People are unaware of how much sugar they are actually consuming in a day, according to new research, with 'hidden' sugar in everything from energy drinks to lunches being missed. 40% of people are oblivious to the fact that common energy drinks include a third or more of a person’s recommended daily sugar intake - (30g) per 100ml.
A BLT sandwich, fizzy drink and a chocolate bar has double (on average 65.8g sugar) the suggested daily amount of sugar for one person – something which over a third of Brits said they did not know. Even seemingly healthier meal deals, like a chicken salad sandwich, cereal bar and a drink, contain more sugar than the recommended daily intake.
Nutritionist Rob Hobson said: “The overconsumption of sugar has become a significant health concern worldwide as well as in the UK. Understanding how excess sugar can impact the body and implementing strategies to reduce the amount people consume is a key factor in improving public health.
“While artificial sweeteners are often marketed as a healthier alternative to sugar, they come with their own set of concerns especially as people are starting to ditch soft drinks for these sweetened alternatives.
“Consumers should be mindful of artificial sweeteners like aspartame, sucralose, saccharin, acesulfame potassium, which are commonly found in zero-sugar drinks, sugar-free products, and low-calorie foods. These sweeteners may disrupt gut microbiota, leading to digestive issues and potentially contributing to metabolic disorders, such as obesity, by affecting how the body extracts and stores energy from food.
"Additionally, changes in gut microbiota caused by artificial sweeteners may promote chronic inflammation, a significant factor in many long-term health conditions. More research is needed to draw definitive conclusions and the impact may vary depending on individual gut flora, sensitivity to sweeteners, and overall health.”
78% of us are also consuming ultra-processed foods (UPFs) three or more times a week, and a quarter aren’t aware of the impact these products have on our bodies.
Rob said: “UPFs, which often contain high levels of added sugars, unhealthy fats, and artificial ingredients, can lead to weight gain, metabolic issues, and an increased risk of chronic diseases. They are engineered to be hyper-palatable with an altered food matrix which can promote overeating and addiction-like behaviour.”
Tom Whittle, founder of natural performance drinks company Mission, said: “The UK is in a sugar crisis. 37% of the nation have soft drinks three or more times a week, despite these drinks making up most of our daily sugar consumption. To assist people in changing their habits, we need to ensure healthier alternatives are available – and our research shows that 20% of Brits would be more inclined to reduce their sugar intake if lower sugar alternatives were more accessible.
“As someone who has experienced the side effects of sugar and sweetener overconsumption first-hand, I know just how much it can affect your general health..”
