Food Labels, Decoded

“Sugar-Free”  

What it means: Contains less than 0.5 gram of sugar per serving.

The health implications: Many people who want to lose weight consume sugar-free products, which sometimes contain fewer calories. Diabetics monitor their sugar intake to regulate insulin production and keep blood sugar levels stable.

Keep in mind: “Sugar-free” doesn’t always mean low-calorie. Added starch can bump up the calorie count. Also, manufacturers often replace sugar with artificial sweeteners and sugar alcohols, such as lactitol, sorbitol, and xylitol, which may act as laxatives.

Bottom line: As long as you use them in moderation, sugar-free products can be part of an overall healthy diet.