Also known as sucrose, sugar is a sweet substance derived from the cane plant. It is present in a majority of food products, including fast and processed food and desserts. There are a variety of names used to indicate the presence of sugar in foods, some of which refer to types other than the refined white variety known as table sugar.
High Fructose Corn Syrup
High fructose corn syrup is corn syrup that has undergone enzymatic processes and is then mixed with pure corn syrup to increase sweetness. High fructose corn syrup is almost pure fructose, averaging around 90 percent after processing is complete.
There has been some controversy surrounding high fructose corn syrup and its role in weight gain, diabetes and other health problems. According to Mayo Clinic, there is no conclusive evidence linking the substance to health problems, though moderation is advised.
Corn Syrup
Corn syrup is made from the starch of corn. It is largely composed of glucose and is distinct from high fructose corn syrup, which contains higher levels of fructose. Corn syrup is used as a sweetener, thickener and as a humectant to help retain moisture in foods.
Sucrose
Sucrose--also known as table sugar--is derived from glucose, the basic unit of energy, and is of low nutritional value. Table sugar has been linked to obesity, diabetes and other diseases and is a major cause of tooth decay. According to the Animated Teeth website, sucrose causes tooth decay by forming a sticky plaque that feeds Streptococcus mutans bacteria, which then produce lactic acid that eats away at the calcium in teeth. Sucrose, fructose, lactose and all other sugars are also capable of causing tooth decay.
Barley Malt
Made from sprouted barley, barley malt is a natural sweetener that's about half as sweet as sucrose. Barley malt is processed into syrup through enzymatic processing and then added to food products as a natural sweetener.
Honey
Honey is a sweetener found in many health food products, like granola bars and cereal. Despite its natural origins, honey is high in both glucose and fructose and raises blood sugar levels in a similar manner to table sugar.
Molasses
Unlike other sweeteners, molasses contains several nutrients, such as iron, manganese and calcium. There are several types of molasses, of which the blackstrap variety is best known. It can be made from many sources, a few of which include grapes, dates, carob and pomegranates.
Mannitol
Named after the biblical food "manna," mannitol is a sugar alcohol made from the flowering ash tree. Mannitol is often substituted for sugar in diabetic food products and has a number other uses in addition to its role as a sweetener.
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