Today I have compiled a list of some of the food products sugar hides in and what to try instead! Living a low sugar lifestyle can be challenging when everything we're buying that we think is healthy is actually loaded with added sugar Knowing where to look for it, and how to replace it in your diet is a great way to begin cutting back. 

Top Foods with Added Sugar:

1. Soda

Try Instead:

Kombucha.

Komucha is a fizzy probiotic beverage that is great for your gut! To learn more, check out my post Home Brewed Kombucha 101       

2. Sports and Energy Drinks

Try Instead:

Coconut Water

Coconut water is high in electrolytes and a good option for post work outs or  when you're feeling hungover. It is also very hydrating and has a cooling effect on the body.

3. Fruit Juices and Teas

Try Instead:

Juicing at home, cold pressed juices, or home brewed iced teas. If buying cold pressed juices in the store, look for brands low in sugar, bottled in glass bottles, and avoid any juice from concentrate.  

4. Power bars or Granola Bars

Try Instead:

Fat Balls. Small bite sized snacks high in protein and healthy fats like nuts, seeds, nut butters, and super foods. Check out Keriann's Ultimate Fat Ball Recipe 

5. Cereal

Try instead:

Homemade granola such as my go-to granola recipe, or steel cut oats flavored with fruits, nuts, seeds, and naturally sweetened with raw honey, maple syrup, monk fruit, or coconut nectar. Yum.  

6. Peanut Butter

Try Instead:

Look for an all natural peanut butter with no sugar added. The ingredients on the back should list peanuts only. Or try other nut butters such as almond butter, cashew butter, sunflower seed butter,  or tahini. 

7. Sandwich Bread (White AND Wheat varieties) 

Try Instead:

Sprouted grain bread has a lower glycemic index and is easier for the body to digest. My favorite brand is Ezekiel Sprouted Bread 

8. Salad Dressings

Try Instead:

Olive oil and Vinegar OR homemade dressings such as this Homemade Italian Dressing, Homemade Honey Mustard, or Turmeric Tahini Dressing

9. "Fat Free" Products

Try Instead:

Full fat products such as greek yogurt. Sweeten at home with a natural sweetener or fruit 

10. Milk Chocolate & Candy Bars

Try Instead:

Dark chocolate. Look for labels with 60% cacao or higher. The more cacao, the less sugar. 

Want to know more about how sugar is wreaking havoc on our health? Check out this blog post all about our biology and sugar here.