Don’t Overlook These 5 Hidden Sources of Sugar

Most almond, coconut, soy, and other plant-based milks contain 2 to 5g of total sugar per serving. That said, we found an almond milk that contained 15g. Look for varieties that are labeled “unsweetened.”

Some peanut butters deliver as much as a teaspoon of sugar per 2-tablespoon serving. Seek out a spread that lists simply nuts as an ingredient, or perhaps nuts and salt or oil. Flavored nut butters will almost always contain added sugar.

Most bacon has added sugars as it boosts flavor in salt-cured foods. But a few companies (Applegate and Wellshire Farms) are making delicious bacon without any sugar. Can’t find these? We’ve noticed that most “lower-sodium” bacons also don’t contain sugar.

Though most barbecue sauces and ketchups have added sugar, not all of the sugar listed in the nutrition facts is added—tomatoes contain natural sugar. Compare ingredient lists and pick one with sugar as far down as possible.

A handful of chicken broth and stock brands contain unnecessary added sugar. Fortunately, there are plenty of brands to choose from that do not, so read ingredient lists and select a product that contains no added sugar.