Intakes of free sugars exceed WHO recommendation

The latest Australian Health Survey shows that Australians consumed an average of 60 grams of free sugars* a day (equivalent to 14 teaspoons of white sugar). According to the 2011-12 survey, which has just been released, the majority of free sugar intakes comes from added sugars with an average 52 grams (or 12 teaspoons), with 7 grams of free sugars coming from honey and fruit juice.

Intakes of free sugars were highest among teenage males (aged 14-18 years), who consumed an average 92 grams a day. The top 10% of the 14-18 year-old males were estimated to usually consume at least 160 grams (or 38 teaspoons) of free sugars a day.

Just over half of all Australians aged two years and over exceeded the World Health Organisation’s (WHO) recommendation to limit energy from free sugars to less than 10% of dietary energy.

The majority (81%) of free sugars were consumed from the energy-dense, nutrient-poor ‘discretionary’ foods and beverages. Just over half (52%) of free sugars in the diet were consumed from beverages, with the leading beverages being soft drinks, electrolyte and energy drinks (19%), fruit and vegetable juices and drinks (13%) and cordial (4.9%). The leading foods were confectionary and cakes/muffins (each contributing 8.7%).

Striving to fight obesity and dental caries, ADA is a partner in the Rethink Sugary Drink campaign.

* Free sugar is any sugar that is added to foods by the manufacturer plus that which is naturally present in honey, syrups and fruit juices. It does not include sugar naturally present in milk or whole fruit and vegetables.