Final answer:
High fructose corn syrup, also appearing as corn syrup, is a hidden sugar on food labels that has potential health effects like contributing to obesity. It is vital to inspect food labels carefully to manage sugar intake and understand the health implications of excessive sugar consumption.
Step-by-step explanation:
One common hidden sugar found on food labels is high fructose corn syrup (HFCS), which can be listed simply as corn syrup. It is a sweetener made from corn and contains both fructose and glucose. HFCS has garnered negative attention due to potential health effects, such as contributing to obesity, which has led some manufacturers to switch back to using natural sugars. Despite its sweet taste, HFCS can be included in products without being straightforwardly identified as sugar, so it's crucial to read ingredient lists carefully to manage sugar intake.
Natural sugars include sucrose, glucose, fructose, which are all types of carbohydrates that provide energy, but when consumed in excess, can lead to health problems like obesity and tooth decay.