Quick wins for a faster PC:
Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →In the U.S., “sugar free” and “no added sugar” are different label claims. “Sugar free” generally means a product contains less than 0.5 gram of sugars per reference amount and per labeled serving, subject to ingredient and calorie-labeling rules. “No added sugar” means sugars—or certain ingredients that functionally replace added sugars—were not added during processing or packaging. It does not rule out naturally occurring sugar.
What the two claims mean
The claims answer different questions under U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) food-labeling rules. “Sugar free” is a claim about how much sugar the food contains. “No added sugar” concerns what was added while the food was processed or packaged.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
“Sugar free” is a sugar-content threshold
Under 21 CFR 101.60(c), as explained by the FDA, a “sugar free” claim generally requires less than 0.5 gram of sugars per reference amount customarily consumed and per labeled serving. The rule also places conditions on ingredients that are sugars or are generally understood by consumers to contain sugars. Depending on the product’s calorie labeling, the claim may need a calorie-related statement or disclaimer.
That threshold is a regulatory definition, not a guarantee that the syrup has few calories. Check the Nutrition Facts panel for calories rather than inferring them from “sugar free.”
#1 Best Overall
- This sugar-free syrup is inspired by the fine, farm-crafted flavor of Maple Grove Farms pure maple syrup
- Use on pancakes, waffles, French toast or in marinades, dressings and smoothies
- A delicious pairing with Maple Grove Farms Pancake and Waffle Mixes
- One 24 fluid ounce bottle of Maple Grove Farms Sugar Free Syrup
“No added sugar” is about processing
“No added sugar,” “without added sugar,” and “no sugar added” are subject to separate conditions. In general, sugars and ingredients containing sugars that functionally substitute for added sugars cannot be added during processing or packaging. The rule also bars certain ingredients containing added sugars, including jam, jelly, and concentrated fruit juice, when making the claim.
A product can meet a no-added-sugar condition and still contain naturally occurring sugars. The claim by itself does not tell you the product’s total sugar or calorie amount.
Rank #2
- Cary's has perfected a sugar-free syrup recipe that gives you great taste
- Low calorie with a great taste
- Try Cary's and see for yourself how great our sugar-free syrup tastes
- Low calorie with a great taste
- Certified Gluten Free
How to compare syrup labels
Use the bottle’s Nutrition Facts panel and ingredient list; front-of-package wording alone is not enough. Compare the same serving volume when possible, since the figures on the panel are tied to the stated serving size.
- Read the exact claim. Note whether it says “sugar free,” “no added sugar,” or something else.
- Check serving size. If two syrups list different serving volumes, compare their nutrition information at the same volume where possible.
- Compare total sugars and added sugars separately. Total sugars include naturally present sugars as well as added sugars. Added sugars are listed separately on the Nutrition Facts label; the FDA’s added-sugars guidance explains the distinction and notes that sugars added during processing, including sugars from syrups and honey, count as added sugars subject to specified exceptions.
- Check calories. A sugar claim is not a substitute for the calorie figure.
- Read the ingredients. The list identifies the sweeteners used, which can differ from one product to another.
- Use the label on the bottle you buy. Online product information may not match the label on a bottle in a store or in an online order.
What a real product label can show
As one product example—not a template for all sugar-free syrups—Torani’s Sugar Free Vanilla Syrup page lists a 2-tablespoon serving, 0 grams total sugars, 0 grams added sugars, and 0 calories. Its listed ingredients include acesulfame potassium and sucralose. Torani cautions that posted nutrition information may not always match the label on a product sold in a store or online, so check the bottle itself.
