Many products marketed with wellness terms often contain significant amounts of added sugars, a discrepancy that presents a substantial challenge for consumers aiming to make informed dietary choices. This issue, prevalent across grocery stores in the United States and globally, has garnered increasing scrutiny from health organizations, consumer advocates, and regulatory bodies in recent years. Understanding the subtle ways sugar infiltrates seemingly wholesome foods is crucial for public health.
Background: The Evolution of “Healthy” Marketing and Sugar Consumption
The journey of sugar from a rare commodity to a ubiquitous ingredient in the modern diet is a complex narrative intertwined with industrialization, marketing, and evolving dietary understanding. For centuries, sugar was a luxury, primarily accessible to the wealthy. Its widespread availability dramatically expanded with the advent of large-scale sugarcane plantations and refining processes, particularly from the 17th century onwards. By the 19th and 20th centuries, technological advancements made sugar an affordable and common addition to countless food products. Early public health concerns primarily focused on sugar's link to dental decay, but its broader systemic health impacts remained largely unexamined by mainstream science and public discourse for decades.
Rise of Processed Foods and “Health” Claims
The post-World War II era marked a significant boom in the food processing industry. The demand for convenience foods surged as more women entered the workforce and family structures evolved. This period saw the proliferation of packaged meals, instant mixes, and ready-to-eat snacks. Alongside this expansion came the strategic use of marketing language to position these new products as beneficial or essential.
A pivotal moment in this marketing evolution was the "fat-free" craze of the 1980s and 1990s. Driven by emerging, albeit sometimes oversimplified, dietary advice that demonized dietary fat as the primary culprit for heart disease and obesity, food manufacturers rushed to produce low-fat and fat-free versions of popular items. However, removing fat often compromised taste and texture. To compensate, many companies significantly increased the sugar content in these "fat-free" products. Consumers, believing they were making healthier choices by avoiding fat, unknowingly consumed higher amounts of added sugars, setting a precedent for how a single "healthy" buzzword could mask other less desirable ingredients.
This trend continued, evolving with consumer interests. As awareness of ingredients grew, so did the sophistication of marketing terms. Words like "natural," "wholesome," "organic," "gluten-free," "plant-based," and "keto-friendly" emerged as powerful signals of health and wellness. While some of these claims genuinely reflect beneficial attributes, their presence on a label often creates a "health halo" effect, leading consumers to assume the entire product is healthy, even when it contains substantial amounts of added sugars. The focus shifted from avoiding a single nutrient (fat) to embracing specific dietary trends, with manufacturers adeptly positioning their products to align with these new consumer preferences, often without fully disclosing the complete nutritional profile.
Understanding Added Sugars
To navigate the landscape of "healthy" marketing, a fundamental understanding of added sugars is essential. The distinction between naturally occurring sugars and added sugars is critical. Natural sugars are found inherently in whole, unprocessed foods like fruits (fructose) and dairy (lactose), often accompanied by fiber, vitamins, and minerals. Added sugars, conversely, are sweeteners and syrups incorporated into foods and beverages during processing or preparation. They contribute calories but offer minimal to no nutritional value.
The challenge for consumers lies in identifying these added sugars on ingredient lists, as they go by numerous names. Common aliases include high-fructose corn syrup, corn syrup, dextrose, fructose, glucose, sucrose, maltose, lactose, honey, agave nectar, maple syrup, brown sugar, cane sugar, raw sugar, turbinado sugar, fruit juice concentrate, and molasses. A product might list several different forms of sugar, none appearing particularly high on the ingredient list individually, but collectively contributing a significant amount.
Manufacturers add sugar for a variety of reasons beyond sweetness. Sugar acts as a preservative, extending shelf life in products like jams and baked goods. It influences texture, providing chewiness to cookies or creaminess to ice cream. Sugar also aids in browning and fermentation processes, crucial for products like bread and yogurt. These functional roles make sugar a versatile and often indispensable ingredient in processed food production, further complicating efforts to reduce its presence without altering product characteristics.
Public Health Concerns and Dietary Guidelines
The growing scientific consensus regarding the detrimental effects of excessive sugar consumption has transformed it into a major public health concern. Over the past few decades, a strong correlation has been established between high intake of added sugars and the rising prevalence of chronic diseases, including obesity, type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular disease.
