What is the recommended daily limit for added sugars per the Dietary Guidelines for Americans?

• A. Less than 10% of daily calories from added sugars.
• B. Less than 5% of daily calories from added sugars.
• C. Less than 15% of daily calories from added sugars.
• D. 20% of daily calories from added sugars.

Answer: (A)

A major idea here is that added sugars should make up less than 10% of your daily calories. This limit helps you keep energy from sweets in check while ensuring you have enough room for nutrient-dense foods that support health. Added sugars are those sugars added during processing or preparation, not sugars that occur naturally in whole foods like fruit or milk. Sticking to under 10% of calories can support better weight management and heart health, and it’s easier to manage on a daily basis than stricter targets. For a typical 2,000-calorie day, that’s about 200 calories from added sugars, roughly 50 grams. The other options exceed or fall short of what the guidelines specify, so they aren’t the recommended target.