Understanding How Much Sugar is in Mexico's Diet

November 30, 2025 •

3 min read

According to a 2012 national survey, added sugars contributed 12.5% of total energy intake in the Mexican diet, with sugar-sweetened beverages being the main source. This high consumption rate sheds light on the serious public health challenges facing the country, including the question of exactly how much sugar is in Mexico's diet and its consequences.

Quick Summary

Mexico's diet historically includes high added sugar intake, predominantly from sweetened beverages, far exceeding health recommendations and correlating with high rates of obesity and diabetes.

Key Points

High Per Capita Consumption: In 2021, Mexico's per capita sugar consumption was 34.6 kg, ranking among the highest globally and far exceeding health recommendations.
SSBs are the Main Source: Sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs), including soda and aguas frescas, are the single largest source of added sugars in the Mexican diet, contributing up to 70% of added sugar intake.
Significant Health Consequences: High sugar consumption is a major driver of Mexico's public health crisis, contributing to high rates of obesity, type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular disease.
Taxation as a Policy Response: Mexico implemented a national excise tax on sugary drinks in 2014, which has been shown to reduce household purchases, especially among lower-income populations.
Underlying Socioeconomic Factors: Challenges like unequal access to clean drinking water and aggressive marketing have contributed to high SSB consumption, particularly in lower socioeconomic and rural areas.
Nutrition Transition: Mexico has undergone a dietary shift from traditional foods to more processed, high-sugar Western diets, fueling the epidemic of chronic diseases.

The High Consumption of Added Sugars

Mexico has faced a significant and sustained challenge with high sugar consumption for decades. Data from a 2012 National Health and Nutrition Survey (ENSANUT) indicated that Mexicans' intake of added sugars was approximately 238 kcal per day. This represented about 12.5% of total energy intake, surpassing the World Health Organization (WHO) recommendation of less than 10%. Mexico has been ranked among countries with high per capita sugar consumption.

The Dominance of Sugary Drinks

A major factor in high sugar intake is the widespread consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs). SSBs have been identified as the primary source of added sugars in the Mexican diet, accounting for a large percentage of total added sugar intake according to the 2012 survey. High SSB consumption is prevalent across age groups, including children and adolescents.

Regular Sodas: A significant contributor to added sugar intake.
Aguas Frescas: Traditional drinks which can contain high amounts of added sugar.
Sweetened Milks and Teas: Also contribute notably, particularly for children.

Other Sources of Added Sugar

Beyond beverages, other foods, often ultra-processed, also contribute to the national sugar intake. High in Saturated Fat and/or Added Sugar (HSFAS) foods, such as pastries and snacks, are the second-highest source of added sugar after SSBs. The availability of inexpensive "comida chatarra" (junk food) further compounds the issue.

Pastries and Desserts: Common snacks and dessert items.
Sweets and Confectionery: Widely consumed traditional sweets.
Condiments and Sauces: Some processed items may contain hidden added sugars.

Health Consequences and Policy Responses

Elevated sugar consumption in Mexico is strongly linked to a public health crisis characterized by high rates of obesity and type 2 diabetes. A 2019 study suggested a connection between SSB consumption and all-cause mortality in adults. This situation has prompted policy actions.

In 2014, Mexico implemented an excise tax on SSBs and high-calorie density foods. Studies have indicated that this tax led to a reduction in household SSB purchases, particularly among low-income households. This tax is part of broader efforts to address the chronic disease epidemic.

Comparison: Mexican Sugar Intake vs. Health Recommendations


Metric	Mexico (2012 Average)	WHO Recommendation (<10% TEI)	AHA Recommendation (Adults)
Added Sugar % of Total Energy	12.5%	<10%	<5% is ideal
Added Sugar (kcal/day)	238 kcal	<200 kcal (based on 2000 kcal diet)	Max 150 kcal (men), 100 kcal (women)
Average Daily Consumption (g)	~55 g (estimated added sugar)	<50 g	36 g (men), 25 g (women)

The "Nutrition Transition" and Cultural Context

The shift in the Mexican diet is often termed a "nutrition transition," moving away from traditional diets towards those higher in processed foods, sugar, and saturated fats. This change is influenced by several factors:

Availability of clean water: Limited access to safe drinking water in some areas has led to reliance on sweetened bottled beverages.
Urbanization and Lifestyles: Modern lifestyles often favor convenient, pre-packaged, and sugary foods.
Marketing and Economics: Marketing and the use of ingredients like high-fructose corn syrup have made sugary drinks inexpensive and accessible.

Addressing Mexico's high sugar intake is complex, requiring a multifaceted approach beyond taxation. This includes community programs, improved nutritional labeling, and better access to clean water and healthy foods. More information on health challenges and policies can be found via the National Institutes of Health.

Conclusion

In conclusion, understanding how much sugar is in Mexico's diet reveals a significant public health issue. High average consumption, largely from sugary drinks and processed foods, contributes to a substantial burden of chronic diseases. While policies like the SSB tax are a step forward, the problem is deeply rooted in socioeconomic factors and dietary changes. A comprehensive strategy involving policy, education, and infrastructure is needed to promote healthier diets and improve public health in Mexico.

Sources

National Institutes of Health (NIH): https://jn.nutrition.org/article/S0022-3166(22)16618-6/fulltext
UNC Gillings School of Global Public Health: https://sph.unc.edu/sph-news/adults-in-mexico-are-consuming-fewer-soft-drinks-three-years-into-a-sugary-beverage-tax/

Frequently Asked Questions

In 2021, the average per capita sugar consumption in Mexico was 34.6 kg per year. While a 2012 study showed added sugar intake was 238 kcal per day, specific figures can vary based on the data source and year.

The primary source of added sugars in Mexico is sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs), such as sodas and sweetened fruit drinks, followed by high-sugar processed foods like pastries and packaged desserts.

High sugar consumption is attributed to a combination of factors, including a 'nutrition transition' towards processed foods, widespread availability and affordability of sugary drinks, and historical issues with access to clean, affordable drinking water.

The high consumption of sugar in Mexico is a significant factor contributing to epidemics of obesity, type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular disease.

Yes, Mexico introduced a 1 peso per liter excise tax on sugar-sweetened beverages in 2014. This policy has been associated with a measurable decrease in the purchase of these drinks.

Initial studies show the tax led to a decline in SSB purchases, especially in low-income households. While promising, experts suggest sustained, long-term health improvements require a broader set of policy and public health interventions.

The nutrition transition refers to the widespread shift in dietary patterns in Mexico, moving away from traditional, whole foods and towards Western-style diets characterized by high consumption of processed foods, sugars, and fats.