Rank #3
- Soda Shop Variety Pack: Perfect for making your own Italian sodas, iced teas and lemonades, this variety pack includes one 25.4 fl oz bottle of each of these syrups: Raspberry, Coconut, Strawberry and Peach
- Skip The Extra Calories: Enjoy drinks, desserts, and other treats made with our Sugar Free syrups, sweetened with sucralose and naturally fat free; Low calories, zero sugar, zero carbs, and keto friendly
- Delightfully Fruity: From mango to blueberry to lavender and everything in between, our zero sugar syrups help you create delicious smoothies, snow cones, sparkling waters, cocktails and more
- Find Your Recipe: We are here to help you create tantalizing drinks for every taste and mood; Mix up some magic with toasted marshmallow, butter pecan, vanilla, blueberry, mango, and many more
- Flavor For All: Discover how Torani can help you make truly creative flavored teas, lemonades, milkshakes, Italian sodas, macchiatos, frappes, cocktails, mocktails, snow cones and more
What to know about sugar substitutes
Sugar-free syrups may use different sweetening ingredients. The FDA discusses sugar alcohols as potential sugar substitutes and describes certain sugars that are metabolized differently than traditional sugars in its guidance on sugars metabolized differently than traditional sugars. These ingredient and nutrition-label details do not change the regulatory distinction between “sugar free” and “no added sugar.” Check the specific syrup’s ingredients and label information.
The FDA’s added-sugars guidance gives a Daily Value of 50 grams per day, based on a 2,000-calorie daily diet. That is a daily reference value for the Nutrition Facts label, not a serving recommendation for syrup.
Rank #4
- Sugar Free Cafe Variety Pack: Café Variety Pack: Enjoy classic coffeehouse flavors with zero sugar; This set contains one 12.7 oz bottle of each of the following flavors: Vanilla, Salted Caramel, Classic Hazelnut, and French Vanilla
- Skip The Extra Calories: Enjoy drinks, desserts, and other treats made with our Sugar Free syrups, sweetened with sucralose and naturally fat free; Low calories, zero sugar, zero carbs, and keto friendly
- Authentic Coffeehouse Flavor: From caramel to pumpkin spice to hazelnut—and everything in between—our zero sugar syrups help you create tantalizing iced coffees, lattes, mochas, cappuccinos, cold brews, chai, and more
- Find Your Recipe: We are here to help you create tantalizing drinks for every taste and mood; Mix up some magic with toasted marshmallow, butter pecan, vanilla, blueberry, mango, and many more
- Flavor For All: Discover how Torani can help you make truly creative flavored teas, lemonades, milkshakes, Italian sodas, macchiatos, frappes, cocktails, mocktails, snow cones and more
Which claim should guide your choice?
If your priority is a very low sugar amount, look for the “sugar free” claim and verify the serving size and sugar figures on the panel. If your priority is avoiding sugars added during processing or packaging, “no added sugar” is the more relevant claim—but still check total sugars and calories. In either case, the ingredients tell you what sweetens the syrup, while the nutrition panel gives you the serving-based figures.
This explanation covers U.S. FDA labeling rules; food-labeling rules in other countries may differ. The FDA’s industry resources on Nutrition Facts label changes provide additional label context.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- DaVinci Gourmet Sugar Free Caramel Syrup: We love to push the limits of flavor. Our caramel syrup is crafted with the finest ingredients like creamy caramel flavor and alternative sweeteners so you get the best taste experience in each and every sip
- Sugar Free Syrup for Coffee and More: DaVinci Gourmet sugar free syrups are crafted to dissolve easily in hot or cold beverages and resist curdling in dairy products so you can easily add your favorite flavored syrups to coffee, cocktails and more
- Craft with Confidence: From coffeehouse classics to back bar essentials, wellness-oriented to trend-forward, DaVinci Gourmet syrups provide a premium experience for today's beverage creators through innovative flavors and quality ingredients
- Flavor for a Sustainable World: DaVinci Gourmet is committed to the environment and pouring it forward in our community. We are simplifying our ingredients so you can proudly serve responsible flavors that inspire imagination and protect our planet
- Born to Raise Flavor: DaVinci Gourmet was born out of Seattle’s coffee culture in 1989 and is driven by a passion for crafting exceptional flavors made with simple ingredients that break away from the traditional to create the inspirational
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
