The study, released as part of the charity’s ‘National Smile Month’ campaign, has revealed that 84 per cent of the population indulges in at least one sugary snack daily, with 79 per cent admitting to consuming up to three sugary snacks every day.
The survey finds that 62 per cent get their sugar intake from foods like sweets, desserts, and processed foods. Meanwhile, 45 per cent consume sugar from drinks such as fizzy drinks, tea, coffee, and alcoholic beverages. Only 13 per cent are taking active steps to limit their sugar intake.
The Oral Health Foundation has voiced concerns about the impact of the UK's sugar consumption on oral health. They have called for a series of new measures to combat the dental complications arising from sugar intake.
Nigel Carter, chief executive of the Oral Health Foundation, said, "Around one-in-three adults in the UK suffer from tooth decay, with sugar being the cause. We are in dire need of a stronger approach to take on the sugar industry and to promote a healthier, sugar-conscious society.
“This includes stricter regulations on sugar content in processed foods, implementing a ‘sugar tax’ on high-sugar foods and beverages, and decisive action on sugar-based advertising.
“These policies push sugar off supermarket shelves, encourage manufacturers to cut sugar in their products, and reduces our exposure to sugar marketing, helping us to pursue healthier choices."
Recent research shows the UK ranks 54th out of 165 countries in terms of sugar consumption per person.
The government recommends that free sugars should not make up more than 5 per cent of the energy (calories) we get from food and drink each day. However, UK residents consume nine per cent to 12.5 per cent of their calories from free sugars.
Free sugars are sugars that are added to food and drinks.
The data also shows significant age and regional disparities when it comes to mass sugar consumption. For instance, 10 per cent of adults aged 18-34 consume over four sugary snacks daily – a rate that is five times higher than that over-55.
Geographically, Northern Ireland has the highest rate of sugar consumption in the UK, with 19 per cent of its population consuming four or more sugary snacks per day. This is significantly higher than the UK average of 5 per cent.
During National Smile Month, the Oral Health Foundation aimed to raise awareness about the dangers of sugars in our diets. The charity believes that recognising these hidden sugars is the first step to avoiding them.
The Oral Health Foundation has said many common foods and drinks contain sugars like sucrose, glucose, fructose, maltose, molasses, hydrolysed starch, and corn syrup, often without consumers realising it.
Nigel adds, "Many people don't realise how much sugar is hidden in everyday foods.
“By learning to identify these hidden sugars, we can make healthier choices and protect our oral health. Start by reading labels carefully and opting for fresh, whole foods whenever possible."
The official recommendations on sugar consumption
· Adults should have no more than 30g of free sugars a day, (roughly equivalent to seven sugar cubes).
· Children aged seven to 10 should have no more than 24g of free sugars a day (six sugar cubes).
· Children aged four to six should have no more than 19g of free sugars a day (five sugar cubes).
· There's no guideline limit for children under the age of four, but it's recommended they avoid sugar-sweetened drinks and food with sugar added to it.