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You’ve cut out cake, donuts, candy and chocolate. But the real culprits for the high level of sugar in your diet could be hiding right under your nose.
Watch out for these foods.
This article was originally published in Singapore Women’s Weekly.
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While it varies on the type of dressing (oil based or cream based), salad dressings are just one of those food items you just don’t think much about… especially when you’re eating something as healthy as a salad.
However, did you know salad dressings like Italian or vinaigrette can contain up to 10 grams of sugar per serving? The best thing you can do is either make your own salad dressing (using lemon juice and just a little bit of salt and oil) or cut back on how much you douse your salad with.
Read more: REVIEW: 10 best salad stops in Singapore
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We love ketchup (especially with fries!) and barbecue sauce (ah… ribs!) but these store bought items usually contain plenty of sugar and salt to preserve its shelf life and keep it tasting good.
Barbecue sauce is usually made with honey, molasses and even brown sugar so be sure to read the label and understand just how much sugar is in a serving.
Read more: The herbs, condiments and kitchen tools every home cook needs
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When it comes to soup, we’re usually more concerned about the sodium count more than anything. While the sugar count might be lower (compared to sodium), the average canned tomato soup can contain up to 13 grams of sugar per serving.
Read more: VIDEO RECIPE: Make nourishing Chinese ginseng herbal chicken soup
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Not everyone can get behind eating Greek yoghurt all the time but it really is much healthier!
Fruit-flavoured yoghurts (and ones with fruit bits) can sometimes contain up to 23 grams of sugar.
Read more: Light and healthy apple yogurt mousse cake recipe
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We can’t deny how delicious fruit juices are but they’re actually really high in sugar.
According to researchers, fruit juices can sometimes have as much sugar as a can of soft drink. While it might contain plenty of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants, the fibre content lowers when a fruit has been juiced.
Read more: REVIEW: 5 cold-pressed juice cleanses to help you detox
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According to dietician Dr Sarah Schenker, the average slice of white bread can contain up to 3 grams of sugar. While some sugar will form naturally, some are added in to make the yeast in dough rise.
Read more: Bake these easy multi-grain breads in your bread maker
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Make it a point to drink these only when you’re trying to replenish electrolytes after working out.
Read more: TCM Tips: 3 ‘cooling’ drinks to soothe your sore throat
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We know it’s a lot of shredded vegetables but the mayonnaise used to make coleslaw can sometimes have a lot of sugar content.
Read more: Singapore sauce recipes
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These days, we get our daily dose of milk from our lattes and cappucinos. However, the calorie count can really add up.
Whether it’s low-fat or nonfat milk, there’s approximately 12 grams of sugar in about 250ml of milk.
Read more: 5 healthy alternatives to cow’s milk
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Plenty of store bought smoothies often contain more amounts of sugar because to extend their shelf life.
Read more: REVIEW: 3 easy-to-use personal blenders that make smoothies on the go
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Did you know? Raisins originate from grapes and grapes actually contain a very high amount of sugar per serving.
A quarter cup of raisins can contain about 25 grams of sugar so be extra careful and watch your portions.
Read more: 5 healthy snacks for your kids that you’ll love, too!
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The next time you’re buying granola bars from the store, be sure to look out for the sugar content.
Many of them contain ingredients like chocolate, dried fruit and chunks of caramel that can really hike up the sugar count.
Read more: RECIPES: 6 delicious and healthy breakfast and brunch ideas
