The recommended daily intake of sugar varies slightly depending on the health organization, but general guidelines focus on limiting "free sugars" or added sugars, which include sugars added to foods and drinks as well as those naturally present in honey, syrups, and fruit juices.

General Recommendations for Adults:

• The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends that free sugars should make up less than 10% of total energy intake, with a further reduction to below 5% for additional health benefits. For an average adult consuming 2,000 calories per day, this corresponds to about 50 grams (approximately 12 teaspoons) of sugar daily, with the 5% target being about 25 grams (6 teaspoons)

• The UK’s NHS advises adults to consume no more than 30 grams (about 7 teaspoons) of free sugars per day, which aligns with the WHO’s 5% recommendation

• The American Heart Association (AHA) recommends stricter limits: men should consume no more than 36 grams (9 teaspoons) and women no more than 25 grams (6 teaspoons) of added sugar per day

Recommendations for Children:

• Limits are lower for children and vary by age. For example, children aged 7 to 10 should have no more than 24 grams (6 teaspoons), and younger children even less

Key Points:

• Sugars naturally found in whole fruits, vegetables, and milk are not included in these limits and do not need to be restricted.
• Added sugars are mainly found in sweets, cakes, biscuits, sugary drinks, and some processed foods.
• Reading nutrition labels to check for "added sugars" is important for managing intake.

In summary, aiming for less than 25 to 30 grams of free or added sugars per day is a widely endorsed target for adults, with even lower amounts recommended for children. Staying within these limits helps reduce risks of obesity, tooth decay, and other health issues linked to excessive sugar consumption.