Label check
Reading total and added sugar in yogurt
Read Total Sugars and Added Sugars as nested information. Do not add the two numbers together; the added amount is already included in the total.
Part of Blood sugar
This check covers US labels. Start with the exact package and variant you have, then use the steps below. Explore more food checks.
What to look at
- Find the serving size and whether it covers the whole pot.
- Read Total Sugars, then the Includes Added Sugars line.
- Compare the same amount of each yogurt.
Read this label.
Total Sugars 12 g; Includes 5 g Added Sugars
Illustrative excerpt · not a real productThe total is 12 g, not 17 g. In this example 5 g of the total is declared as added sugar.
Why this reading matters
Added Sugars is part of Total Sugars, not an extra amount to add on top. Ingredients identify sweetening sources; the nutrition panel supplies the declared quantity per serving. US Food and Drug Administration.
The stated serving describes an amount typically consumed, not a personal intake recommendation. Read the serving size and servings per container before comparing nutrient amounts. US Food and Drug Administration.
What the label cannot settle
The label alone does not describe your whole diet or prescribe how much sugar to eat.
Put the check to work
Compare the exact words and amounts on your package with the example. If a panel is missing, a photo is unreadable or the manufacturer has not disclosed a detail, keep that detail as unknown. A different flavor, shade or formulation needs its own check.
For the full reading method, use our food label guide. The blood sugar guide adds context for your needs.
A useful next check
- Comparing foods with different serving weights
- Reading sugar in a multi-serving drink
- Comparing added sugar in granola
Sources read and this label example reviewed on 2026-09-23. Examples are illustrative, not product tests or clinical reviews.
Sources
- Added Sugars on the Nutrition Facts Label US Food and Drug Administration · fda.gov Added and total sugars on US Nutrition Facts labels
- Serving Size on the Nutrition Facts Label US Food and Drug Administration · fda.gov US packaged-food serving sizes