What are added sugars primarily used for in foods and beverages?

Added sugars are primarily utilized in foods and beverages to make them sweeter, which enhances their flavor profile and appeal to consumers. Sweetness is one of the most basic and sought-after tastes, and the incorporation of added sugars directly contributes to achieving that desired level of sweetness in a variety of products, from soft drinks to desserts and even some savory foods. This sweetness can make products more enjoyable and palatable, influencing purchasing decisions and overall consumption.

While added sugars can have some impact on other aspects, such as texture and palatability, their primary role is to provide sweetness. This is distinct from the roles of enhancing nutrition, which added sugars do not fulfill, as they provide calories without essential nutrients, and increasing shelf life, which is often achieved through preservatives and not typically through sugars alone. Thus, the main purpose of added sugars is indeed to enhance sweetness in foods and beverages.