How Much Sugar do Americans Consume Each Year?

Americans consume on average 3 rimes as much sugar as recommended by nutritionists.  The result- the health of our nation is declining.

Too much, to be sure.  

In 1970, we ate 123 pounds of sugar per year. Today, the average American consumes almost 152 pounds of sugar in one year. This is equal to 3 pounds (or 6 cups) of sugar consumed in one week!

Nutritionists suggest that Americans should get only 10% of their calories from sugar. This equals 13.3 teaspoons of sugar per day (based on 2,000 calories per day). The current average is 42.5 teaspoons of sugar per day!

Sugar by any other name...
Sugar comes in different forms and a variety of names. All of the following
sweeteners provide you with calories and all have little or no nutritional value
(known as ‘empty calories’).
• Sugar • Dextrose • Maltose
• Glucose • Fructose • Corn sweetener
• Honey • Corn syrup • Sucrose
• Sorghum syrup • Sorbitol • Brown sugar
• Lactose • Molasses • Syrup
• Fruit juice concentrate
• High-fructose corn syrup