Evolution of household availability of added sugars and their sources in Brazil: analysis of Household Budget Surveys from 2002 to 2017

Abstract

The objective of this study was to describe the evolution of household purchase of added sugars and their main food sources in Brazil. Nationally representative data from the Household Budget Surveys from 2002-03, 2008-09 and 2017-18 were used. Energy and added sugar quantities were estimated by means of per capita food quantities. The following items were considered as food sources: 1. table sugar: refined sugar and other caloric sweeteners; and 2) processed and ultra-processed foods with added sugar: soft drinks; other drinks; sweets, candies, and chocolates; cookies; cakes and pies; and other foods. The following parameters were estimated: mean share of added sugar in total energy and, for food sources, the share of added sugar in total sugar intake, and the impact of variations in sources of added sugar between 2008-09 and 2017-18. There was a regular share of energy from added sugar to total energy intake between 2002-03 and 2008-09 but a reduced share in 2017-18. Between 2008-09 and 2017-18, there was a decrease in the share of refined sugar and other sweeteners and soft drinks to total sugar intake, and an increased share of all other items. High-income households had a lower share of refined sugar and other caloric sweeteners, but a higher share of soft drinks, sweets, candies, and chocolates. The decrease in added sugar in 2017-18 was mainly due to the lower share of soft drinks. In conclusion, Brazilians’ total intake of added sugar was decreased, mostly owing to reduced consumption of sugar from soft drinks.