Before you go and blame your kids' hyperactivity on sugar-laden Halloween candy, you might want to first check your kitchen pantry - that's where the problem could be hiding.

Many consumers don't realize it, but several processed foods and sauces contain enough sugar to rival what’s found in Halloween treats.

According to an article by Newsmax Health, the real problem is the runaway sugar consumption that's part of the everyday American diet.

Studies have shown that the average American adult consumes 140 pounds of empty calories from sugar and white flour each year.

Rachel K. Johnson, dietary specialist and vice chair of the American Heart Association Nutrition Committee, says most Americans consume twice as much sugar as they should.

"Most people would be shocked by how much added sugar is hidden in common foods we purchase; many things you'd never suspect — from pasta sauces to salad dressings to fruit smoothies — can contain as much or more sugar than Halloween treats."

To help consumers identify food products that contain hidden sugar, here are five otherwise healthy foods that can have high sugar levels.

No. 1: Pasta sauces. A single serving of processed tomato sauce can contain as much added sugar as a candy bar.

No. 2: Fat-free dressings. Fat-free salad dressings are often loaded with salt and sugar to compensate for the loss of flavor that results from reducing the fat content.

No. 3: Smoothies. Many commercially prepared smoothies are packed with as much sugar as soda — up to 38 grams of sugar (more than nine teaspoons) in a single bottle.

No. 4: Barbecue sauce. Those made with molasses or high-fructose corn syrup can account for as much as 80% of the calories.

No. 5: Multi-grain cereals and crackers. Some multi-grain products are packed with so much sugar, it actually cancels out the health benefits they offer.

(Source: NewsmaxHealth)

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