Major health organizations worldwide have responded by issuing clear dietary recommendations. The World Health Organization (WHO) advises adults and children to reduce their intake of free sugars to less than 10% of their total energy intake, with a further reduction to below 5% offering additional health benefits. The American Heart Association (AHA) recommends even stricter limits, suggesting no more than 6 teaspoons (25 grams) of added sugar per day for most women and no more than 9 teaspoons (36 grams) for most men.
In the United States, the Dietary Guidelines for Americans, jointly published by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), have consistently recommended limiting added sugars to less than 10% of total daily calories since the 2015-2020 edition. The 2020-2025 guidelines reiterated this recommendation, emphasizing that such a limit allows for a nutritionally adequate diet while helping individuals stay within calorie limits. These guidelines serve as the cornerstone for federal food and nutrition programs and public health initiatives, highlighting the official recognition of added sugars as a significant dietary concern. Despite these clear recommendations, consumer adherence remains a challenge, partly due to the pervasive nature of hidden sugars in the food supply and the often-misleading marketing tactics employed by the industry.
Key Developments: Regulatory Shifts and Industry Responses
The increasing awareness of hidden sugars and their health implications has prompted significant regulatory changes, particularly in food labeling. These changes aim to enhance transparency, but the food industry's adaptive strategies continue to present challenges for consumers seeking truly healthy options.
The FDA’s New Nutrition Facts Label
One of the most impactful regulatory changes in recent memory was the overhaul of the Nutrition Facts label by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The final rule, published in May 2016, mandated several key updates, with the most significant being the inclusion of a dedicated line item for "Added Sugars." This was a monumental shift, as previous labels only listed "Total Sugars," which combined naturally occurring and added sugars, making it impossible for consumers to differentiate.
Under the new regulations, manufacturers were required to list "Added Sugars" in grams and as a percentage of the Daily Value (%DV). The Daily Value for added sugars was set at 50 grams per day, based on a 2,000-calorie diet. Large manufacturers, those with $10 million or more in annual food sales, were required to comply by January 1, 2020. Smaller manufacturers, with less than $10 million in annual food sales, were given an additional year, with a compliance date of January 1, 2021.
The significance of this change cannot be overstated. For the first time, consumers had a clear, standardized metric to identify how much sugar had been explicitly added to a product. This transparency was intended to empower individuals to make more informed choices and to encourage food manufacturers to reformulate products with less added sugar. However, challenges in interpretation persist. Many consumers still struggle to understand what a "gram" of sugar means in practical terms or how the %DV relates to their individual dietary needs. Furthermore, the sheer volume of products containing added sugars means that even with clearer labels, the task of finding truly low-sugar options remains daunting.
Industry’s Adaptation and Evasion Tactics
While some food companies genuinely embraced the spirit of the new labeling rules by reformulating products to reduce added sugar content, others sought ways to adapt their strategies without fundamentally altering their products' sugar profiles. This led to a range of industry responses, some of which inadvertently perpetuated consumer confusion.
One common tactic involves ingredient list manipulation. Instead of using a single, high-ranking sugar source like "sugar" or "high-fructose corn syrup," manufacturers might use multiple different types of caloric sweeteners. By listing "dextrose," "maltodextrin," and "cane syrup" separately, each individual sugar appears lower on the ingredient list, giving the false impression that the product contains less sugar overall. This strategy leverages the fact that ingredient lists are ordered by weight, from most to least prevalent.
Another approach is to utilize "natural" sweeteners that are still, by definition, added sugars. Ingredients like agave nectar, honey, maple syrup, and fruit juice concentrate are often perceived as healthier alternatives to refined white sugar. While they may have slightly different nutrient profiles or glycemic indexes, they still contribute calories and free sugars to the diet in much the same way as table sugar. Marketing often highlights these "natural" sweeteners, creating a perception of healthfulness that can overshadow their actual sugar content. For example, a product boasting "sweetened with real fruit juice" might contain concentrated fruit juice, which, stripped of its fiber, acts much like any other added sugar.
