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Nutrient

Added sugar

Related terms: Sugar, Free sugars, Sugary drinks, Soft drinks

EstablishedTextbook physiology, or consistent findings reflected in national guidance.
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Sugar added to foods and drinks during processing, unlike the sugars found naturally in foods. Australian guidelines recommend limiting added sugar.

  • Sugar substitutes can still cause tooth decay and are not suitable for everyone, according to healthdirect.
  • Drinks high in sugar or fructose are a risk factor for gout.
  • A diet high in saturated fats and sugars can raise cholesterol.

How it works

Added sugars are refined from plants such as sugar cane and added to foods and drinks. The World Health Organization recommends that sugar makes up 10% or less of daily energy, and less than 5% (about 6 teaspoons or 25 g) can bring more health benefits. Too much added sugar makes you more likely to be overweight or obese, with complications such as type 2 diabetes, stroke, high blood pressure, some cancers, heart disease and kidney disease, and it increases the risk of tooth decay.

Soft drinks, sports and energy drinks, iced tea, cordial and juices, cakes, muffins and biscuits, ice cream, desserts and lollies, and some breakfast cereals and muesli bars can be high in added sugar. Low-sugar foods have less than 2.5 g of sugar per 100 g, and sugar can be listed on labels as sucrose, glucose, fructose, dextrose, maltose, golden syrup or maple syrup.

Connections

4 connections on the map. Select a topic to read its page.

Added sugar can raise GoutGoutAdded sugar can raise High cholesterolHigh cholesterolAdded sugar can raise Overweight and obesityOverweight and obesityAdded sugar can raise Type 2 diabetesType 2 diabetesAdded sugar can raise GoutGoutAdded sugar can raise High cholesterolHigh cholesterolAdded sugar can raise Overweight and obesityOverweight and obesityAdded sugar can raise Type 2 diabetesType 2 diabetes

Added sugar can raise

Sources

  1. Sugarhealthdirect Australia, last reviewed October 2025
  2. Gouthealthdirect Australia, last reviewed March 2026
  3. Cholesterolhealthdirect Australia, last reviewed April 2026

Each connection above names its own source. See every source AskBioMap uses.

Summarised from healthdirect. Sources read on 16 and 19 October 2026. General education only, not medical advice. Spotted a mistake? Please tell us through the HuBu-Intel contact page.

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