These 5 Everyday Foods Are Sneaky Sugar Bombs Fueling the Diabetes Surge

The recent craze for tanghulu (candied fruit skewers) has led to a rapid increase in young diabetes patients in their 20s and 30s. We’ve gathered some foods surprisingly high in sugar, the main culprit of diabetes that has seeped into our dining tables.

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▲ Ketchup

Ketchup, arguably the most familiar sauce, contains more sugar than you might think. A nutritional label reveals that one spoonful of ketchup contains one teaspoon of sugar. It would be healthier to consume ketchup made with allulose instead of sugar.

▲ Yogurt

Yogurt is frequently regarded as a healthy option for those looking to manage their diet, but it’s essential to recognize that not all yogurt products are alike. Many commercially available yogurts, particularly those featuring added fruit flavors, can be surprisingly high in sugar. Yogurts with fruit positioned at the bottom should be consumed with care. To minimize sugar intake, consider enhancing unsweetened yogurt with fresh fruit, roasted nuts, and seeds.

▲ Salad Dressing

When eating a salad for weight loss, most people sprinkle on salad dressing, which, unbeknownst to many, often contains not only fat but also a significant amount of sugar. Fat-free dressings tend to lack flavor, so more sugar is added. Instead of pouring a lot of dressing at once, it is recommended to drizzle a little bit at a time when consuming.

Bottled tomato sauce, commonly used for convenience in making tomato pasta, is another sugar bomb. Sugar is added to reduce the acidity of the tomatoes and maintain freshness. As cumbersome as it may be, making your own tomato sauce or checking before buying if the product has reduced added sugar is better.

Not all juices containing fruit are equal. To reduce sugar intake, always check the product label and choose products labeled “100% juice” or “sugar-free.” Moreover, don’t be fooled by “Orange 100%” or similar labels; the “100” doesn’t mean it is 100% fruit. If you want to drink juice made from 100% fruit juice, choose a product labeled “Orange 100%.”