What is the scientific name for table sugar?

The scientific name for table sugar is sucrose. Sucrose is a disaccharide composed of two monosaccharides: glucose and fructose. It is commonly found in many plants and is most notably extracted from sugar cane and sugar beets for use as a sweetener. The term "table sugar" specifically refers to this compound as it is the form most familiar to consumers when sweetening foods and beverages.

Other choices, while related to sugars, refer to different types. Glucose is a simple sugar (monosaccharide) that is an important energy source for cells. Fructose, also a monosaccharide, is found in many fruits and is sweeter than glucose. Lactose is a disaccharide sugar present in milk, consisting of glucose and galactose. Understanding these distinctions clarifies why sucrose is specifically identified as table sugar, as it is the product that typically sweetens our foods in everyday use.