Furthermore, companies frequently focus on other "healthy" attributes to distract from the sugar content. A cereal might be heavily marketed as "high fiber" or "rich in vitamins," while its added sugar content remains substantial. Similarly, a snack bar might emphasize its "protein" or "whole grains" while containing as much sugar as a candy bar. This tactic, known as the "health halo" effect, exploits consumers' tendency to generalize the healthiness of a product based on one or two positive attributes, ignoring less desirable nutritional facts.
The rise of "no artificial sweeteners" claims also plays into this dynamic. While avoiding artificial sweeteners might be a preference for some consumers, products making this claim can still be loaded with natural added sugars. The marketing subtly suggests a healthier profile, even if the caloric and metabolic impact of the "natural" sugars is equally significant when consumed in excess. These various strategies underscore the ongoing challenge for regulators and consumers to keep pace with the evolving tactics of the food industry.
Specific Product Categories Under Scrutiny
The issue of hidden added sugars is not confined to obvious culprits like sodas or desserts; it permeates a wide array of food categories often perceived as healthy or benign.
Yogurts: Often marketed for their probiotic benefits and gut health, many flavored yogurts, especially those with "fruit on the bottom" or "light" labels, contain significant amounts of added sugar. A single serving can easily exceed half of the recommended daily limit. Consumers seeking a healthy breakfast or snack might unknowingly consume excessive sugar in products like fruit-flavored Greek yogurts, which can contain 15-25 grams of added sugar per serving. Even "plain" yogurts, if not carefully selected, can have some added sugars for taste or texture.
* Granola and Cereal: These breakfast staples are frequently perceived as wholesome, particularly when marketed with buzzwords like "whole grain," "fiber-rich," or "natural." However, many granolas and breakfast cereals are dense with added sugars, often listed as cane sugar, honey, maple syrup, or dried fruit (which can also be a concentrated source of sugar). Some popular brands can contain 10-20 grams of added sugar per serving, making a seemingly healthy start to the day a significant sugar load.
* Plant-Based Milks: With the growing popularity of dairy alternatives, almond, oat, and soy milks have become commonplace. While unsweetened varieties are excellent choices, many "original" or flavored versions (vanilla, chocolate) contain substantial added sugars. A single cup of flavored plant milk can contain 10-15 grams of added sugar, turning a seemingly healthy beverage into a sugary drink.
* Energy Bars/Protein Bars: Marketed for fitness enthusiasts, busy professionals, or as convenient meal replacements, these bars often have a health-oriented image. Yet, many are essentially glorified candy bars, packed with various forms of sugar (corn syrup, brown rice syrup, fruit concentrates) to improve taste, texture, and provide quick energy. Some popular protein bars can contain 15-30 grams of added sugar, making them far from an ideal healthy snack.
* Sauces and Dressings: Sugar often makes its way into savory items in unexpected ways. Ketchup, barbecue sauce, marinades, and many salad dressings (especially "light" or "fat-free" varieties) frequently use sugar to enhance flavor, balance acidity, or improve texture. A tablespoon of ketchup can contain 4 grams of added sugar, and a typical serving of BBQ sauce can have 10-15 grams. These seemingly small additions can quickly accumulate over meals.
* Juices and Smoothies: While fruit juice contains natural sugars, many commercially prepared juices and smoothies also include added sugars, especially those marketed for children or as "superfood" blends. Even 100% fruit juice, while free of added sugars, can be a concentrated source of natural sugars without the beneficial fiber found in whole fruit, leading to rapid blood sugar spikes. Smoothies, particularly those bought pre-made, can combine fruit, yogurt, and other ingredients that collectively contribute very high sugar counts, often exceeding the sugar content of a soda.
* "Health" Drinks: This broad category includes vitamin waters, sports drinks, and some kombuchas. Vitamin waters, despite their name, are often little more than sugar water with added vitamins. Sports drinks, while useful for intense, prolonged exercise, are primarily designed to replenish electrolytes and carbohydrates, often through sugar. Even some kombuchas, lauded for their probiotic content, can have high levels of added sugar to balance the tartness or in flavored varieties.
Consumer Awareness Campaigns and Advocacy
In response to the pervasive nature of hidden sugars, numerous consumer awareness campaigns and advocacy efforts have emerged. Non-profit organizations, public health bodies, and media outlets have played a crucial role in educating the public and pushing for greater transparency.
