Hi! I know you subtract the fiber and sugar alcohols (such as Erythritol) from the total carbs on the label to determine net carbs. But many items list Added Sugars. Are they the same as sugar alcohols or are they different and NOT to be subtracted?

Hello, and thank you for your question!


Added sugars are not the same as sugar alcohols and count toward net carbohydrates. Added sugars are sugars and syrups that are added to foods or beverages.1 Unlike sugar alcohols, added sugars provide more calories per gram. Some examples of added sugars include brown sugar, corn syrup, raw sugar and honey. The general recommendation is to limit added sugars because overconsumption of added sugars can have negative effects on our dental and overall health.2,3 The American Heart Association recommends 6 teaspoons or 25 grams of sugar per day for women and 9 teaspoons or ~38 grams of sugar per day for men.3 I understand this may be hard to follow every single day but eat the best you can and avoid as much added sugars as you can!


Learn more about sugar creeping into your diet or about other parts of nutrition facts.


Hope this helps!


- Anna



  1. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. “Know Your Limit for Added Sugars.” Updated April 3 2019. Accessed August 26, 2020. Available at https://www.cdc.gov/nutrition/data-statistics/know-your-limit-for-added-sugars.html

  2. World Health Organization. “Sugars and Dental Caries.” Updated November 9, 2019. Accessed August 26, 2020. Available at https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/sugars-and-dental-caries

  3. American Heart Association. “Added Sugars”Updated April 17, 2018. Accessed August 26, 2020. Available at: https://www.heart.org/en/healthy-living/healthy-eating/eat-smart/sugar/added-sugars