A balanced diet
is a healthy diet.

Balance, by definition, means “not extreme” and is an important component to a healthy lifestyle. Taking a balanced approach to eating and physical activity, making room for indulgences and avoiding anything in excess, are keys to a healthy lifestyle. The Sugar Association supports the Dietary Guidelines for Americans and shares the goal of moving Americans toward healthier dietary patterns.

Defining sugar
and balance.

Sugar has a place in a balanced diet by adding flavor and functions that help people enjoy a wide variety of foods. Because of this, the Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommendations allow for up to 50 grams or 12 teaspoons of added sugars per day as part of a healthy dietary pattern.


 


Here are some examples of common foods and their contribution to daily added sugars intake.


How many added sugars are in that?


Dietitian Toolkit

Dietitian Toolkit

Tools for Talking About Sugar in Balance

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Sugar Basics

The Basics

Sugar is a source of glucose, a primary fuel for your body.

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Real Sugar

Real Sugar

Real sugar comes from sugar beet and sugar cane plants grown on farms.

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Sugar vs. Sugars

Clearing up Confusion

Here are some quick definitions and links to what these terms actually mean.

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Sources of Added Sugars

Sources of Added Sugars

Sugar is added to food for lots of reasons. Read more to learn the most common sources of added sugars in Americans’ diets.

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Sugar in the Context of the Total Diet

Sugar in the Total Diet

Let's put added sugars and sugar intake into perspective of the total diet.

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Sugar Intake Recommendations

Sugar Intake Recommendations

More than 80% of consumers say it is important to know the guidelines for sugar intake.

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Our Story

There's more to sugar.

Sugar beet and sugar cane farmers are growing nature’s oldest sweetener, and our association is growing awareness of and confidence in sugar.

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