Are You a Sugar Addict? The Hidden Epidemic Among Black Americans
A Sugar Addict: Black people consume nearly 19 teaspoons of sugar daily. But if folks are actually addicted to the sweet stuff, how do they stop eating so much?
Sugar addiction isn’t our fault: it’s hidden in nearly every kind of food, including yogurt, spaghetti sauce, and whole-wheat sandwich bread.
Soft drinks, breakfast cereals, cookies a colleague baked — sugar is everywhere. The average American consumes more than 71 grams of added sugar a day. For Black Americans, the number is even higher: nearly 80 grams daily, according to federal data. That means the Standard American Diet keeps many of us on a steady sugar high year-round.
During the holiday season, when food and sweets are woven into nearly every celebration, sugar consumption often surges. From office parties to family dinners, sugar is as much a part of the season as sleigh bells — tempting the more than 60% of Americans who say they’re actively trying to cut back.
Hidden Sugar Is Everywhere
Sugar doesn’t just live in desserts. It’s baked into everyday holiday foods like candied yams, muffins, cranberry sauce, pasta, and potatoes. It shows up in brownies, pound cake, fudge, sugar cookies, and other seasonal treats. And it flows freely in sodas, wine, and cocktails.
At holiday parties, birthday dinners, and cocktail receptions, avoiding sugar can feel as daunting as climbing Mount Everest. Make no mistake, though: sugar is addictive — and Black people are hooked.
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