What is this food?
Sugarcane juice (sweet juice made from sugarcane).
Why it matters to health
Sugarcane juice is mainly carbohydrates and sugar—about 10.1 g sugar per 100 g, with a small amount of fiber (0.6 g). It can give quick energy, but frequent or large servings can add up your daily sugar intake. It’s also low in fat and cholesterol, and the sodium is minimal, so the main thing to watch is the added sugar and how often you drink it.
Healthier tips
- Keep it as a snack treat, not a regular drink for every meal—aim for small portions and less frequent servings.
- If you make juice at home, try to mix with water or add more fruit/vegetables with fiber (like calamansi + water, or blend with less sweet produce) to reduce how concentrated the sugar is.
- Pair it with a meal or snack that has protein and fiber (e.g., yogurt, nuts, or a serving of fruit) to help keep you fuller.
- Choose whole fruit more often than juice when possible, since whole fruit usually gives more filling fiber.
Common Filipino dishes
Sugarcane juice (barley/sugarcane drink), arnibal (sugar syrup), caramelized sugar treats, halo-halo toppings (syrup), latik (coconut caramel)