As people cut back on added sugars, low-calorie sweeteners are stepping in. They add sweetness with few or no calories to sodas and sports drinks, yogurts and ice creams, cookies and candy, toothpaste, and more. Are they safe? It depends on the sweetener. Here are some key findings on the most popular ones. To learn more, check out our guide to sweeteners and other food additives.
Sugary drinks are the leading source of added sugars in the U.S. diet and the majority of U.S. children exceed the recommended daily limit for added sugars. Many restaurant chains have dropped sugary drink offerings to children from sit-down menus in an effort to improve the healthfulness of their kids’ meals. With the recent increase in online ordering, it is important that this commitment to promote healthier options is reflected on online ordering menus.
Children’s consumption of restaurant food is associated with an increased consumption of calories, saturated fat, total sugars, and sugary drinks. Sugary drinks, which are drinks with added sugar or sweeteners like high fructose corn syrup or sucrose, are the leading source of added sugars in U.S. children’s diets.
Added sugar warnings—especially those that disclose added sugar content in teaspoons—may reduce parents’ purchases of high-added-sugar beverages for their young children, according to new research published today in JAMA Network Open
This toolkit is intended to support advocates who want to lead campaigns calling for state and local nutrient warnings on restaurant menus. We outline how nutrient warnings can be used to reduce the purchases of unhealthy foods and drinks, encourage reformulation, and build stronger, healthier, more resilient communities that are better prepared to withstand future public health challenges.
