How much sugar is in
what we drink?
Sugar content examples
Drink
Average Qty of sugar
WATER - No Sugar and essential for health & hydration
0
MILK (low fat) 250ml (1cup) – Natural Sugar
14g
3 teaspoons
100% FRUIT JUICE 250 ml (1 cup)
Natural Sugar – but drinking too much can cause tooth
decay
24g
6 teaspoons
FLAVOURED MILK (small) 300ml
Natural AND Added Sugar – drinking too much can lead
to increased weight gain
28g+
7 teaspoons
The following types of drinks are very high in added sugar
Drinking too much can lead to increased weight gain and tooth decay
FRUIT JUICE DRINK 250ml
ENERGY DRINK 600ml
SOFT DRINK (Can) 375ml
SOFT DRINK (Buddy) 600ml
SOFT DRINK 1.25 litre bottle - 1250ml
27g+
6.5 teaspoons
36g+
8.5 teaspoons
38g+
9 teaspoons
64g+
15 teaspoons
140g+
33 teaspoons
Daily intake?
There is much debate about ‘daily intake’ of sugar. What we know:
• The Australian Dietary Guidelines recommend limiting intake of foods and drinks
containing added sugars.
• Soft drinks, and other high added sugar drinks such as energy drinks, flavoured
mineral waters, fruit drinks and sports drinks can contain amounts of sugar in
excess of dietary needs. Therefore any high-added sugar drinks which are
consumed may contribute to increased weight gain and tooth decay.
• When lots of sugary drinks are consumed on a regular basis – the body can’t use all
the sugar and turns it into fat.
• High blood sugar levels and increased weight gain can place strain on key organs
such as the heart and kidneys.
High added sugar drinks
Drinking too many high added sugar drinks can contribute to:
• Tooth decay
• Weight gain
Being overweight can contribute to:
• Heart disease
• Diabetes
• Other chronic diseases
Diet and low sugar (soft) drinks
• Still contain high levels of acids and additives such as flavours and colours. Drinking
soft drink (sugary and diet) regularly can contribute to the erosion of tooth enamel
surfaces which then leads to tooth decay.
Further Information
• Australian Guide to Healthy Eating – www.health.gov.au
• Better Health Channel – www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au
• Australian Dietary Guidelines – www.eatforhealth.gov.au