Mothers are superheroes who work tirelessly to keep their families healthy and happy. They constantly juggle multiple responsibilities, and we know that making healthy food choices is one of the top priorities. We're committed to supporting them in this effort and that's why we've been working hard to create a healthier option for one of our most beloved products; Gluten-Free & Vegan Protein Cookies.
We understand that many moms are concerned about the amount of sugar in the food their family eats. With our new date paste formula, families will get more fiber, vitamins, and minerals, with way less sugar in every bite! We also know that taste and texture are essential when it comes to food, especially for children. That's why we've worked tirelessly to ensure that our reformulated cookies maintain the same great taste and texture that our customers have come to know and love.
But, why should I even worry about sugar content?
According to research, consuming excessive amounts of added sugars can increase the risk of cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, and other chronic health conditions. The American Heart Association recommends that we limit the intake of added sugars to less than 25 grams, or about 6 teaspoons, per day for women and children with a slightly higher threshold of 9 teaspoons for men. Keeping in mind that whole foods already have naturally occurring sugars, what are these added sugars and what do they offer us from a nutritional perspective?
Here is a quick cheat sheet for how to understand sugar content on a nutritional label:
Naturally occurring sugars:
- Fructose (found in fruits and some vegetables)
- Glucose (found in fruits, vegetables, and honey)
- Lactose (found in milk and other dairy products)
Added sugars:
- Table sugar also known as sucrose, granulated sugar, or white sugar- a highly processed and purified sweetener made from refined sugar cane or sugar beets.
- High fructose corn syrup- a sweetener made from corn starch often used in processed foods and beverages, due to its long shelf life and cheap production.
- Molasses- a thick, dark syrup that is a byproduct of the sugar refining process.
- Brown sugar- a combination of granulated sugar and molasses.
- Honey- a viscous liquid sweetener that is produced by honeybees from the nectar of flowers.
- Agave nectar- a sweetener made from the sap of the agave plant.
Although it is naturally occurring, honey and agave are still considered added sugars when it is added to foods.
With the prevalence of chronic health conditions linked to excessive sugar consumption, it's crucial to be mindful of the types of sweeteners we use in our foods and how much there actually is in each serving. As a brand, we're committed to being transparent about our products and their nutritional value. That is why we are excited to continue exploring ways of satisfying your family's sweet tooth, while always packing quality ingredients and core nutrition in the mix!
From all of us here at inBite, Happy Mother’s Day to moms everywhere who prove every day that not all superheroes wear capes.
Don’t forget to check out other free resources available on our website to help you keep cracking the code on healthy eating and healthy living for you and your family.
- InBite Blog: “How to spot the hype on food packaging”
- InBite Blog: “How much sugar is too much sugar?”
- InBite Blog: “What are clean labels?”