What Does “Cut Back on Sugar” Mean?

The phrase “cut back on sugar” can be confusing. The World Health Organization (WHO) mainly recommends limiting free sugars.

These include sugars added to foods and drinks by a manufacturer, cook, or consumer. They also include sugars naturally found in honey, syrups, fruit juices, and juice concentrates.

WHO does not include sugars naturally found in whole fruits, vegetables, or milk in this group. Free sugars should provide less than 10% of the total energy eaten in a day. Limiting them to below 5% may bring extra health benefits.