Please note - There is no differentiation here whether the sugar content of these products is low or high on the glycemic index – It's just a great way to be able to visualize sugar content in food overall.

The Glycemic Index (GI) indicates how fast a food breaks down and releases glucose into the bloodstream.

Our calculation reference:
1 sugar cube = 1 teaspoon = 4 grams

Minutes of activity is based on:
Walking 5kph: 4 cal/min
Cycling 16-19kph: 7 cal/min
Swimming 32-45 m/min: 9 cal/min

How much sugar should we eat?

Although there is no specific sugar consumption level set for a healthy diet, Health Canada recommends we limit foods and beverages high in added sugar, noting that the extra calories found in these foods often contribute to expanding waist lines. The B.C. Medical Association states that eating large amounts of sugar has been linked to health problems such as obesity, Type 2 diabetes, cancer and osteoporosis.

Why is sugar added to food?

Sugar makes processed food taste better, helps baked goods stay fresh and enhances their colour and texture, helps prevent spoilage in jams and jellies, and can be used as a bulking agent in ice cream, just to name a few. If sugar is the first or second item in your list of ingredients, that food is likely high in sugar and also typically high in fat.