What does "no refined sugars" mean on the package?

Is sugar always bad for us?
No, certainly not all sugars are bad. We just need sugars to function properly, but sugars that come from a good source.

As a consumer, it can be very confusing to find your way among the different claims about sugar that can be found on packaging.

We would like to clarify the 3 main claims, so that you as a consumer can make an informed choice and know what you are choosing

‘No sugars’

When a product contains 'no sugars', you can be sure that this product does not contain more than 0.5 grams of sugar per 100 grams or 100 ml. Moreover, this rule is established by law.

‘No added sugars’

The claim 'no added sugars', on the other hand, means that the product contains no added sugars or mono- or disaccharides. However, these products may still contain sugary ingredients such as honey or rice syrup, and even though these are natural sugars, these too are best eaten in moderation.

‘No refined sugars’

When you read on a product that it contains no refined sugars, it means that no refined sugars, such as granulated sugar, were added to the product, which is a good thing. We would like to explain in more detail what refined sugars are, what they do to your body and why it is best to avoid them.

So in this article, we'll take a closer look at the claim "no refined sugars" on the nutrition label. If you would like to know more about the 2 other claims, be sure to read our articles on 'no added sugars' and 'no sugars'.

What are refined sugars?

Refined sugars are sugars that are "purified" in a factory. In this process, the juice of sugar beets, for example, is industrially purified and stripped of all kinds of substances until white sugar remains as the final product. Manufacturers do this mainly to make the sugar white, give it a neutral taste and achieve a longer shelf life.

Thus, the white sugar no longer contains any nutrients and only empty calories remain.

Moreover, sugar - especially refined sugar - has an addictive effect on your body. Sugar gives your body a kind of kick and it appeals to the reward mechanism in your brain, making you want more and more of it.

Because refined sugars are hidden under many names in most of our foods, it is not easy to start limiting your sugar intake with processed foods.

That's why the claim no refined sugar can help you choose a snack or product without refined sugars. That way you can avoid those dreaded sugar highs & lows and feel satiated for a long time with enough energy spread throughout the day thanks to the real, satiating nutrients and multiple carbohydrates.

Release all the brakes?

So, does this mean that if there are no refined sugars in your snack, you can enjoy it indefinitely? No. Sugar is sugar, even with naturally occurring sugars you should not overdo it. How much you can snack per day depends on several factors. Just use common sense and enjoy your healthy break.