18 July 2024

New data from the Oral Health Foundation has revealed alarming sugar consumption habits in the UK, sparking concern among health experts.

The study, released as part of the charity’s National Smile Month campaign, reveals that a staggering 84% of the population indulges in at least one sugary snack daily, with 79% admitting to consuming up to three sugary snacks every day.

The survey finds that 62% get their sugar intake from foods like sweets, desserts, and processed foods. Meanwhile, 45% consume sugar from drinks such as fizzy drinks, tea, coffee, and alcoholic beverages. Only 13% are taking active steps to limit their sugar intake.

The Oral Health Foundation is voicing concerns about the impact of the UK's sugar consumption on oral health. They are calling for a series of new measures to combat the dental complications arising from sugar intake.

Dr Nigel Carter, Chief Executive of the Oral Health Foundation, says: "Around one-in-three adults in the UK suffer from tooth decay, with sugar being the cause. We are in dire need of a stronger approach to take on the sugar industry and to promote a healthier, sugar-conscious society.

“This includes stricter regulations on sugar content in processed foods, implementing a ‘sugar tax’ on high-sugar foods and beverages, and decisive action on sugar-based advertising. These policies push sugar off supermarket shelves, encourage manufacturers to cut sugar in their products, and reduces our exposure to sugar marketing, helping us to pursue healthier choices."

Recent research shows the UK ranks 54th out of 165 countries in terms of sugar consumption per person.

The government recommends that free sugars should not make up more than 5% of the energy (calories) we get from food and drink each day. Yet, UK residents consume 9% to 12.5% of their calories from free sugars.

Free sugars are sugars that are added to food and drinks.

The charity’s data also shows significant age and regional disparities when it comes to mass sugar consumption. For instance, 10% of adults aged 18-34 consume over four sugary snacks daily – a rate that is five times higher than that over-55. Geographically, Northern Ireland has the highest rate of sugar consumption in the UK, with 19% of its population consuming four or more sugary snacks per day. This is significantly higher than the UK average of 5%.

During National Smile Month, the Oral Health Foundation aims to raise awareness about the dangers of sugars in our diets. The charity believes that recognising these hidden sugars is the first step to avoiding them.

The Oral Health Foundation says many common foods and drinks contain sugars like sucrose, glucose, fructose, maltose, molasses, hydrolysed starch, and corn syrup, often without consumers realising it.

"Many people don't realise how much sugar is hidden in everyday foods,” adds Dr Carter. “By learning to identify these hidden sugars, we can make healthier choices and protect our oral health. Start by reading labels carefully and opting for fresh, whole foods whenever possible."

Official recommendations on sugar consumption are:

• Adults should have no more than 30g of free sugars a day, (roughly equivalent to 7 sugar cubes).
• Children aged 7 to 10 should have no more than 24g of free sugars a day (6 sugar cubes).
• Children aged 4 to 6 should have no more than 19g of free sugars a day (5 sugar cubes).
• There's no guideline limit for children under the age of 4, but it's recommended they avoid sugar-sweetened drinks and food with sugar added to it.