15 Foods With More Sugar Than A Krispy Kreme Doughnut: Surprising Sugar Bombs to Avoid

It’s no secret that doughnuts can be packed with sugar, but did you know that there are other everyday foods that can contain even more sugar than a Krispy Kreme doughnut? In this article, we will reveal 15 shocking foods that have more sugar than a Krispy Kreme doughnut and provide tips for making healthier choices.

1. Sweetened Coffee Drinks

Many coffee shop drinks, such as lattes, cappuccinos, and mochas, can contain a staggering amount of sugar. For example, a grande (16 fl oz) Starbucks Caramel Macchiato contains a whopping 33 grams of sugar – that’s more than 8 teaspoons! To save on sugar, opt for unsweetened coffee drinks or add your own flavor with a sprinkle of cinnamon or a splash of unsweetened almond milk.

2. Energy Drinks

Energy drinks may provide a quick pick-me-up, but they can also be loaded with sugar and caffeine. For example, a 16 fl oz can of Red Bull contains 27 grams of sugar – that’s more than 6 teaspoons! If you need an energy boost, try eating a healthy snack or going for a walk instead.

3. Flavored Yogurts

Yogurt can be a healthy and nutritious snack, but many flavored yogurts can contain a significant amount of added sugar. For example, a 6 oz container of Yoplait Original Strawberry Yogurt contains 26 grams of sugar – that’s more than 6 teaspoons! To save on sugar, choose plain yogurt and add your own fruit or a sprinkle of honey for sweetness.

4. Instant Oatmeal

Instant oatmeal can be a convenient and healthy breakfast option, but it can also be loaded with sugar. Many instant oatmeal packets contain added sugars or sweeteners, which can significantly increase the sugar content. For example, a packet of Quaker Oats Maple and Brown Sugar Instant Oatmeal contains 12 grams of sugar – that’s more than 3 teaspoons! To save on sugar, choose plain oats and add your own sweeteners or toppings like a sprinkle of honey or a handful of berries.

5. Fruit Juice

Fruit juice may seem like a healthy option, but it can actually be loaded with sugar. Many fruit juices contain added sugars or are made from concentrate, which can significantly increase the sugar content. For example, a 8 fl oz serving of Tropicana Orange Juice contains 22 grams of sugar – that’s more than 5 teaspoons! To get your fruit fix, choose whole fruits instead, which contain fiber and nutrients that can help to slow the absorption of sugar.

6. Energy Bars

Energy bars can be a convenient snack on the go, but they can also be loaded with sugar. For example, a Clif Bar Chocolate Chip Peanut Crunch contains 24 grams of sugar – that’s more than 6 teaspoons! Choose energy bars that are made with whole ingredients and have a lower sugar content, or opt for a healthier snack like a piece of fruit or a handful of nuts.

7. Dried Fruit

Dried fruit can be a healthy snack, but it can also be packed with sugar due to the natural drying process, which concentrates the sugar content. For example, a quarter cup of dried cranberries contains 25 grams of sugar – that’s more than 6 teaspoons! To save on sugar, choose fresh fruit or opt for dried fruit with no added sugars.

8. Frozen Yogurt

Frozen yogurt can be a tasty treat, but it can also be loaded with sugar, especially if it is topped with sweet toppings like sprinkles, hot fudge, and candy. For example, a small (12 fl oz) serving of TCBY Strawberry Frozen Yogurt contains 28 grams of sugar – that’s more than 7 teaspoons! To save on sugar, choose frozen yogurt that is made with real ingredients and opt for low-sugar toppings like fresh fruit or nuts.

9. Packaged Granola

Granola can be a healthy and nutritious breakfast option, but many packaged granolas can contain a significant amount of added sugars. For example, a quarter cup of Quaker Oats Simply Granola contains 12 grams of sugar – that’s more than 3 teaspoons! To save on sugar, choose granolas that are made with whole ingredients and have a lower sugar content, or opt for a healthier breakfast like oatmeal or eggs.

10. Salad Dressings

Salad dressings can add flavor and moisture to a salad, but they can also be loaded with sugar. For example, a 2 tablespoon serving of Ken’s Steak House Raspberry Walnut Vinaigrette contains 12 grams of sugar – that’s more than 3 teaspoons! To save on sugar, choose salad dressings that are made with real ingredients and have a lower sugar content, or opt for a healthier option like olive oil and vinegar.

