Its chemical formula is C12H22O11 and, although its scientific name is “sucrose”, it is commonly known as “sugar”. Common or table, but in any case, “sugar”. Its formula isn’t easy to decipher but it is impossible for anyone to doubt what it tastes like. There are endless foods made with sugar, but contrary to popular belief, they aren’t all sweets.
Obviously, one of the ingredients in pastries and cakes is sugar, but it is also found in tomato sauce and sandwich bread, too. And it’s this sugar that is most problematic, because many people are unaware of it and, therefore, can’t control how much sugar they get from foods with this ‘hidden’ sugar.
Now in the 21st century, we’ve tried to curb our sugar intake. It is seen as an addictive substance that can wreak havoc on the body, make us want to eat less nutritional foods and weaken the immune system. But what about the joy we feel when eating a sweet every once in a while?
Single-serve happiness
In a balanced diet, sugar must also have its place. It is a treat saved for special occasions and eliminating it completely doesn’t mean avoiding all sorts of health problems. Of course, to enjoy this single-serve happiness to the fullest the key is control. So, how much sugar should you eat? A teaspoon of sugar has approximately 16 calories. According to the World Health Organisation, daily intake of added sugars should be kept below 150 calories per day for men (approximately 9 teaspoons) and 100 calories for women (roughly 6 teaspoons). In any case, daily intake should never account for more than 10% of the calories ingested in adults or children.
Pastry Factory and Alícia Foundation
In order to keep these levels down, products like, for example, sweets and soft drinks should only be eaten sporadically. Confectionery is another matter. As they are smaller, these treats can be eaten more often and top-quality raw materials are often a priority. In companies like Pastry Factory, pastry-making traditions play a key role in the whole sweets-making process. The commitment to quality products is so great that the company is working hand-in-hand with the Alícia Foundation (a benchmark organisation in culinary research) to find the best culinary formula to promote healthier pastries, where sweets are even more welcome.
Are you interested? Learn more about the agreement with the Alícia Foundation.
