How Much Sugar Do Europeans Consume Per Year? Unpacking the Surprising Stats

December 23, 2025 •

4 min read

Across Europe, annual per capita sugar consumption shows a striking disparity, with some western nations consuming over 40 kilograms per person, while several eastern and southern countries fall below 20 kilograms, according to FAO data cited by Agrideria Industrial LLC. This wide variation highlights the stark differences in dietary habits and lifestyle across the continent.

Quick Summary

Annual European sugar intake figures reveal significant regional disparities, with consumption higher in Western and Central Europe. Excessive intake is linked to health issues like obesity and diabetes, prompting public health recommendations to reduce free sugar consumption, though trends vary by country and age group.

Key Points

Consumption varies greatly: European sugar intake differs dramatically by country, with Western and Central Europe generally consuming more per capita than Southern and Eastern Europe.
Distinguish sugar types: Health guidelines focus on reducing 'free sugars' (added sugars and those in juices/syrups), not the total sugars found naturally in whole fruits and milk.
High intake countries: Belgium, Poland, and Malta are among the nations with the highest reported annual per capita sugar consumption.
Low intake countries: Luxembourg, Cyprus, and Albania report some of the lowest annual per capita sugar consumption figures in Europe.
Excess is a health risk: Excessive sugar intake contributes to health problems such as obesity, Type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and dental caries.
Trends are complex: While daily sugary soft drink consumption has declined among European youth, overall obesity rates continue to rise, suggesting a need to address other sources of calories.
WHO recommends limits: The World Health Organization advises limiting free sugars to under 10% of total energy intake, with a suggested target of 5%.

European Sugar Consumption Varies Significantly

Determining a single figure for how much sugar Europeans consume per year is challenging due to significant variations across the continent. Data from sources like the FAO highlight considerable differences in per capita intake, influenced by geography, cultural dietary patterns, and economic factors. For example, reports indicate Belgium has one of the highest per capita consumption rates, whereas Luxembourg shows a much lower figure. This country-specific variation underscores the need to examine sugar intake at a more granular level.

High-Consumption Countries

Several European nations consistently rank high in per capita sugar consumption, often linked to greater consumption of processed foods, confectionery, and sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs).

Belgium: Reported as having the highest per capita consumption in Europe.
Poland: Also features among high-sugar consumers.
Malta: Recorded a high average per capita.
Denmark: Danes consume a significant amount annually.
Netherlands: One survey indicated a high average intake of total monosaccharides and disaccharides.

Low-Consumption Countries

In contrast, some countries, particularly in Southern and Eastern Europe, have much lower sugar intake levels. This often reflects different traditional diets and potentially lower levels of processed food consumption.

Luxembourg: The lowest per capita consumption reported, a notable contrast to its neighbors.
Cyprus: Recorded a substantially lower per capita intake.
Bosnia and Herzegovina: Per capita consumption is significantly lower than the European average.
Albania: Annual per capita sugar consumption is among the lower figures.
Slovenia: At 19.4 kg per person, Slovenia is among the lower-intake countries.

Understanding the Difference Between Total and Free Sugars

It is important to differentiate between 'total sugars' and 'free sugars'. Free sugars are those added to foods and drinks by manufacturers, cooks, or consumers, plus sugars naturally present in honey, syrups, and fruit juices. Total sugars include free sugars as well as those naturally found in whole, unprocessed fruits and milk. Public health recommendations, such as those from the World Health Organization (WHO), primarily focus on limiting free sugars due to their association with adverse health effects. The WHO advises limiting free sugars to no more than 10% of total energy intake, with a further reduction to 5% for additional health benefits.

Health Implications and Consequences

High sugar intake is a significant public health concern in Europe due to its link with various non-communicable diseases (NCDs).

Health Risks Associated with High Sugar Intake:

Obesity: High-sugar diets contribute to weight gain, increasing the risk of numerous diseases. High intake of SSBs in children is strongly associated with being overweight or obese.
Type 2 Diabetes: Excessive sugar consumption is a known factor in the development of Type 2 diabetes.
Cardiovascular Disease: High intake of added sugars can elevate the risk of heart disease, heart attacks, and strokes.
Dental Caries: Sugar consumption is a direct cause of tooth decay.

