Nonsugary

Nonsugary is an informal adjective used to describe foods or drinks that contain little or no sugar or added sugars. The term emphasizes sugar content rather than taste, though low sugar foods often taste less sweet.

In nutrition labeling, nonsugary is not a standardized regulatory category. Official terms include sugar-free, no added sugar, and unsweetened, each with specific definitions that vary by jurisdiction. Nonsugary is therefore ambiguous and relies on consumer interpretation or manufacturer definitions.

The term can apply to dietary choices: vegetables, many savory items, and naturally low-sugar foods; even products marketed as nonsugary may contain natural sugars inherent in ingredients. The amount is typically expressed in grams of sugar per portion or per 100 grams.

For clarity in product communication, researchers and policymakers prefer standardized terms. When assessing diets, one should consider total carbohydrate content and total sugars, including both added and naturally occurring sugars.

Etymology and usage notes: formed by prefix non- and adjective sugary; similar terms include unsugared, unsweetened, low-sugar. The term remains informal and context dependent.