How much sugar does the average American typically eat in a day?

December 21, 2025 •

2 min read

Recent studies indicate that the average American adult consumes about 17 teaspoons, or 68 grams, of added sugar daily, significantly exceeding recommended limits. Understanding how much sugar does the average American typically eat in a day is the first step toward making healthier dietary choices.

Quick Summary

The average American's daily added sugar intake is significantly higher than health recommendations, primarily from beverages and processed foods, contributing to various health risks.

Key Points

Excessive Consumption: The average American adult consumes roughly 17 teaspoons (68g) of added sugar daily, far exceeding the 6-9 teaspoon recommendations from the AHA.
Major Sources: The primary source of added sugars in the U.S. diet is sugar-sweetened beverages, followed by desserts, sweetened snacks, and processed foods.
Hidden Sugars: Added sugars are often found in surprising places like ketchup, bread, and dressings, making label reading essential for controlling intake.
Significant Health Risks: Excessive added sugar is strongly linked to an increased risk of obesity, type 2 diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure, and fatty liver disease.
Reducing Intake is Possible: Simple strategies like swapping sugary drinks for water, reading nutrition labels, and choosing whole foods can effectively lower daily added sugar consumption.
Natural vs. Added: Added sugars are different from natural sugars found in whole fruits and vegetables, which come with beneficial fiber and nutrients.

The Surprising Truth About Daily Sugar Intake in the U.S.

The average American adult consumes approximately 17 teaspoons of added sugar each day, amounting to over 60 pounds annually. This is more than double the daily limit recommended for men and nearly triple the limit for women by the American Heart Association (AHA). Health organizations view this typical consumption level as a significant concern.

Added Sugar vs. Natural Sugar: The Critical Difference

It's important to distinguish between added sugars, which are sweeteners added during processing, and natural sugars found in whole foods like fruits. Natural sugars in foods like fruit come with fiber and nutrients, while added sugars provide only 'empty calories'. Excessive consumption of added sugars poses the greatest health risks.

Key Sources of Added Sugar in the American Diet

Sweetened beverages are the largest single source of added sugar in the U.S. diet. However, added sugar is present in many other foods, including:

Sugar-Sweetened Beverages (sodas, fruit drinks, energy drinks)
Desserts and Sweet Snacks (cookies, cakes, ice cream)
Processed Foods (ketchup, salad dressings, bread)
Breakfast Cereals and Bars
Sweetened Dairy Products (flavored yogurt, flavored milk)

Comparing Average Intake to Health Recommendations

The average American's daily added sugar intake significantly surpasses recommended limits from health organizations:


	Average American Adult	AHA Recommendation (Men)	AHA Recommendation (Women)	Dietary Guidelines for Americans
Daily Added Sugar	Approx. 17 tsp (68g)	Max 9 tsp (36g)	Max 6 tsp (25g)	<10% of total daily calories (50g for 2000-calorie diet)

The Health Risks of Excessive Sugar Consumption

High added sugar intake is linked to several health problems:

Obesity: Sugary drinks contribute to weight gain.
Heart Disease: A high-sugar diet is associated with increased risk factors like high blood pressure and inflammation.
Type 2 Diabetes: Excessive sugar intake can increase the risk of developing diabetes.
Fatty Liver Disease: Overconsumption can lead to fat accumulation in the liver.
Dental Health: Sugar contributes to cavities and tooth decay.

How to Reduce Your Daily Sugar Intake

Reducing sugar intake can be achieved through gradual changes:

Replace sugary drinks with water or unsweetened options.
Carefully read food labels, checking the 'Added Sugars' section and ingredient list for various sugar names.
Prioritize whole foods over processed ones.
Gradually decrease the amount of sugar added to foods and drinks.
Use natural flavorings like cinnamon or vanilla.

Conclusion

On average, Americans consume significantly more added sugar than recommended, primarily from sweetened beverages and processed foods. This excess contributes to serious health issues like heart disease, obesity, and diabetes. By understanding sugar sources and making informed choices, individuals can reduce their intake and improve their health. The key is awareness and prioritizing nutrient-rich whole foods.

For more detailed information on limiting added sugars, consult resources like the American Heart Association's guide on added sugars.

Frequently Asked Questions

Natural sugars are inherent to whole foods like fruits and vegetables, accompanied by fiber and nutrients. Added sugars are processed sweeteners with no nutritional value, and their overconsumption is the primary health concern.

The American Heart Association (AHA) recommends that most women consume no more than 6 teaspoons (25g) of added sugar per day, and men no more than 9 teaspoons (36g).

Sugar-sweetened beverages are the single largest source, followed by desserts, sweet snacks, sweetened coffee and tea, and processed foods.

Yes. Cutting down on added sugar, particularly from processed foods, frees up calories that can be replaced with more nutrient-dense whole foods like fruits, vegetables, and lean protein.

No. The sugars in whole fruits are absorbed more slowly due to their fiber content and are packaged with vitamins and minerals, unlike the empty calories from added sugar. Moderation is still key, but fruit is a healthy choice.

Look for the 'Added Sugars' line under 'Total Carbohydrates' on the Nutrition Facts panel. Also, check the ingredients list for names like high fructose corn syrup, dextrose, sucrose, and fruit juice concentrate.

Start by swapping one sugary drink per day for water, using spices like cinnamon instead of sugar for flavor, and opting for plain yogurt sweetened with fresh fruit.