Keuringsdienst van Waarde checks: these 10 supermarket products contain the most sugar
If there’s one foodstuff we have a love-hate relationship with (apart from alcohol, that is), it’s sugar. Hooray for all those whipped-cream cakes, chocolate cookies and bags of Haribo candy, hell nay to cavities, extra kilos and sugar crashes. It’s in a bizarre number of supermarket products, even products we really had no idea contained it. But which supermarket products actually contain the absolute most sugar? Keuringsdienst van Waarde investigated and compiled a top 10.
Now you know what to avoid at all costs when your dentist appointment is coming up.
Lemonade syrup
We also colloquially call it ‘a glass of squash’: lemonade syrup diluted with water. Think three times next time about whether you really need to tamper with your innocent water (and teeth), because the sickly sweet stuff contains no less than 73% sugar. Almost three-quarters of the syrup, in other words.
Dried and canned fruit
Anyone who thought they could replace their daily portion of fruit with a dried or canned version is in for a nasty surprise. Canned currants and cranberries already contain around 75% sugar. Not to mention the syrup the fruit is swimming in.
Chocolate powder
After mulled wine (this recipe for white mulled wine is truly heavenly), it’s our favorite winter drink: hot chocolate. Preferably with Baileys. Making it yourself with chocolate powder? Just realize that the stuff consists of 76.6% sugar. Gulp. Maybe heat up Chocomel Light instead.
Energy sweets (Dextro)
I’ll admit it: when I have a hockey match, I live on Dextro. And so does about half of my team. Now that I know it contains 82% sugar, I’ll think of another way to feel fit during the match. Building up my stamina or something.
Rolled fondant
Mainly interesting for home bakers; otherwise, the chance of bringing this product home is virtually nil. One hundred grams of rolled fondant contains 85% sugar. So if you don’t find your cake sweet enough, this is the solution.
Gumballs
We used to stuff ourselves with those round, colorful gumballs. You know, the ones you buy in a long strip at the supermarket. Shocking: they consist of no less than 83% sugar. What?! How did my mother ever approve of me putting eight of those things in my mouth?
Syrup
Pancakes with cheese and syrup are truly my guilty pleasure. And I’ll be honest, that remains my guilty pleasure—even now that I know they contain between 73% (pouring syrup) and 83% (maple syrup) sugar.
Fruit sprinkles
Those cheerful colored sprinkles on your bread: irresistibly delicious. Especially on a soggy slice of white bread. Cry when you learn that they consist of no less than 94% sugar—and that the dentist will give you a telling-off anyway when they discover your secret sugar crush.
Meringue wreaths
We make ourselves sick on them once a year, and that’s at Christmas. Just as well it’s limited to that one time a year, because with a sugar content of 97%, you’d probably develop quite a few health problems.
Peppermint
And finally, last (but not so) best. By far number one: peppermint. The candy that’s supposed to save you from your stinky breath consists of no less than 95% to 99% (!) sugar. The rest? Peppermint oil—the stuff that gives you fresh breath. From now on, maybe I’ll just brush my teeth instead.
Read also:
- Shocking: how much sugar is in different soft drinks
- 5 common types of sugar and what you use them for
- Dentists warn: you’d better not eat or drink these things right now
Source: Keuringsdienst van Waarde; image in article: De Ruijter
