Did you know there’s as much sugar in a can of Campbell’s tomato soup as there is in a Krispy Kreme donut? I didn’t either until I started putting together this nutrition lesson for my health class. It focuses on all the hidden sugars in our foods and drinks and helps students learn the difference between added sugars, natural sugars, and even artificial sweeteners.
 
Students begin with a Sugar 101 interactive Google Slides lesson that breaks down the effects of sugar. Then they measure out the sugar content in 11 common foods and drinks after first guessing which ones have the most. And yes, some of the answers will surprise them. (Spoiler: bread is sneakier than you think.)
 
But here is where the real learning starts. This lesson isn’t just about making sugar the villain. It’s about understanding nutrition as a whole. Students will explore why labels like "sugar-free" or "Coke Zero" aren’t always the healthier choice compared to foods with natural sugars.
 
It’s a holistic approach to healthy eating that focuses on fiber, nutrients, and making informed food choices. Because sure, Coke Zero might have less sugar than an apple, but are we missing the big picture?
 
This lesson helps students see food as a whole and empowers them to make smarter, balanced decisions.
 
Included:
-15 editable Google Slides
-“Measure the Sugar” activity
-“Swap or Not?” critical thinking activity
-Honest food label redesign activity
-Double-sided worksheet plus Answer Key
-Full NHES aligned lesson plan