The "traces" of sugar are very hidden, and many foods that don't taste very sweet and whose names don't suggest "sweetness" are unexpectedly high in sugar.
Concentrated Juice
Compared to pure juice, concentrated juice has less water, with its volume reduced to at least half of the original. The nutrient density increases, making one sip as nutritious as two, but the sugar content also doubles at least.
Instant Powdered Cereals
Simple powders made from grains and legumes have an unpalatable texture, with even a "earthy" taste. Therefore, instant powdered foods like soy milk powder, lotus root powder, and walnut powder often have a lot of sugar added to improve the taste. In some cases, sugar is prominently listed as the first ingredient, meaning it accounts for more than half of the content, even more than the raw materials.
Roast Duck Sauce
Although sweet bean sauce is not made with sugar, it produces some maltose and glucose during the fermentation process. Roast duck sauces and other products made primarily from sweet bean sauce not only contain these sugars from the sauce itself but also have additional white sugar added. For example, the sugar content in Quanjude roast duck sauce is around 34%.
3-in-1 Coffee
It has a rich flavor and is convenient to prepare, but behind this richness is a large amount of sugar and fat. Some have a sugar content of over 70%, and a small packet of 3-in-1 coffee can contain more than ten grams of sugar. If you drink three to five packets a day, your intake of refined sugar approaches the recommended upper limit. It is recommended to replace instant coffee with black coffee.
Energy Bars
For fitness enthusiasts, eating energy bars before and after exercise can quickly replenish energy and promote muscle repair. However, using energy bars as a snack is not a good idea. Energy bars are designed for athletes, with a carbohydrate content of over 70%, which are basically easily digestible and absorbable refined sugars.
Ketchup
In addition to tomato paste, ketchup also contains sugar, salt, thickeners, and flavor enhancers. Although it is rich in lycopene, which has antioxidant and immunity-boosting effects, the ingredient with the highest content after water and tomato paste is sugar. The high-end can be over 30%, while the average is around 15% to 25%.
In addition, sour snacks, whole-wheat crackers, and dried pork jerky are also high in sugar without tasting very sweet. Therefore, when buying food, pay more attention and carefully check the position of sugar in the ingredients list.