PDF Version of Fact Sheet - How Much Sugar is in what we drink? (PDF 137 KB)
Sugar content examples
| Drink Type | Type of Sugar | Average Qty of Sugar (grams) | Average Qty of Sugar (teaspoons) |
|---|
| Water | No sugar and essential for health and hydration | 0 | 0 |
|---|
| Drink Type | Type of Sugar | Average Qty of Sugar (grams) | Average Qty of Sugar (teaspoons) |
|---|
| Milk (low fat) 250ml (1 cup) | Natural sugar | 14g | 3 teaspoons |
|---|
| Drink Type | Type of Sugar | Average Qty of Sugar (grams) | Average Qty of Sugar (teaspoons) |
|---|
| 100% fruit juice 250ml (1 cup) | Natural sugar - but drinking too much can cause tooth decay | 24g | 6 teaspoons |
|---|
| Flavoured milk (small) 300ml | Natural and added sugar - drinking too much can lead to increased weight gain | 28g+ | 7 teaspoons |
|---|
The following types of drinks are
very high in
added sugar
Drinking too much can lead to increased weight gain and tooth decay
| Drink Type | Average Qty of Sugar (grams) | Average Qty of Sugar (teaspoons) |
|---|
| Flavoured fruit drink 250ml | 27g+ | 6.5 teaspoons |
|---|
| Energy drink 600ml | 36g+ | 8.5 teaspoons |
|---|
| Soft drink (Can) 375ml | 38g+ | 9 teaspoons |
|---|
| Soft drink (Buddy) 600ml | 64g+ | 15 teaspoons |
|---|
| Soft drink 1.25 litre bottle - 1250ml | 140g+ | 33 teaspoons |
|---|
Daily intake
There is much debate about ‘daily intake’ of sugar. What we know:
- The Australian Dietary Guidelines recommend limiting intake of foods and drinks containing added sugars.
- Soft drinks and other high sugar drinks such as energy drinks, flavoured mineral waters, fruit drinks and sports drinks can contain amounts of sugar in excess of dietary needs. Therefore, any high sugar drinks that are consumed may contribute to increased weight gain and tooth decay.
- When lots of sugary drinks are consumed on a regular basis, the body can’t use all the sugar and turns it into fat.
- High blood sugar levels and increased weight gain can place strain on key organs such as the heart and kidneys.
High added sugar drinks
Drinking too many high sugar drinks can contribute to:
Being overweight can contribute to:
- Heart disease
- Diabetes
- Other chronic diseases
Diet and low sugar (soft) drinks
- Still contain high levels of acids and additives such as flavours and colours. Drinking soft drink (sugary and diet) regularly can contribute to the erosion of tooth enamel surfaces which then leads to tooth decay.
Further Information