So unless you’ve tried to give up sugar completely (recently tried by vlogger and fitness model Jason Whitrock), then you’ll find it very difficult to avoid added sugars in most of our western diet.

So how much sugar is too much?

In the UK, the NHS recommends that:

“Added sugars shouldn’t make up more than 5% energy (calorie intake) from food and drink each day.  This is about 30g of sugar for those aged 11 or over.”

In the US, the guidelines are slightly different.  The American Heart Association says:

“no more than 9 teaspoons (38g) of added sugar per day for men, and 6 teaspoons (25g) per day for women.  The AHA limits for children vary on their age and calorific needs, but range between 3-6 teaspoons (12-25g) per day.”

To put this into context:

1 x 330ml can of Classic Coca Cola = 35g sugar (8.3 teaspoons)

1 x 500ml bottle of Classic Coca Cola = 53g sugar (12.6 teaspoons)

So get thirsty, “reach for a Coke” and there’s your entire daily allowance consumed.