Most food and beverage products are now required to list added sugars on their Nutrition Facts label, providing valuable information for consumers to make informed choices about their diet. However, the labeling of sugars in pure honey and pure maple syrup presents a unique challenge due to their natural origins and consumer perceptions. Despite the FDA categorizing them as added sugars, recent guidance and a Senate push for change bring new light to this ‘sticky’ situation. Explore the complexities of added sugars labeling for honey and maple syrup in this informative blog post. For more on this topic, read On Senate Floor, King Calls for “Sweet Ending to a Sticky …
Key Takeaways:
- Added Sugars Regulation: The FDA classifies pure honey and pure maple syrup as added sugars and requires them to include a percent daily value for added sugars on their Nutrition Facts label.
- Exemption for Grams: Single-ingredient sugar products like honey and maple syrup do not have to list grams of added sugars on the label but must provide a percent daily value.
- Clarifying Information: The FDA encourages the use of the “†” symbol and footnote on Nutrition Facts labels for honey and maple syrup to explain the contribution of added sugars.
- Consumer Perception: Public perception of honey is generally more favorable than other sugars, but the impact on health is primarily driven by the amount consumed rather than the type of sugar.
- FDA Guidance: In 2019, the FDA issued final guidance to manufacturers on labeling added sugars for single-ingredient sugar products like honey and maple syrup.
- Nutritional Value: While honey and maple syrup contain more vitamins and minerals than table sugar, the calorie content negates any significant health benefits in terms of micronutrients.
- Importance of Labeling: Accurate labeling of added sugars for honey and maple syrup helps consumers make informed choices and align with Dietary Guidelines recommendations.
Understanding Sugars on the Nutrition Label
Total Sugars Versus Added Sugars
Versus the Total Sugars, which include all sugars present in a product, Added Sugars specifically refer to sugars that are added during processing or as packaged, such as high-fructose corn syrup or sucrose. The distinction between Total Sugars and Added Sugars is crucial as it helps consumers make informed choices about their sugar intake based on dietary guidelines.
Special Cases: Honey and Maple Syrup
Sugars in pure honey and pure maple syrup present a unique challenge when it comes to labeling. While these products are mainly composed of sugars, they do not have to list the grams of added sugars on their Nutrition Facts labels due to a labeling exemption. However, the FDA does require them to include a percent daily value for added sugars, along with a footnote to clarify their contribution to overall added sugars in the diet.
The Unique Challenge of Labeling Single-Ingredient Sugars
All Maple and honey producers have expressed concerns about the FDA’s labeling requirements for added sugars on single-ingredient products such as pure honey and pure maple syrup. These natural sugars are now classified as added sugars on the Nutrition Facts label, despite being intrinsic to the products themselves. However, the FDA has provided guidelines and exemptions to help consumers better understand this information.
Consumer Perceptions of Honey and Maple Syrup
Consumer attitudes towards honey and maple syrup have been positive, with recent surveys suggesting that people view honey more favorably than other sugars. Despite differing opinions on the health benefits of various sugars, it is crucial to consider the overall impact of sugar consumption on health, regardless of the type.
The Nutritional Considerations
Honey, a common natural sweetener, contains more vitamins and minerals per gram than table sugar. However, the caloric intake required to derive significant nutrients from honey may negate any expected health benefits. Similar to honey, maple syrup offers limited nutritional value beyond its calorie content, making it vital to monitor sugar intake, even from single-ingredient sources.
FDA Guidance and Regulatory Responses
The 2018 Farm Bill’s Impact on Labeling
Your favorite pure honey and maple syrup products have received special treatment due to the 2018 Farm Bill. Despite being classified as added sugars by the FDA, single-ingredient sugar products like honey and maple syrup are not required to list grams of added sugars on their Nutrition Facts labels. However, they must include a percent daily value for added sugars to provide consumers with important information about their sugar intake.
The FDA’s Final Guidance for Honey and Maple Syrup
Maple syrup and honey manufacturers received clear instructions from the FDA in 2019 regarding the labeling of added sugars on their products. The FDA requires the use of a “†” symbol alongside a footnote on the Nutrition Facts label to explain the impact of these sugars on the recommended daily intake. This guidance aims to ensure that consumers have access to accurate information about added sugars in single-ingredient sugar products, including the naturally sweet honey and maple syrup.
Summing up
With this in mind, the FDA’s guidelines on added sugars labeling for pure honey and pure maple syrup provide clarity on how these products should be represented on Nutrition Facts labels. Despite the natural origins of honey and maple syrup, they are still considered added sugars and must include a percent daily value on their labels. The use of the “†” symbol and footnote helps consumers understand the contribution of these sugars to their daily diet. While there may be varying perceptions on the healthfulness of different sugars, the focus should ultimately be on the amount consumed rather than the type. Transparency in labeling is key to helping consumers make informed choices about their sugar intake.
FAQ
Q: Why is added sugars information required on the Nutrition Facts label?
A: Added sugars information is required on the Nutrition Facts label to help consumers make informed choices and follow Dietary Guidelines recommendations regarding sugar intake.
Q: What products do not have to list the grams of added sugars on their Nutrition Facts labels?
A: Pure honey, pure maple syrup, and other single-ingredient sugar products do not have to list the grams of added sugars on their Nutrition Facts labels.
Q: How are sugars labeled on the Nutrition Facts label for single-ingredient sugar products?
A: Single-ingredient sugar products like honey and maple syrup must include a percent daily value for added sugars on their Nutrition Facts labels.
Q: Why are pure honey and pure maple syrup considered added sugars by the FDA?
A: According to the FDA, pure honey and pure maple syrup are considered added sugars because of their free monosaccharides and disaccharides content, regardless of their natural origins.
Q: Do pure honey and pure maple syrup need to declare grams of added sugars on their Nutrition Facts labels?
A: No, single-ingredient sugar products like honey and maple syrup do not need to declare grams of added sugars on their Nutrition Facts labels but must include a percent daily value for added sugars.
Q: What guidance has the FDA issued for the labeling of added sugars on single-ingredient sugar products?
A: In 2019, the FDA issued final guidance for manufacturers to use the “†” symbol and footnote to provide useful information to consumers regarding added sugars in products like pure honey and pure maple syrup.
Q: Why is it important to provide added sugars information on Nutrition Facts labels for single-ingredient sugar products?
A: Providing added sugars information on Nutrition Facts labels for products like honey and maple syrup helps consumers track their sugar intake and make informed decisions about their diet and health.