Organizations like the American Heart Association (AHA) regularly launch initiatives to highlight the dangers of excessive added sugar intake, providing resources for consumers to identify and reduce sugar in their diets. They advocate for stronger food policies and encourage individuals to read nutrition labels carefully. Similarly, consumer advocacy groups actively lobby for clearer labeling regulations, stricter marketing standards (especially for products targeting children), and public health policies aimed at reducing sugar consumption.
Media investigations and reports by news outlets like NBC News have been instrumental in exposing how food manufacturers use buzzwords to mask sugar content. These reports often delve into specific product categories, conduct comparative analyses of nutritional labels, and interview experts to shed light on the issue. Such coverage helps to demystify complex nutritional information and brings the problem to the forefront of public consciousness.
The collective efforts of these groups have contributed to a more informed public and put pressure on both the food industry and regulators. They have amplified calls for clearer, more intuitive labeling systems and for a re-evaluation of how "healthy" claims are regulated, ensuring that marketing aligns more closely with genuine nutritional value rather than misleading consumers.
Impact: Health, Economic, and Consumer Implications
The widespread presence of hidden added sugars in "healthy-sounding" foods carries profound implications across public health, economic systems, and consumer behavior, creating a complex web of challenges.
Public Health Consequences
The most direct and alarming impact of excessive added sugar consumption is its contribution to a range of chronic health conditions.
Obesity Epidemic: Added sugars contribute "empty calories" without providing satiety, leading to overconsumption. Sugary beverages, in particular, do not trigger the same fullness signals as solid foods, making it easy to consume large quantities of calories rapidly. This caloric surplus is a primary driver of the global obesity epidemic, which has significant downstream health effects.
* Type 2 Diabetes: Chronic high intake of added sugars can lead to insulin resistance, a precursor to type 2 diabetes. The pancreas works overtime to produce insulin to manage high blood glucose levels, eventually becoming less effective. The rising rates of type 2 diabetes, even among younger populations, are strongly linked to dietary patterns characterized by high sugar intake.
* Cardiovascular Disease: Beyond its role in obesity and diabetes, high sugar intake is an independent risk factor for cardiovascular disease. It contributes to inflammation, elevated triglyceride levels, increased "bad" LDL cholesterol, and higher blood pressure, all of which strain the heart and blood vessels, increasing the risk of heart attacks and strokes.
* Dental Health: The traditional concern about sugar's role in dental cavities remains highly relevant. Sugars feed oral bacteria, which produce acids that erode tooth enamel, leading to decay.
* Other Potential Links: Emerging research suggests links between high sugar consumption and other serious health issues, including non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), certain types of cancer, and even cognitive decline. NAFLD, previously rare, is now increasingly common, even in children, largely due to diets high in fructose, which is metabolized in the liver.
Crucially, the impact of hidden sugars is not evenly distributed. Lower-income communities and communities of color often bear a disproportionate burden of diet-related chronic diseases. This disparity is partly due to factors such as limited access to affordable, fresh, whole foods (food deserts), and aggressive marketing of inexpensive, highly processed, and sugary options in these areas. The insidious nature of hidden sugars exacerbates these existing health inequities.
Economic Burden
The public health consequences of high sugar intake translate directly into a substantial economic burden on healthcare systems, governments, and individuals.
The increased prevalence of obesity, type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular disease leads to soaring healthcare costs. These conditions require long-term management, including medications, doctor visits, hospitalizations, and complex medical procedures. Governments, through public health insurance programs, bear a significant portion of these costs. For instance, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that the annual medical cost of diabetes alone in the U.S. is hundreds of billions of dollars.
Beyond direct medical expenses, there are significant indirect costs. Productivity losses due to illness, disability, and premature mortality represent a major economic drain. Individuals suffering from chronic diseases may experience reduced work capacity, increased absenteeism, and early retirement, impacting their personal finances and the broader economy. Governments also allocate substantial resources to public health initiatives aimed at preventing and managing these conditions, including educational campaigns and screening programs. These economic impacts highlight the systemic costs associated with a food environment that makes it challenging for consumers to avoid excessive sugar.
