What is it?
Refined sugar is widely used as a sweetener in many products. It’s also added as a filler and helps extend the shelf life of various foods.

How is it made?
It’s industrially produced from sugarcane or sugar beet through a multi-step refining process.

Why is it harmful?
The refining process strips away all nutrients, leaving behind only empty calories with no health benefits. High consumption of refined sugar is linked to diabetes, hypertension, obesity, tooth decay, and an increased risk of ADHD in children.

Where is it used?
Refined sugar is commonly found in cookies, cakes, fruit juices, jams, jellies, chocolates, breakfast cereals, carbonated drinks, and many other processed foods.

How is it made?
It is produced industrially by breaking down table sugar (sucrose) using enzymes or acids.

Why is it controversial?
Similar to refined sugar, it offers "empty calories" with no nutritional benefits. Excessive consumption has been linked to health concerns such as diabetes, hypertension, obesity, dental issues, and an increased risk of ADHD in children.

Where is it used?
Invert syrup is commonly found in baked goods like cookies, cakes, and biscuits, as well as in candies, fruit and chocolate syrups, and ice creams.

What is it?
It’s a liquid sweetener used to add sweetness and retain moisture in products.

How is it made?
It’s industrially produced from starch—usually corn or rice—using enzymes or acids.

Why is it harmful?
Like refined sugar, it provides empty calories. High consumption is linked to diabetes, hypertension, obesity, tooth decay, and increased risk of ADHD in children.

Where is it used?
Liquid glucose is commonly used in cookies, candies, chocolates, energy bars, chocolate syrups, and ice creams.

What is it?
Erythritol is a type of sugar alcohol naturally found in some fruits and vegetables.

How is it made?
Commercial erythritol, often used in low-calorie and sugar-free products, is made by breaking down corn or wheat with enzymes, then fermenting it using yeast.

Why is it harmful?
In large or frequent amounts, it can have a laxative effect, causing diarrhea or loose stools. Recent studies also suggest that high levels of erythritol may increase the risk of cardiovascular diseases.

Where is it used?
It’s commonly found in low-sugar, sugar-free, or keto-friendly products like beverages, cookies, desserts, baked goods, and ice cream.