What is the term for sugars that are naturally occurring in whole foods?

The term that refers to sugars that are naturally occurring in whole foods is intrinsic sugars. Intrinsic sugars are found in their natural form within foods like fruits, vegetables, and dairy products. These sugars are accompanied by a variety of nutrients, such as fiber, vitamins, and minerals, which contribute to the overall nutritional value of the food.

In contrast, refined sugars are extracted from whole foods and then processed, which removes many of those beneficial nutrients. Sucrose and glucose are specific types of sugars; sucrose is a disaccharide made up of glucose and fructose, while glucose is a simple monosaccharide. However, these terms do not encompass the broader concept of sugars found naturally within whole foods as intrinsic sugars do. Thus, intrinsic sugars accurately describes the sugars present in their original context, contributing both to taste and nutrition.