Germany slashes sugar guidelines to combat obesity and diabetes risks

The German Health Ministry has issued new guidelines to cut down on sugar consumption. The move comes as studies link high sugar intake to rising rates of obesity, diabetes, and heart disease. Over the past five years, daily sugar consumption in the country has dropped, but experts say further reductions are needed. The ministry's recommendations focus on reducing sugary drinks, which often contain high amounts of hidden sugar. A standard 0.5-litre bottle can hold up to 10 teaspoons of sugar, making it a major contributor to excess intake. Instead, health experts advise switching to plain drinking water as the main alternative.

For snacks, the guidelines suggest replacing sweets with fresh fruit, berries, nuts, or seeds. When baking, the ministry recommends using whole-grain flour, adding oats or nuts, and cutting back on sugar in recipes. Dried fruits should be eaten in moderation—no more than two to three servings per week—and without added sugar. The ministry also encourages choosing plain dairy products without additives, flavoured naturally with fresh fruit or berries. Overall, the advice aims to shift diets toward more balanced, less processed options. Data shows per capita sugar intake in Germany has fallen from around 100 grams per day in 2020 to about 85 grams in 2025. This decline is partly due to reduced sugary drink consumption and growing awareness of health risks. However, the ministry's target remains under 50 grams per day, supported by research from the German Nutrition Society (DGE).

The guidelines urge consumers to limit juice to one or two glasses daily and avoid excessive sweets. By making these changes, the ministry hopes to lower obesity and diabetes rates over time. The recommendations align with broader efforts to improve public health through diet.