7 Foods You Had No Idea Were Loaded With Sugar

The danger with eating foods high in sugar stems from their effects on blood sugar, says Perlmutter. “Foods are rated in terms of how they elevate blood sugar by their glycemic index,” he explains. “The higher the glycemic index, the higher the blood sugar elevation and the length of time the blood sugar will remain elevated.”

Whole Grain Bread

Balsamic Vinegar

 

Here’s the good news: Not all oatmeal is on the too-much-sugar list. But those who rely on the take-along pouches (or have an aversion to waiting for a pot to boil) are most likely beginning their day with a serious blood sugar kick. “It seems like most everyone agrees that oatmeal is a good choice for breakfast,” says Perlmutter. But in actuality, many instant packets contain 13 grams or more of the sweet stuff because of all the additional flavorings (think maple and brown sugar, apples and cinnamon). If you’ve got the time, opt for steel-cut oats for a higher dose of fiber. Otherwise, you can still choose the quick-cooking variety, just grab the plain packet and add a dollop of almond butter—which research shows can help stabilize blood sugar throughout the day—for flavor, protein, and healthy fats.
Gluten-Free Food

 

 

 

Many foods labeled as a “diet” product, like 100-calorie snacks and desserts, are anything but because of their fake sugar content, says Hyman. “We’re surrounded by low-calorie, ‘health-conscious foods’ and diet soft drinks that contain sweeteners,” he says. “As a result, the number of Americans who eat products that contain sugar-free sweeteners grew from 70 million in 1987 to 160 million in 2000.