Every product on NoSugarForKids is rated on an A-to-E sugar tier system. The tier is based on added sugars per serving, the number that matters most for kids' health. Here's what each tier means and how to use them.
< 0.5g total sugar
Less than 0.5g total sugars per serving (FDA definition)
The American Heart Association (AHA) recommends:
What does 25g look like?
About 6 teaspoons of sugar. For context, a single juice box typically has around 13g of added sugar — that's more than half of a child's daily limit in one drink.
Three things to check on every snack label:
Check the serving size
All nutrition numbers are per serving. If your child eats two servings, double everything.
Look at the “Added Sugars” line
This is the most important number. “Total Sugars” includes natural sugar from fruit and milk. “Added Sugars” is what manufacturers put in — and what our tier system is based on.
Scan ingredients for sugar aliases
Sugar goes by many names: cane sugar, corn syrup, dextrose, fructose, maltose, sucrose, honey, agave, and more. If any of these appear in the first few ingredients, the product is likely high in added sugar.
Natural sugars are found in whole foods like fruit, milk, and vegetables. They come packaged with fiber, vitamins, and minerals that slow digestion and reduce blood sugar spikes. Added sugars are sweeteners introduced during processing — they add calories but no nutritional value.
Our tier system is based on added sugars, not total sugars. A product with 12g of sugar from whole fruit and 0g added sugar is Tier B, not Tier E. However, we flag products with high natural sugar so parents can make informed choices.
What does Tier A mean?
Tier A (Sugar Free) means the product has less than 0.5g of total sugars per serving, which is the FDA's definition of sugar-free.
Is Tier B the same as sugar-free?
No. Tier B means 0g of added sugar, but the product may contain natural sugars from fruit, milk, or other whole ingredients. A fruit bar with 16g of sugar from dates would be Tier B because no sugar was added.
What tier should I aim for?
Tier A through C (0-3g added sugar) are great choices for everyday snacks. Tier D (up to 5g) is acceptable as an occasional treat. Tier E (over 5g) is not recommended as a regular snack.
How much sugar per day is OK for kids?
The American Heart Association recommends no more than 25g of added sugar per day for children ages 2-18, and zero added sugar for children under 2.
Ready to find better snacks?