11. BBQ Sauce

BBQ sauce can add flavor to grilled meats, but it can also be packed with sugar. For example, a 2 tablespoon serving of Sweet Baby Ray’s BBQ Sauce contains 11 grams of sugar – that’s more than 2 teaspoons! To save on sugar, choose BBQ sauces that are made with real ingredients and have a lower sugar content, or opt for a healthier option like homemade BBQ sauce.

12. Frozen Dinners

Frozen dinners can be a convenient option for busy nights, but they can also be loaded with sugar. For example, a Lean Cuisine Stuffed Peppers entrĂ©e contains 14 grams of sugar – that’s more than 3 teaspoons! To save on sugar, choose frozen dinners that are made with real ingredients and have a lower sugar content, or opt for a healthier option like homemade meals.

13. Packaged Popcorn

Packaged popcorn can be a convenient and healthy snack, but it can also be loaded with sugar. Many flavored popcorn varieties contain added sugars or sweeteners, which can significantly increase the sugar content. For example, a 2 cup serving of Smartfood White Cheddar Popcorn contains 10 grams of sugar – that’s more than 2 teaspoons! To save on sugar, choose plain popcorn and add your own seasonings or opt for a healthier snack like a piece of fruit or a handful of nuts.

14. Packaged Snack Cakes

Packaged snack cakes can be a convenient sweet treat, but they can also be loaded with sugar. For example, a Hostess Twinkie contains 14 grams of sugar – that’s more than 3 teaspoons! To save on sugar, choose healthier snack options like fruit or nuts, or opt for a homemade treat like a slice of cake made with real ingredients.

15. Canned Soups

Canned soups can be a convenient option for a quick lunch or dinner, but they can also be loaded with sugar. For example, a Campbell’s Tomato Soup contains 12 grams of sugar – that’s more than 3 teaspoons! To save on sugar, choose canned soups that are made with real ingredients and have a lower sugar content, or opt for a healthier option like homemade soup.

Tips for Making Healthier Choices

  • Read labels and choose products that are made with whole, real ingredients and have a lower sugar content.
  • Opt for whole foods like fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins, which can help to naturally balance out sugar intake.
  • Satisfy your sweet tooth with healthier options like fruit or a small serving of dark chocolate.
  • Don’t be afraid to indulge in your favorite treats occasionally, but remember to enjoy them in moderation as part of a balanced diet.

FAQs

Q: Are all of these foods unhealthy?

A: Not necessarily. Some of these foods, such as oatmeal and yogurt, can be part of a healthy diet when consumed in moderation and paired with other nutritious foods. However, it is important to be aware of the sugar content of the foods you eat and to choose options with lower sugar levels whenever possible.

Q: Can I still enjoy sweet treats?

A: Absolutely! It is okay to indulge in your favorite sweet treats occasionally, but it is important to do so in moderation as part of a balanced diet. Instead of reaching for sugary packaged snacks, try making your own healthier versions of sweet treats using real ingredients like fruit, nuts, and whole grains.

Q: How can I reduce my sugar intake?

A: Here are a few tips for reducing your sugar intake:

  • Choose whole foods like fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins, which can help to naturally balance out sugar intake.
  • Read labels and choose products that are made with whole, real ingredients and have a lower sugar content.
  • Satisfy your sweet tooth with healthier options like fruit or a small serving of dark chocolate.
  • Don’t be afraid to indulge in your favorite treats occasionally, but remember to enjoy them in moderation as part of a balanced diet.
  • Avoid sugary drinks like soda and sweetened coffee drinks, and choose water or unsweetened beverages instead.
  • Consider using natural sweeteners like honey or maple syrup instead of refined sugars.
  • Don’t be afraid to ask for modifications when eating out, such as asking for dressings and sauces on the side or opting for grilled instead of fried options.

Q: What are some healthy alternatives to these sugary foods?

A: Here are a few healthy alternatives to the sugary foods mentioned in the article:

  • Instead of sweetened coffee drinks, try unsweetened coffee or add your own flavor with a sprinkle of cinnamon or a splash of unsweetened almond milk.
  • Instead of energy drinks, try eating a healthy snack or going for a walk instead.
  • Instead of flavored yogurts, choose plain yogurt and add your own fruit or a sprinkle of honey for sweetness.
  • Instead of instant oatmeal, choose plain oats and add your own sweeteners or toppings like a sprinkle of honey or a handful of berries.
  • Instead of fruit juice, choose whole fruits, which contain fiber and nutrients that can help to slow the absorption of sugar.

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