How much sugar can I have in a day?

The USDA recommends no more than 3 – 15 teaspoons of added sugar depending on how many calories you consume in a day.

• If you consume 1600 calories, limit your consumption of added sugars to 3 teaspoons per day.
  This is equivalent to 12 grams or 48 calories of added sugar.

• If you consume 1800 calories, limit your consumption of added sugars to 5 teaspoons per day.
  This is equivalent to 20 grams or 80 calories of added sugar.

• If you consume 2000 calories, limit your consumption of added sugars to 8 teaspoons per day.
  This is equivalent to 32 grams or 128 calories of added sugar.

• If you consume 2200 calories, limit your consumption of added sugars to 9 teaspoons per day.
  This is equivalent to 36 grams or 144 calories of added sugar.

• If you consume 2400 calories, limit your consumption of added sugars to 12 teaspoons per day.
  This is equivalent to 48 grams or 192 calories of added sugar.

• If you consume 2600 calories, limit your consumption of added sugars to 14 teaspoons per day.
  This is equivalent to 56 grams or 224 calories of added sugar.

• If you consume 2800 calories, limit your consumption of added sugars to 15 teaspoons per day.
  This is equivalent to 60 grams or 240 calories of added sugar.

Added sugar includes any sugar you add to food or beverages throughout the day. It also includes the added sugar found in the foods you purchase such as sweetened yogurts, fruit juices and desserts.  Added sugar does not include naturally occurring sugar in products such as whole fruit and dairy products.