Sugar Consumption Trends in Mexico
Understanding how much sugar do Mexicans consume requires looking at historical trends and policy interventions. Mexico has faced a public health crisis linked to high sugar intake for decades. Data from the ENSANUT 2012 survey revealed that the average intake of added sugars in the Mexican diet was higher than World Health Organization recommendations, with sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs) being the main source.
Historically, per capita sugar consumption peaked in the early 2000s, reaching as high as 47.3 kg in 1990, and has been progressively falling since 2004. This decline is influenced by multiple factors, including the introduction of a sugar tax, public health campaigns, and increased access to drinking water. The 2014 tax on SSBs, for instance, showed a sustained reduction in purchases over its first two years, especially among lower-income households.
The Impact of Public Policy
In 2014, the Mexican government implemented a 1 peso per liter excise tax on non-alcoholic beverages with added sugar. This policy was part of a broader strategy to combat obesity and diabetes. Early studies showed a positive effect, with a notable reduction in SSB purchases. Furthermore, more recent regulations, including mandatory front-of-package labeling with warning labels, have been introduced to help consumers make more informed choices. These regulations prohibit the use of animated characters and require prominent black labels indicating high sugar, fat, or calorie content.
Key Sources of Sugar Intake
While traditional Mexican cuisine often incorporates fresh ingredients, the modern diet has seen a significant shift towards processed foods and sugary drinks.
- Sugar-Sweetened Beverages (SSBs): Studies show that SSBs, including sodas, flavored drinks, and sweetened teas, are the largest contributor to added sugar intake. Some regions, like the state of Chiapas, have historically exhibited extremely high SSB consumption, more than five times the national average.
- Processed Foods: Items high in saturated fat and added sugar (HSFAS), such as pastries and cookies, are the second leading source of added sugars.
- Sweeteners: The consumption of non-sugar caloric sweeteners, like high-fructose corn syrup (HFCS), increased after the implementation of NAFTA. However, this trend has also seen some decline in recent years, influenced by market forces and consumer preferences.
Comparative Analysis: Sugar Consumption
To put Mexico's sugar intake into perspective, the following table compares key consumption metrics and trends.
| Metric | Mexico (Approx.) | Global Average (Approx.) | WHO Recommendation | Source(s) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Per capita sugar (2021) | 34.6 kg/year | ~22.8 kg/year (proj. 2033) | - | |
| SSB consumption peak | ~137 liters/person/year (pre-tax) | ~25 liters/person/year | - | |
| Added sugars (% of TEI) | 12.5% (ENSANUT 2012) | <10% (TEI) | <10% (TEI) |
Health Implications
High sugar consumption has significant health consequences for the Mexican population. Diabetes, a leading cause of death in Mexico, affects a large portion of the population, and its prevalence has increased dramatically over the last two decades. In 2015, the cost of treating diabetes and its complications was estimated at billions of dollars. High sugar intake, particularly from SSBs, is a recognized risk factor for type 2 diabetes, obesity, and cardiovascular diseases (CVD). Simulation studies project that the SSB tax could have a substantial long-term impact on reducing diabetes and CVD cases, as well as associated healthcare costs, particularly among younger demographics.
Conclusion
The amount of sugar Mexicans consume has been a persistent public health issue, largely driven by high intake of sugary beverages and processed foods. While recent public policies, such as the 2014 SSB tax and stricter labeling laws, have shown evidence of influencing consumer behavior and decreasing overall sugar intake, significant challenges remain. Continued public health interventions, educational campaigns, and efforts to increase access to drinking water are crucial for sustaining and amplifying these positive trends. The link between dietary habits and the high prevalence of non-communicable diseases underscores the importance of ongoing efforts to reduce sugar consumption and promote healthier lifestyles across all socioeconomic and regional groups in Mexico.
For more detailed information on the projected impact of Mexico's sugar-sweetened beverage tax, you can review this study: Projected Impact of Mexico’s Sugar-Sweetened Beverage Tax Policy on Diabetes and Cardiovascular Disease.
