Sweetened

Sweetened is an adjective used to describe foods, beverages, or other products to which a sweetening agent has been added. It distinguishes items that contain added sugars or sweeteners from those that are unsweetened or only contain naturally occurring sugars.

Sweetening agents can include sugars such as sucrose and glucose, syrups (glucose, high-fructose corn syrup), honey, maple syrup, and fruit syrups, as well as artificial or natural non-nutritive sweeteners like aspartame, saccharin, stevia, and monk fruit. Sugar alcohols such as xylitol and sorbitol are also used in some sweetened products; they can provide fewer calories but may cause digestive effects in some people.

In labeling, products may be described as “sweetened” or “sweetened with sugar,” or may indicate the specific type of sweetener used. Conversely, “unsweetened” generally means no added sugars or sweeteners, though it may still contain naturally occurring sugars. Some labels also state “no sugar added,” which implies there were no added sugars during processing but natural sugars may remain.

Health and nutrition considerations vary with the type and amount of sweetener. Added sugars contribute energy with little or no essential nutrients and are linked in some studies to health concerns when consumed in excess. Many countries require nutrition labels to disclose total and added sugars, helping consumers compare products. Sweetened products are common across foods and beverages, including yogurt, milk drinks, cereals, baked goods, and soft drinks.