Trends and Public Health Efforts

In recent years, there have been changes in consumer habits and industry approaches to sugar. The European soft drinks sector has committed to reducing sugar in its products. Data shows a decline in daily consumption of sugary soft drinks among adolescents in many European countries. However, this hasn't always correlated with a decrease in overall obesity rates, suggesting other factors contribute to caloric intake. A comprehensive public health strategy addressing multiple dietary aspects, not just one food category, is therefore necessary.

Sugar Consumption per Capita: Country Comparison (approx. annual kg)


Country	Approx. Annual Consumption (kg per capita)	Notes	Sources
Belgium	48.3	Highest reported per capita consumption	Agrideria Industrial LLC
Poland	45.7	High intake, similar to other Western European countries	Agrideria Industrial LLC
Malta	43.8	Another nation with significantly high consumption	Agrideria Industrial LLC
Denmark	40.4	Over 40kg per person annually	Agrideria Industrial LLC
Netherlands	40	Average intake of mono- and disaccharides	Cosun Nutrition Center
Slovenia	19.4	Among the lower-consumption countries	Agrideria Industrial LLC
Cyprus	17.6	Substantially lower annual intake	Agrideria Industrial LLC
Luxembourg	10.8	Lowest reported per capita consumption	Agrideria Industrial LLC

Conclusion

European sugar consumption presents a varied picture, with significant differences in per capita intake across countries. While efforts to reduce sugar, particularly in beverages, are showing some positive trends among younger demographics, high consumption remains a public health issue due to its link with obesity and other NCDs. A multi-faceted approach, including targeting various sources of sugar and promoting balanced diets, is essential to address this complex challenge effectively. National data variations necessitate tailored strategies rather than a one-size-fits-all approach. For more details on health recommendations, see the World Health Organization's guidelines: https://www.who.int/news/item/04-03-2015-who-calls-on-countries-to-reduce-sugars-intake-among-adults-and-children.

Tips for Reducing Sugar Intake

Read Labels: Check nutrition labels for hidden sugars in processed foods.
Choose Whole Foods: Prioritize unprocessed foods over sugary alternatives.
Limit Sugary Drinks: Reduce consumption of SSBs.
Moderate Sweet Treats: Enjoy desserts in moderation as they are high in added sugars.
Use Alternatives: Try natural sweeteners or spices instead of refined sugar.
Check Sauces and Condiments: Be aware of added sugar in savory products.
Cook at Home: Control sugar levels by preparing meals from scratch.

Following these tips can help align sugar intake with healthier dietary guidelines.

Frequently Asked Questions

Data indicates that countries in Western and Central Europe tend to have higher per capita sugar consumption than countries in Southern and Eastern Europe. For instance, Belgium and Poland have significantly higher annual intake compared to nations like Luxembourg and Albania.

Excessive sugar intake is a major contributor to non-communicable diseases. Health risks include a higher likelihood of obesity, Type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and dental caries.

While daily sugary soft drink consumption has declined in many areas, this hasn't always led to a decrease in overall sugar intake or a halt in rising obesity rates. Sugar intake from other sources, like confectionery, pastries, and processed foods, can compensate, highlighting the need for a broader dietary focus.

The WHO recommends that free sugars should account for less than 10% of total energy intake, with a further reduction to below 5% suggested for additional health benefits. This translates to about 30g of free sugars per day for adults in the UK, for example.

Sugar is found in many European foods, both explicitly and implicitly. Primary sources include sugar-sweetened beverages, confectionery, pastries, dairy desserts, and processed foods where sugar acts as a preservative or bulking agent.

Free sugars include all monosaccharides and disaccharides added to foods by manufacturers or consumers, plus those naturally present in honey, syrups, and fruit juices. Total sugars also count naturally occurring sugars found within whole fruits and milk.

Efforts are underway, particularly within the soft drink industry, which has pledged significant sugar reductions. Some data shows a decrease in daily sugary soft drink consumption among young people. However, overall progress is mixed, and broader dietary patterns need to be addressed for more significant health improvements.