Sugar is a class of carbohydrate that provides the body with a source of energy. There are three main types of sugars known as natural, artificial, and free sugars.
Free versus natural sugars
Free/added sugars
Free sugars are sugars that are separated from natural sugars and therefore do not contain the nutrients that come along with the natural sugars. These are also generally referred to as added sugars as they are added onto food while being processed.
Natural sugars
Natural sugars are sugars that are found naturally in foods such as fruits and vegetables. Natural sugars are generally packed with more nutrients and fibers. This allows the sugars found in these natural sources to be healthier due to the fact that they are all digested together and its not just pure sugar being digested on its own.
Natural versus artificial sugars
Unlike natural sugars which are found naturally in substances like fruits and veggies, artificial sugars are sugars that are generally made synthetically and are usually a food additive. They taste sweet, similar to sugar, but they contain less food energy than natural sugars. Some examples of artificial sugars include artificial sweeteners such as aspartame and the packet sugars.