How this calculator works
Enter current label amounts rather than a database average for a named brand. The tool totals servings and converts counted sugar to a share of daily energy. WHO recommends free sugars below 10% of energy and suggests below 5% for additional benefit. Free sugars include added sugars plus sugars in honey, syrups and juices. Total sugars on a label may also include naturally occurring milk or fruit sugars that do not belong in that definition. The result is an estimate for information only and is not medical advice.
Formula
Counted sugar g = sum(label sugar g per serving x servings). Energy share = 4 x counted sugar g / daily kcal. Reference grams = daily kcal x 0.10 or 0.05 / 4.
Worked example
A drink with 30 g counted sugar plus two 4 g additions totals 38 g. At 2000 kcal, this is 7.6% of energy; the 10% and 5% reference amounts are 50 g and 25 g.
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Frequently asked questions
Are added sugar and total sugar interchangeable?
No. Total sugar includes naturally occurring sugar, such as lactose in plain milk. Use the appropriate amount for the food.
Does fruit juice count as free sugar?
Yes. WHO includes sugars in fruit juices and concentrates in free sugars.
Why are brand names not pre-filled?
Recipes, serving sizes and labels change. Entering the current product label avoids an outdated default.