Facts About Sugar Intake
For the past 20 years, added sugars consumption has been on a significant decline in the United States.
Learn MoreWe all know that there is a serious obesity problem in the United States. With that in mind, it should come as no surprise that during a 40-year period, Americans’ daily consumption went up by more than 450 calories.1 Not to mention, as a society, we move a lot less.2, 3
In 1970, people were consuming 2,024 calories each day. Fast-forward to 2010 (the most recent calorie data), and that figure jumped to 2,476—nearly a 25% increase in calories. But added sugars didn’t make up a very big percentage of the increased intake. Over that same period, added sugars consumption increased only from 20.8 tsp/day to 22.9 tsp/day, a 10% increase of 34.5 kcals/day. Calories from added fats and oils have increased by 225 kcals/day, a 66% increase, and calories from grains have increased by 116 kcals/day, a 28% increase.1
Year | Added Sugars | Grains | Added Fats and Oils | Total Calories |
---|---|---|---|---|
1970 | 333 | 409 | 337 | 2,024 |
1980 | 335 | 437 | 361 | 2,058 |
1990 | 369 | 540 | 395 | 2,255 |
2000 | 415 | 596 | 521 | 2,540 |
2010 | 367 | 581 | 562 | 2,476 |
The calories contributed by major food groups have shifted over the years. Here’s a look at the makeup of the total calories in our diet and the way they’ve changed since 1909.5
1. Food availability (per capita) data system: Loss-adjusted food availability documentation. USDA ERS. Updated Feb. 1, 2017.
2. US Department of Health and Human Services. Available at: 2008 physical activity guidelines for Americans. 2008. Accessed April 20, 2018.
3. Ladabaum U, Mannalithara A, Myer PA, Singh G. Obesity, Abdominal Obesity, Physical Activity, and Caloric Intake in US Adults: 1988 to 2010. Am J Med. 2014;127(8):717-727.e12
4. USDA, U.S. Trends in Food Availability and a Dietary Assessment of Loss-Adjusted Food Availability, 1970-2014, January 2017. Available at: https://www.ers.usda.gov/webdocs/publications/82220/eib-166.pdf?v=42762.
5. U.S. Department of Agriculture, Center for Nutrition Policy and Promotion. Nutrient Content of the U.S. Food Supply, 1909-2010. Available at: https://www.cnpp.usda.gov/USFoodSupply-1909-2010. Accessed April 10, 2018.
For the past 20 years, added sugars consumption has been on a significant decline in the United States.
Learn MoreSugar is added to food for lots of reasons. Read more to learn the most common sources of added sugars in Americans’ diets.
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