Fructose, sucrose, syrups: the names on food labels can make a simple shopping decision feel complicated. Start by looking at the whole food or drink, rather than searching for one ingredient to explain everything.
What do the names mean?
Fructose is a simple sugar. Sucrose, commonly called table sugar, is made up of glucose and fructose. Sugars can occur naturally in foods or be added as ingredients. Food Standards Australia New Zealand — Sugar.
A discussion of sugar should distinguish whole foods from products with substantial added sugar. Fruit and milk contain naturally occurring sugars alongside other nutrients. Australian guidance includes fruit as part of a varied diet. NHMRC — Sugars; NHMRC — Australian dietary guidelines.
Look beyond the name
Instead of deciding from a front-of-pack slogan, turn the packet around. Look at the ingredient list, the portion you would normally have and what else you eat with it. If a label raises questions, bring the package to a dietary discussion.
The nutrition panel’s total sugars figure includes both naturally occurring and added sugars. “No added sugar” does not mean a food contains no sugar. Food Standards Australia New Zealand — Sugar.
Make drinks a practical starting point
Australian dietary guidance recommends limiting drinks with added sugars, including soft drinks and fruit drinks, and choosing water. NHMRC — Australian dietary guidelines.
Try keeping a glass of water with a meal, or take a refillable bottle when you go out. Our summer hydration article offers more ideas.
Bring the question back to your meals
What do you enjoy eating? Which labels are confusing? What advice have you already received? There is room for those questions without calling a food dangerous or a day a failure.
Read sugar cravings and everyday routines for a broader discussion. If you are considering dietary changes for a child’s skin, start with our eczema guide.
The clinic’s initial naturopathy consultation includes dietary and lifestyle review. Bring your questions and any existing care plan. Melbourne Wellness — Services.
Discuss suitability at a consultation.
Sources
Read 15 October 2026. Clinical sources support the adjacent general information; clinic links verify the advertised appointment menu.
- NHMRC — Australian dietary guidelines — Australian dietary guidance; accessed 2026-10-15.
- NHMRC — Sugars — Australian dietary guidance; accessed 2026-10-15.
- Food Standards Australia New Zealand — Sugar — Australian and New Zealand food and nutrition guidance; accessed 2026-10-15.
- Melbourne Wellness — Services — current clinic facts; accessed 2026-10-15.
