Many of us make the resolution to cut down on sugar. We all know that the sweet stuff bad for us, but it can be difficult to find the willpower to resist it.
When the mid-afternoon slump hits and you get a craving for something tasty, it can be difficult to stay strong.
It’s recommended that we stick to 5 teaspoons of sugar a day in order to avoid increasing our risk of heart disease, diabetes and tooth decay.
In order to curb those cravings, some decide to opt for snacks and treats that they believe to be lower in sugar. However, not all snacks are as innocent as they seem and the amount of sugar that they contain may shock you.
If you’re thinking of trying a low sugar diet, be sure to check the labels of the items that you’re putting in your basket to see if they’re as healthy as you think.
Some of our snack and lunchtime favourites are actually pretty high in the sweet stuff. You don’t need to cut it out completely, but by being aware of how much sugar your favourite foods contain, you can snack a lot more smartly.
Take a look at these high sugar snacks… Some of them may surprise you!
Glass of Carlo Gancia prosecco – 0.6g
Now you can enjoy a glass of bubbly – guilt free! This low sugar, low cal version contains the least sugar out of all the foods here! The new light prosecco is made with Glera grapes and has an ABV of 11.5%, showcasing pear and apple flavours.
Heinz Baked Beans on 1 slice of white bread – 6tsp
While this savory snack may not automatically set the sugar alarm bells ringing, the spoonfuls soon add up. Opt for whole meal toast and a poached egg instead.
Banana – 7tsp
There we were thinking a banana was a healthy dessert choice! Unfortunately fruits are naturally high in the sweet stuff, with half a melon coming in at 6tsp. Don’t give up on this snack entirely though, it’s still a great source of energy. Just try and limit it to every other day.
Can of coca-cola – 7tsp
It comes as no surprise that our favourite fizzy is a no-go. Stick to water and herbal tea to prevent a sugar overload.
Porridge – 2tsp
It’s okay to start the day with a hearty bowl of porridge, as it slowly releases energy, so is likely to keep you fuller for longer. Just be aware of its high sugar content and only top with honey or jam for a treat.
Tin of chopped tomatoes – 2.5tsp
We don’t normally think twice when adding chopped tomatoes to our pasta dishes, but discovering their high sugar content may make us think again! Opt for an olive oil based sauce such as pesto to keep your blood sugar regulated.
Heinz Cream of Tomato Soup – 5tsp
Tomato soup may sound like a healthy option, but canned soups are VERY high in sugar. Make your own instead and limit your intake to a few times a week – fruits (including toms!) are surprisingly sugary!
Honey – 1tbsp
A drizzle on your morning toast or porridge is fine, but make sure you limit the amount of honey you add to your dishes throughout the week. Just 3 tsp of this sweet treat contains 1 tbsp of sugar.
Glass of Tropicana smooth orange juice – 5tsp
Packed full of vitamin C, oranges are a go-to for those trying to get their 5-a-day. But beware, the naturally occurring sugars within oranges, combined with the sugars added to the juice mean one glass equals your entire daily sugar allowance.
Strawberry jam – 2tsp
The lure of jam on toast is normally just about enough to convince us to stop hitting the snooze button on our morning alarm. Try and keep this breakfast as a treat though, as even a small amount takes up nearly half your daily sugar allowance!
Half Cantaloupe melon – 6tsp
Full of antioxidants, a slice of melon may be great for your skin, but not so much for your sugar levels!
Bowl of Cheerios – 5tsp
Don’t be fooled into thinking that tucking into wholegrain cereal means it’s guilt free. Just one bowl will take up your daily sugar allowance, before you’ve even left the house!
Coleslaw – 1tsp
As spring approaches, summer BBQ season doesn’t seem too far away! We were looking forward to piling our plates with our favourite side of coleslaw, but now we might think twice! Have as a treat or switch for a leafy green salad.
Glass of semi-skimmed milk – 2.5 tsp
Believe it or not, one glass of semi-skimmed milk makes up half of your daily sugar allowance, containing 2 ½ tsp. Think how quickly that adds up in your daily cuppas!
