Yea! A math question! This is actually quite easy if you are used to doing “word problems” in math class (might need to ask your kids for help). First, look at the label and see how many grams a serving size is, we’ll call this number T for total. Then see how many grams of sugar are in each serving, we’ll call this number S. Then plug these numbers into this equation: S divided by T, and then multiply by 100. This will give you the percentage you are looking for. First, let’s do an easy example. Suppose the total serving is 100 grams, and the grams of sugar per serving is 5. You can probably do this one in your head: the answer is 5%. Let’s try a harder one: Organic spaghetti sauce (it was sitting on my counter…): the label reads serving size: ½ cup (125g). Sugars per serving: 8g. So, S=8, T=125. 8 divided by 125= 0.064 —- multiply by 100= 6.4%. Squeezable grape jelly: T=20g, S=13g……. Wow! 65% sugar! Into the trash it goes. Click here to learn more about food package labels.
Dr. Jim
