Watch for ‘syrup’ on food label

DEAR DR. GOTT: I have both your diet and cookbooks but have a question about sugar. I use an artificial coffee creamer that claims to be sugar-free but contains “corn-syrup solids.” Is this really a sugar-free product?

DEAR READER: In a word, no. Corn-syrup solids are simply dried, powdered corn syrup. This and other sugars that may go unrecognized include maple syrup, molasses, honey, evaporated cane juice, sucrose and more. The easiest way to avoid most products with sugar is to look for the words “sugar” and “syrup.” Appropriate substitutes include no-calorie sweeteners, natural fruit juices and granulated fructose. All should be used in moderation. No-calorie, no-sugar sweeteners can also have unwanted side effects in people sensitive to them – side effects that may include rash, diarrhea, headache and more.

But remember, a little cheating is allowed, so if you drink only one cup of coffee per day with a single serving of the creamer, you are probably not exceeding any dietary limits and should continue to enjoy it. If you drink several cups per day, then you will need to find an alternative or cut back your consumption.