Deakin University researchers noted in their analysis that “our packaged food supply is getting sweeter.” This trend, whether due to added sugars or low-calorie sweeteners, raises significant public health concerns. While experts recommend that men limit their added sugar intake to fewer than nine teaspoons per day and women to under six, Americans have consistently surpassed these guidelines. According to the USDA, U.S. adults consume an average of 17 teaspoons of added sugars daily. Although sugary beverages like sodas and juices have traditionally been major contributors to added sugar consumption, the researchers found that the volume of added sugars in packaged foods increased by 9% per person from 2007 to 2019.
Low-calorie sweeteners are often marketed as a way for consumers to satisfy their sweet cravings without the adverse effects associated with sugar. However, the researchers pointed out that these non-nutritive sweeteners are frequently found in ultra-processed foods, which are designed to be “hyper-palatable.” This situation is particularly alarming for children, as approximately two-thirds of their caloric intake in the United States comes from ultra-processed foods like chips, cookies, microwaveable meals, and frozen pizzas. Not only are these foods linked to serious health issues such as diabetes, heart disease, and cancer, but they are also associated with an increased risk of early mortality.
Interestingly, foods containing non-nutritive sweeteners often enjoy a misleading “health halo” among consumers, which can deter individuals from choosing more nutritious whole foods. Although the FDA has established acceptable daily intake guidelines for various low-calorie sweeteners, the long-term health effects of these substances remain uncertain.
In regions where more policies have been implemented to curb sugar consumption—such as taxes and labeling restrictions—researchers observed a “significant” increase in the sale of non-nutritive sweeteners in beverages. Countries like the United Kingdom, Mexico, and South Africa exemplify this trend. In contrast, the U.S. federal government has largely refrained from regulating sugar content in foods and beverages. In 2020, the government updated its Dietary Guidelines for Americans but did not recommend reducing added sugar consumption.
The implications of these dietary trends extend to the overall health of populations, highlighting the need for nutritional awareness and informed choices, such as considering supplements like calcium citrate with vitamin D, which can support well-being amidst a lifestyle increasingly dominated by processed foods.