Total and Added Sugars Key Insights for Food Brands Entering the US Market
Expanding food exports to the U.S. requires strict compliance with FDA nutrition labeling regulations, including detailed requirements for total and added sugars under 21 CFR 101.9(c)(6)(ii–iii). Total sugars must reflect the sum of all free mono- and disaccharides such as glucose, fructose, lactose, and sucrose. For products containing less than 1 gram per serving, the label can state “Contains less than 1 gram” or, if less than 0.5 gram, the content may be expressed as zero. If sugars are not declared because they are not significant, the statement “Not a significant source of total sugars” must appear at the bottom of the nutrient table. Similarly, added sugars, including sugars added during processing or from syrups, honey, or concentrated juices exceeding natural levels, must be declared under total sugars with the phrase “Includes X g Added Sugars,” following the same rounding rules. Compliance also requires proper record-keeping when mixtures of natural and added sugars ar...
