Sugar

Key facts Sugars are a type of carbohydrate. Sugar itself does not contain any essential nutrients — it only provides energy. Foods and drinks may contain a combination of naturally-occurring sugars and added sugars. Overconsumption of sugar can lead to obesity and other health risks. Sugar-sweetened drinks can make it easier to overconsume sugar — because they don’t make you feel ‘full’ or satisfied. What is sugar? A sugar is a type of carbohydrate. Like other carbohydrates, sugars are a source of energy for your body. Sugars can occur naturally in foods or be added to foods and drinks. Naturally-occurring sugars