Which statement about hidden sugars is false?

The statement that hidden sugars are added to make foods taste sweet is a misconception. Hidden sugars typically refer to sugars that are not immediately apparent, as they are often included in foods where one would not expect sugar to be present, such as sauces, dressings, and even savory foods.

While added sugars can enhance the sweetness of products, the concept of hidden sugars highlights their role in various food items where consumers may not realize sugar is included, thus contributing to overall sugar intake without the consumer's awareness. A focus on hidden sugars is more about their presence in unintended places than their purpose of providing sweetness alone.

The other statements address the realities of hidden sugars: they are indeed added by manufacturers during processing, have a known impact on dental caries rates, and are frequently incorporated into low-fat products to compensate for taste when fat is reduced. These elements underscore the complexity of how sugar is used in food products and its implications for health.