- FDA says the Daily Value for added sugars is 50 grams per day on a 2,000-calorie diet.
- The Dietary Guidelines recommend limiting added sugars to less than 10 percent of calories per day.
- On the label, 5% DV or less is low and 20% DV or more is high.
Added sugars versus total sugars
FDA separates total sugars from added sugars on the Nutrition Facts label. Added sugars include sugars added during processing, foods packaged as sweeteners, sugars from syrups and honey, and sugars from concentrated fruit or vegetable juices used as sweeteners.
Naturally occurring sugars in foods such as milk, fruits, and vegetables are not counted as added sugars.
The number and the label shortcut
FDA says the Daily Value for added sugars is 50 grams per day based on a 2,000-calorie diet. The agency also notes that 5% Daily Value or less is considered low, while 20% or more is high.
That makes the label useful even if you are not tracking grams across the whole day. You can still compare products quickly.
Where most added sugars come from
FDA points to sugar-sweetened beverages, baked goods, desserts, and sweets as major sources of added sugars for most Americans.
The most practical public-health move is often swapping patterns, not chasing one perfect food. Water over sugary drinks and lower-added-sugar comparisons within the same product category tend to be more sustainable.