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Study Links Rising Temperatures to Increased Sugar Intake

9/19/2025

Summary

Story summary

A Cardiff University study links rising temperatures to increased sugar consumption in the U.S. from 2004 to 2019.
For each 1.8°F increase, daily sugar intake rose by 0.7 grams per person, totaling over 100 million pounds annually.
Sugar spikes peaked between 54°F and 86°F, especially in sugary drinks and frozen desserts.
Predictions indicate a potential rise of nearly 3 grams daily by 2095 under high emissions scenarios.
Low-income families consume up to five times more added sugar during heat waves, raising public health concerns.

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Story summary

A Cardiff University study links rising temperatures to increased sugar consumption in the U.S. from 2004 to 2019.
For each 1.8°F increase, daily sugar intake rose by 0.7 grams per person, totaling over 100 million pounds annually.
Sugar spikes peaked between 54°F and 86°F, especially in sugary drinks and frozen desserts.
Predictions indicate a potential rise of nearly 3 grams daily by 2095 under high emissions scenarios.
Low-income families consume up to five times more added sugar during heat waves, raising public health concerns.