Research-Based

Sugar Consumption Statistics

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By Rebekah Pierce

Reviewed by Juliana Tamayo, MS, RDN - Last Updated

Sugar Consumption Statistics

We all know that sugar tastes great, but did you know that it’s actually one of the most addictive substances on the planet? It’s no wonder that so many of us crave sugary treats throughout the day. 

However, consuming excessive amounts of sugar can lead to a host of negative health effects, including obesity, diabetes, and heart disease. 

In this blog post, we’ll take a closer look at some of the latest sugar consumption statistics and what they mean for our health.

Is Sugar Consumption Increasing or Decreasing?

Sugar has become a staple in the American diet, but over the past few years, there have been numerous debates surrounding its impact on our health. As per a recent study, sugar consumption in America peaked at about 425 calories per day in 1999 and began to decline. 

Sugar Jar

Since then, it has more or less plateaued – which is still not necessarily a good thing, as we should be actively taking steps to decrease our sugar intake overall. 

The increased consumption of added sugars is unquestionably linked to various health issues, including obesity, type 2 diabetes, and heart diseases. A diet that is high in added sugars leads to an increase in body weight, inflammation, and insulin resistance. So, it’s important to educate people on healthy eating habits. 

Sugar Consumption Statistics – Highlights

  • In 1915, the average sugar consumption per person was 17.5 lbs per year. As of 2011, that number rose significantly – resting at around 150 lbs of sugar per year.
  • Average sugar consumption per day is more than 25 teaspoons per person – more than double the recommended amount.
  • Energy drinks make up 10% of the American soft drink industry and are notable sources of sugar in our diets.
  • Of the people who regularly consume sugar, those in the top 10th percentile of sugar consumption take in more than 40% of their daily calories from sugar.
  • Clinical studies have shown that body weight changes correlate dramatically with increasing or decreasing sugar intake – by decreasing your sugar intake by just 5%, you can lose an average of .80 kg of body weight. 

In 1915, the average sugar consumption per person was 17.5 lbs per year. As of 2011, that number rose significantly – resting at around 150 lbs of sugar per year.

Source: Avail Clinical Research 

It is no secret that we love sugar. From sugary cereals to energy drinks and desserts, our diets are full of hidden sugars. To put it in perspective, a single can of soda contains around 40 grams of sugar, which is equivalent to 10 teaspoons. Consuming so much sugar puts our bodies at risk of various health issues, including weight gain, type 2 diabetes, and heart disease.

The increase in sugar consumption over the years has coincided with a rise in obesity rates. In recent years, there has been a push for clearer labeling of sugar content on food packaging. 

However, it is important to understand that sugar can be listed under various names, including high fructose corn syrup, dextrose, and maltose

Pounds Of Sugar

Fast food restaurants add a significant amount of added sugar to their meals, and the number of fast food restaurants doubled between 1970 and 2010.

Source: US Department of Agriculture 

Consuming a single meal from a fast food restaurant, such as a burger, fries, and a soda, can contain over 36 grams of added sugar. This is way above the recommended daily intake of 25 grams for women and 37.5 grams for men. 

The addition of sugar is not limited to just meals and drinks, but also appears in condiments and dressings. 

For example, according to the American Heart Association, a tablespoon of ketchup can contain up to one teaspoon of sugar. Those little packets of mayonnaise and mustard also contribute to your added sugar intake. It’s important to consider all components of a meal when analyzing sugar consumption. 

About $190.2 billion of the US annual healthcare expenditure is related to obesity and other illnesses related to obesity and sugar consumption, like diabetes.

Source: Institute of Medicine of the National Academies 

The connection between excessive sugar intake and obesity is well-documented. Sugar is a high-calorie ingredient that has no nutritional value, and it can cause excessive weight gain and a host of health problems.

According to the CDC, over 42% of American adults are obese, and this percentage has been steadily rising. The excessive sugar consumption that contributes to obesity has severe financial and other long-term health consequences for both individuals and society.

Average sugar consumption per day is more than 25 teaspoons per person – more than double the recommended amount.

Source: Washington Post

This is not just because of sugary drinks like soda – a lot of the sugar that we consume is hidden in our everyday foods like breakfast cereals, bread, and processed snacks. In fact, a single serving of yogurt can contain as much sugar as a candy bar!

