Sugar coating

Per capita sugar consumption in the US has witnessed a fluctuating trend over the last few decades. From the 1970s through the late 1990s, there was a notable rise in sugar consumption, peaking at around 70 kilograms per person annually in 1999. However, since the early 2000s, there has been a 19% decline in per capita sugar intake, with people becoming more health-conscious and aware of the potential risks associated with excessive sugar consumption. This shift has been driven by increased public awareness, dietary guidelines, and a growing interest in alternative sweeteners. However, a popular alternative sweetener aspartame is now under scrutiny from the World Health Organization as possibly having the potential to cause cancer.

Source: US Department of Agriculture, October 2022.