What's the largest source of added sugar in the American diet?

It's not candy. It's not ice cream. The USDA has warned that the major sources of added sugars in American diets are sugar-sweetedned beverages (SSBs), like sodas, sports drinks, and energy drinks. They contribute 36% of the calories we get from added sugars.

Routine consumption of SSBs makes it very challenging to adhere to the USDA recommendation that the average adult consume no more than 32 grams of sugar (what’s in about 8 teaspoons) per day. Just one 20oz soda can have 16 teaspoons of sugar.

SSBs have little to no nutritional value, and unfortunately, studies have shown that high levels of sugar consumption are linked to increased risk for obesity, diabetes, and other chronic diseases like heart disease and cancer.

Want to do something about this serious challenge to the health of New Yorkers? Read on to find ways to reduce consumption of SSBs in New York.

 


^{Taken from the 2010 Dietary Guidelines for Americans}