Put sugar-free products in their place

• Sugar-free doesn't mean carbohydrate-free. Sugar-free foods may play a role in your diabetes diet, but remember that it's equally important to consider carbohydrates as well. A sugar-free label means that one serving has less than 0.5 grams of sugar.

  When you're choosing between standard products and their sugar-free counterparts, compare the food labels. If the sugar-free product has noticeably fewer carbohydrates, the sugar-free product might be the better choice. But if there's little difference in carbohydrate grams between the two foods, let taste — or price — be your guide. Also check the other ingredients and calories to make a good healthy choice.

• No sugar added, but not necessarily no carbohydrates. The same caveat applies to products sporting a "no sugar added" label. These foods don't contain high-sugar ingredients, and no sugar is added during processing or packaging, but they may still be high in carbohydrates.
• Sugar alcohols contain carbohydrates and calories, too. Likewise, products that contain sugar alcohols — such as sorbitol, xylitol and mannitol — aren't necessarily low in carbohydrates or calories.