We’re fortunate to be surrounded by good food but you may be shocked by the sugar content of your all-time favourites!
Malaysia is well-known for its diverse food culture. Apart from mouth-watering food, Malaysians are also dessert lovers and that is well-defined by our rank as the world’s eighth largest sugar consumers. The problem is, sugars are often disguised and this makes it difficult for us to have an idea of our exact sugar intake.
So, we’ve pointed out a few local favourites that are high in sugar which we should take in moderation.
Cendol
Cendol is always the best choice when it comes to the hot weather in Malaysia. However, a bowl of cendol when added with palm sugar and evaporated milk has around 22 grammes of sugar, which is almost half of our recommended daily sugar intake in just one bowl!
Apam balik
It’s hard to resist this local pancake which can be often seen selling at the stalls by the roadside. Soft on the inside and crunchy on the outside, one piece of apam balik contains 15 grammes of sugar or even more if you go for apam balik with a chocolate filling.
Onde-onde
Call it the sugar bomb! Onde-onde is a Nyonya kuih filled with melted coconut sugar which will burst in your mouth after your first bite. One serving of this small little treat (4 balls) contains around 20 grammes or 4 teaspoons of sugar.
Ais kacang
Ais kacang is also known as ABC in Malaysia. It is topped with various ingredients such as sweet corn, peanuts, grass jelly, nata de coco, red beans, evaporated milk, syrup and sometimes, palm sugar. Depending on the recipe, the sugar content of this dessert ranges from 20 to 35 grammes.
Kuih lapis
The word ‘lapis’ means layer, indicating that this kuih is steamed layer by layer, with each layer having a different colour. Don’t be deceived by the pastel colours of this dessert as a piece of this colourful delicacy has around 14 grammes of sugar.
Teh tarik
One of the most popular drinks ordered at mamak stalls, a cup of teh tarik has approximately up to 5 teaspoons of sugar, which is equivalent to 25 grammes of sugar. Opt for a less sweet teh tarik when you’re visiting a mamak stall next time.
Syrup bandung
This bright pink drink is prepared using rose syrup and condensed milk or evaporated milk. This might be surprising to you but this beverage has one of the highest sugar contents whereby one serving of syrup bandung contains six teaspoons of sugar.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO) the daily sugar intake including hidden sugar should not be more than 50 grammes, which is equivalent to 10 teaspoons of sugar.
Now that you know the sugar content of these local delicacies, try to opt for healthier options such as fruits.
The best way to enjoy your dessert without feeling too guilty is to share your snack or dessert with a friend!
Editor’s Note:= 5 grammes of sugar
