummies — a tasty, convenient alternative for those looking to boost nutrients in their diet but who aren’t a fan of traditional tablets or capsules.

That’s why Swisse has developed a new adult range of gummies with nothing to hide.

The targeted and comprehensive range is made up of formulas that are 99 per cent sugar free and have no artificial sweeteners or flavours (but still taste great).

Which makes them a convenient way to support your health and wellness needs.

If you’re looking for immune support, for example, there’s Swisse Ultiboost Immune Gummies with vitamin C, D and zinc.

Muscle cramps and spasms? Swisse Ultiboost Magnesium Gummies contain a targeted dose of magnesium to help maintain healthy muscle function and support muscle relation.

If it’s a good night’s rest you’re dreaming of, there’s also Swisse Ultiboost Calm + Sleep. It has nutrients including passionflower to help support a healthy stress response, reduce nervous tension and encourage restful sleep.

Getting your glow on

Swisse has also introduced Beauty Collagen Glow Gummies containing potent beauty actives like collagen peptides and grapeseed to support collagen production and skin elasticity and firmness.

And Swisse Ultiboost Hair, Skin and Nails Gummies with biotin, zinc and vitamins C and E to support healthy hair, skin and nails from within.

So get your Swisse gummies on. With no hidden sugars. Because you’re sweet enough!

* This post is brought to you by Swisse Adult Gummies. Always read the label. Follow the directions for use. If symptoms persist, talk to your health professional. Supplements may only be of assistance if dietary intake is inadequate.