It’s not just the quantity of sugar we consume that is concerning – it’s also the type of sugar. 

Most of the sugar in our diet comes from refined sugars, which are added to processed foods and drinks. These sugars have no nutritional value and can lead to weight gain, type 2 diabetes, and other chronic health conditions. They also cause spikes in blood sugar levels, leading to a crash in energy and mood after the initial sugar rush.

Energy drinks make up 10% of the American soft drink industry and are notable sources of sugar in our diets.

Source: Harvard School of Public Health 

While energy drinks are often marketed as performance boosters for athletes and students, they can contain as much as 25-50 grams of sugar per serving. That’s more than the recommended daily intake of sugar for adults in the US, which is six to nine teaspoons. Consuming too much sugar can lead to a host of health problems, including weight gain, diabetes, and heart disease.

Energy Drink

Of the people who regularly consume sugar, those in the top 10th percentile of sugar consumption take in more than 40% of their daily calories from sugar.

Source: Medscape Journal of Medicine 

This means that if your average daily caloric intake is 2,000 calories, you could be consuming up to 800 calories from sugar alone. That’s the equivalent of 200 teaspoons of sugar! It’s no wonder that excessive sugar intake is linked to obesity and other health issues.

Clinical studies have shown that body weight changes correlate dramatically with increasing or decreasing sugar intake – by decreasing your sugar intake by just 5%, you can lose an average of .80 kg of body weight. 

Source: BMJ Research 

That might not sound like a lot, but it can add up over time, and it’s just one of the many benefits of cutting back on sugar. Additionally, reducing sugar intake can lower your risk of developing chronic diseases such as diabetes and heart disease.

High sugar diets can cause chromium loss and deficiencies of rates of up to 300%, which is believed to increase the chance of hyperglycemia and pre-diabetes.

Source: PlumX Metrics

Chromium is a mineral that helps the body regulate blood sugar levels by enhancing the action of insulin. High-sugar diets tend to deplete chromium in the system, thus increasing the risk of hyperglycemia. 

Chromium deficiency can also lead to insulin resistance, which means the body becomes less responsive to insulin. To avoid these concerns, it is essential to reduce your sugar intake and consume more chromium-rich foods like broccoli, oats, and green beans.

One of the most common culprits when it comes to sugar consumption in the United States? Sugary drinks – in 2008, 91% of American children aged 6 to 11 consumed as many as 60% of their daily calories from sugar-sweetened drinks.

Source: Harvard School of Public Health 

That’s a jaw-dropping amount of sugar being consumed simply through the liquids that kids are drinking. It’s not just kids who are guilty of consuming too much sugar through sugary drinks, however. Adults are also major consumers of soda, sports drinks, and other sugary beverages.

You have more than twice the risk of dying from heart disease if you consume 25% or more of your total daily calories from sugar.

Source: JAMA Internal Medicine 

That’s a shocking revelation, given that the average American consumes about 270 calories of added sugar per day. This translates to roughly 13% of their total daily calorie intake. So, if you’re consuming more than 25% of your daily calories from sugar, you’re exposing yourself to a significant health risk.

Sugar suppresses the immune system – consuming 100 grams of sugar can suppress white blood cell functioning by 40% for at least 5 hours.

Source: Daily Mail 

This temporary impairment of the immune system due to sugar intake can leave you vulnerable to various infections and diseases. Therefore, it is crucial to limit your sugar intake to maintain a robust immune system.

Spoonful Of Sugar

Final Thoughts: Sugar Consumption Statistics

The adverse health effects of sugar are not unknown – at this point, they are well-documented – and need to be taken seriously. We must educate people and help them make healthier choices by reducing added sugar consumption. 

It’s time for us to take control of our health and replace sugary foods with healthy alternatives. 

Ultimately, a life with less sugar is a healthier and happier life!

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Rebekah Pierce

Rebekah Pierce is a professional writer specializing in a variety of niches, including health and fitness. Her unique blend of experience managing and owning a regenerative farm, along with a background working in both secondary and higher education, gives her the versatility needed to write about a variety of topics. She has a B.A. in English and a M.S.Ed. in Special Education. She's an avid runner, having completed multiple marathons and half marathons, and believes in the profound power of overall health, wellness, and good nutrition when it comes to changing lives!