What percentage of daily calories should added sugars be limited to?

• A. 5 percent
• B. 15 percent
• C. 25 percent
• D. 10 percent

Answer: (D)

Limiting added sugars to ten percent of daily calories helps keep sugar intake in a safe, practical range while leaving room for nutrient-dense foods. Added sugars are sugars added during processing or in cooking, not the natural sugars found in whole fruit or dairy. When a larger share of calories comes from added sugars, it can lead to excess total calories, weight gain, and higher risks of heart disease and dental problems, while crowding out foods that provide vitamins, minerals, and fiber. Ten percent is the standard guideline because it provides a achievable target that supports overall diet quality. Choices that suggest five percent are stricter than usual recommendations, while fifteen or twenty-five percent exceed what most dietary guidelines advise.