Saccharose
What is Saccharose?
Saccharose, commonly known as sucrose or table sugar, is a disaccharide composed of glucose and fructose. It is naturally found in plants such as sugarcane and sugar beet, from which it is extracted and refined for commercial use.
Is Saccharose vegan?
Saccharose is not animal-derived. Products that contain it can still include other animal-derived ingredients, so check the full ingredient list.
Is Saccharose gluten-free?
Gluten is not present in saccharose.
Is Saccharose a major allergen?
Saccharose is not one of the 14 major allergens that UK law requires to be emphasised on food labels.
What is Saccharose used for?
Manufacturers add saccharose primarily as a sweetener to provide a sweet taste.
Is Saccharose safe?
Saccharose is not regulated as a food additive in the UK and is considered a staple food ingredient.
Why it's used
Manufacturers add saccharose primarily as a sweetener to provide a sweet taste. It also contributes to texture, colour development through caramelisation, and acts as a preservative by reducing water activity in certain foods. It is widely used in confectionery, baked goods, beverages, and dairy products.
Health notes
Saccharose is not regulated as a food additive in the UK and is considered a staple food ingredient. The Scientific Advisory Committee on Nutrition (SACN) recommends that free sugars, which include saccharose, should not exceed 5% of total dietary energy. High intakes of free sugars are associated with increased risk of dental caries and excess weight gain, according to the NHS. EFSA has evaluated saccharose in the context of dietary sugars.
Allergen info
Saccharose is not one of the 14 major allergens that UK law requires to be emphasised on food labels. Gluten is not present in saccharose.
Foods that contain Saccharose
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