Consumption

Added Sugars Intake in Canada: 

• Canadian dietary survey data (CCHS) provides the best available information on sugars intakes in Canada.
• On average, Canadians get about 11% of their daily energy from added sugars. This is close to international dietary guidelines that recommend limiting added sugars to less than 10% energy (1).
• “Added sugars” includes all sugars and syrups added to foods and drinks at home and by food manufacturers but does not include naturally occurring sugars, such as in fruit, fruit juice, and unsweetened dairy products.
• Intakes of added sugars vary by age group:
  • Adults consume the lowest amounts of added sugars, with an average of 8.6% energy (2).
  • Adolescents consume higher amounts,with an average above a 10% guideline (3).
• Fruit is the top source of total sugars for all age groups. Adults and adolescents consume a higher proportion of their sugars from added sources, like soft drinks, baked goods, and frozen desserts (2,3).
• Those consuming a moderate amount of total and added sugars have higher intakes of some key nutrients and vitamins and minerals, such as vitamin C and potassium, due to higher intakes of fruit and dairy products (2,3).

Trends in Added Sugars Intakes: 

• According to market availability trends, added sugars intake in Canada has gradually decreased over the past 20 years (4).
• Similar declines in added sugars consumption have been seen in other countries like the United States, United Kingdom, and Australia (4).
• Media articles in Canada often quote American sugars consumption statistics, however our eating patterns are different. Canadian adults consume nearly 1/3 less added sugars than US adults, mostly because they drink fewer soft drinks (4).

Data source: Statistics Canada, Table 32-10-0054-01, Food available in Canada. Adjusted for waste using updated USDA Loss-Adjusted Food Availability Documentation. Added sugars include refined sugar, maple sugar, honey, and sugars in soft drinks. 
Note: Variability in sugars and syrups reflects substitution with high fructose corn syrup in soft drinks, and the total amount of sugars, syrups and soft drinks is an overestimate in some years. Soft drink data also includes non-caloric soft drinks (which do not contain sugars); therefore, sugars in soft drinks is an overestimate.

For more information, additional resources include:

• Webpage - Consumption of Sugars in Canada
• Fact Sheet - Frequently Asked Questions: Sugars Consumption
• Infographic - Sugars Consumption in Canada

References:

1. Dietary Guidelines for Americans 2020-2025. https://www.dietaryguidelines.gov/ 
2. Wang Y(F), et al. Canadian Adults with Moderate Intakes of Total and Added Sugars Have Greater Intakes of Fibre and Key Micronutrients. Nutrients. 2020;12:(4):1124.
3. Chiavroli L, et al. Intakes of Nutrients and Food Categories in Children and Adolescents Across Levels of Sugars Intake. Appl Physiol Nutr Met. 2022;47(4):415-28.
4. Wang Y(F), et al. Trends in Loss-Adjusted Availability of Added Sugars and Energy Contribution from Macronutrients and Major Food Groups in Canada and the United States. JANA. 2023;42(5):459-68.