A MERE six per cent of adults in Worcester have become more aware of their sugar intake in the past year and would like to cut it down, according to a new survey.

The study was commissioned by Swiss sugar-free confectionery business Ricola and concludes the findings make Worcester the lowest ranked area in the country.

The research, which involved 4,000 adults across the UK, is part of the company’s Sugar Swap campaign and follows a new initiative by the Government through Public Health England’s Change4Life campaign to promote a ‘Sugar Smart’ app, which allows consumers to scan bar codes of products to reveal how much sugar is in everyday food and drink, including sweets.

The Ricola commissioned research found that only 46 per cent of adults questioned in Worcester are careful about their sugar intake; while 20 per cent of sweet-toothed adults admit to enjoying at least one sugary treat every day and worryingly; 54 per cent of those surveyed don’t monitor their weekly sugar intake but 20 per cent do recognise that they consume too much sugar.

UK Dietician, Kirsten Crothers, who is working with Ricola on the Sugar Swap campaign says: “Frequent intake of foods which are high in sugar can lead to obesity and other associated life threatening conditions, such as heart disease and diabetes. Unfortunately, as with many health messages, people are confused about what to eat and how to make lower sugar changes to their diet. Practical education is needed within the UK to help what is now a health crisis”

While the UK is becoming more educated on the harmful effects of too much sugar in the diet, many are still misled by conflicting guidance around sugar-laden snacks such as sweetened drinks, cereal, chocolate, sweets and fruit juice.

Latest government advice recommends that adults should consume no more than 30g of sugar per day, the equivalent of less than a single can of Coca-Cola.

Even simple everyday items such as a packet of extra strong mints can contain up to 95 per cent sugar. It’s treats such as these that Ricola is encouraging people to stop, think and replace for sugar free items to promote long term health benefits, including those related to dental health.

Andy Richman, Ricola’s sales and marketing manager for Northern Europe said: “We’re very keen to drum home the message that adults do not need added sugar in their diets. Just by swapping high sugar content snacks to healthier options, you can make a huge difference to your overall health.”