South Korea's sugar intake rises despite taxes and health warnings

Sugar consumption in South Korea has risen in recent years, despite efforts to cut back. The average daily intake per person reached 59.8 grams in 2023, slightly up from 58.7 grams in 2020. Health officials warn that sugary drinks and desserts remain the biggest sources of excess sugar in diets across the country.

Since 2016, the average sugar content in drinks and sweet products has dropped from 48 grams to 42 grams per day. This decline followed a 2018 sugar tax on sugary beverages, mandatory sugar labelling introduced in 2020, and industry pledges to reduce sugar by 20% by 2025. Yet, despite these measures, overall sugar intake has still climbed.

The Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency highlighted that beverages and ice cream contribute heavily to high sugar consumption. In 2023, 16.9% of the population consumed sugar beyond recommended levels. Women were more affected, with 21% exceeding limits compared to 12.9% of men. Children under nine had the highest rates, with 26.7% consuming too much sugar.

President Lee Jae Myung has proposed expanding the sugar tax to further reduce intake and fund health insurance. The move comes as officials seek ways to address rising health concerns linked to excessive sugar.

While policies like taxes and labelling have lowered sugar in some products, overall consumption continues to grow. The government now faces the challenge of reversing this trend, particularly among children and women. Further steps may be needed to bring intake in line with health guidelines.