The Ultimate Guide: Sugar in Indian Sweets — Health Risks & Festival Tips

Indian sweets are deeply woven into our cultural celebrations. But as joyful as they are, many of them come loaded with sugar, which can have serious health implications—especially during the festive season when indulgence peaks.

As a brand that's passionate about wellness and rooted in Indian tradition, we at Artinci created this guide to help you enjoy your celebrations without compromising your health.

How Much Sugar Is in Traditional Indian Sweets?

Most traditional Indian sweets contain 30% to 60% sugar by weight. Here's a breakdown of the average sugar content in some popular favourites (per 100g):

Sweets soaked in syrup—like gulab jamun and jalebi—are often the highest in sugar.

Comparing Motichoor Laddu Brands: Sugar Content

We looked at some well-known brands to see how their motichoor laddus stack up in terms of sugar:

If you're managing diabetes, watching your weight, or simply trying to eat healthier, our sugar-free motichoor laddus are a great option. You can explore our full Sugar-Free Sweets Collection or dive into the science behind our recipes on our Healthy Sugar-Free Dessert Blog.

Why Too Much Sugar Is Risky

High sugar intake is associated with several health problems, including:

• Diabetes: Spikes blood sugar and puts pressure on insulin production

• Obesity: High in calories, low in satiety

• Heart Disease: Raises cholesterol and triglyceride levels

• Dental Issues: Fuels bacteria that cause tooth decay

• Mood Swings: Blood sugar spikes can lead to crashes in energy and focus

According to global health authorities like the World Health Organization, reducing added sugar is one of the most effective steps you can take for long-term wellness.

Festivals & Sweets: A Delicate Balance

During Diwali, Holi, Eid, weddings, and other celebrations, sweet intake naturally increases. It’s not just about one or two treats—it's the gifts, office parties, and home visits that lead to “portion creep.”

Our Tips for a Healthier Festive Season

• Share your sweets or choose smaller portions

• Choose sugar-free options like our Motichoor Laddu

• Eat a balanced meal before indulging in sweets

• Read nutrition labels carefully—watch for hidden sugars

• Be mindful and savour each bite instead of bingeing

Celebration doesn’t have to mean compromise. With the right choices, you can enjoy the festival and still feel great afterward.

Useful Links & Resources

• Explore All Sugar-Free Sweets

• Sugar-Free Motichoor Laddu

• Healthy Dessert Blog

Wellness & Industry References

• Global Wellness Institute

• Well+Good Editorial

• Healthline: Sugar & Diabetes

Verywell Fit: Sugar and Heart Health

Conclusion

Traditional Indian sweets are a beautiful part of our heritage—but many are loaded with sugar. The good news? You don’t have to give them up. By staying informed, reading labels, and choosing sugar-free or low-GI alternatives, you can celebrate to your heart’s content—without worrying about your health.

Wishing you a joyful, delicious, and healthy festive season!

Warmly,
Sumit
Co-Founder, Artinci

Watch our full pitch on Shark Tank India Season 3:

-‘Artinci’ की 100% Sugar-Free Desserts लगी Namita को Delicious | Shark Tank India S3 | Full Pitch - YouTube