Consumer Confusion and Trust
The sophisticated marketing of foods with "healthy-sounding" buzzwords, despite their high added sugar content, creates profound consumer confusion and erodes trust in the food industry.
Consumers, genuinely attempting to make healthier choices, often find themselves navigating a bewildering array of labels and claims. The "health halo" effect is a pervasive issue: a product labeled "organic" or "gluten-free" might be perceived as universally healthy, leading consumers to overlook its high sugar content. This constant struggle to discern genuinely nutritious options from cleverly marketed ones can lead to frustration and a sense of betrayal. Individuals who meticulously try to follow dietary advice might unknowingly undermine their efforts by consuming hidden sugars in products they believe are beneficial.
This persistent confusion contributes to a decline in trust. When consumers discover that products they believed were healthy are actually loaded with sugar, it erodes their faith in food manufacturers' transparency and ethical practices. This skepticism can extend to official dietary guidelines or even health professionals if the public feels misled by the broader food environment. The psychological impact includes feelings of helplessness and cynicism about the possibility of making truly healthy choices in a market saturated with misleading information. The emotional toll of trying to eat well but constantly feeling deceived is a significant, though often overlooked, consequence.
Ethical Considerations for the Food Industry
The issue of hidden sugars also raises significant ethical questions for the food industry, forcing a debate between profit motives and public health responsibility.
Food manufacturers operate in a competitive market where profitability is a primary driver. The use of sugar, with its appealing taste and functional properties, can significantly boost product sales and consumer loyalty. The ethical dilemma arises when these profit motives appear to overshadow public health considerations. Is it ethical to market products as "healthy" or "natural" when they contain high levels of an ingredient widely recognized as detrimental to health in excess?
The concept of corporate social responsibility (CSR) comes into sharp focus here. Many companies articulate commitments to consumer well-being and sustainability. However, the continued widespread use of hidden sugars, coupled with ambiguous marketing, challenges the sincerity of these commitments. There is an ongoing debate about the extent to which the industry should self-regulate versus the necessity of government intervention. While some argue that consumers have a responsibility to educate themselves, others contend that manufacturers have an ethical obligation to provide transparent information and genuinely healthier product options, especially given their significant influence on the food environment. This ethical tension underscores the complexity of addressing the hidden sugar problem.
What Next: Future Directions and Expected Milestones
Addressing the pervasive challenge of hidden sugars requires a multi-faceted approach involving further regulatory action, continued industry innovation, robust consumer education, and shifts in dietary patterns. The path forward will likely involve several key developments and milestones.
Potential for Further Regulatory Action
Building on the foundation laid by the FDA's "Added Sugars" label, there is ongoing discussion and advocacy for additional regulatory measures to enhance transparency and guide consumer choices.
One prominent area of debate is the implementation of front-of-package (FOP) labeling systems. Unlike the detailed Nutrition Facts panel on the back or side of packaging, FOP labels provide quick, at-a-glance information about key nutrients. Different models exist globally:
* Nutri-Score (Europe): A color-coded letter system (A to E) that evaluates the overall nutritional quality of a product.
* Warning Labels (Chile, Mexico, Israel, Canada): These systems use black octagon labels with warnings like "HIGH IN SUGARS," "HIGH IN SODIUM," or "HIGH IN SATURATED FAT." Chile's pioneering system, implemented in 2016, has shown promising results in reducing purchases of unhealthy products.
* Traffic Light System (UK): Uses red, amber, and green colors to indicate high, medium, or low levels of fat, saturated fat, sugars, and salt.
The pros of FOP labels include their immediate visibility and ease of understanding, which can significantly aid consumers in making healthier choices, especially those with limited time or nutritional literacy. Cons, however, include potential industry resistance, debates over which nutrients to highlight, and the risk of oversimplification, where a product might be "red" for sugar but "green" for fiber, creating new forms of confusion. The FDA has explored FOP labeling options for the U.S., and a clearer direction on this front could be a significant milestone.
Another potential regulatory tool is the sugar tax, often applied to sugary drinks. Cities and countries worldwide, including Mexico, the UK, and several U.S. cities like Berkeley and Philadelphia, have implemented such taxes. The aim is to increase the price of sugary beverages, thereby discouraging consumption and generating revenue for public health initiatives. While some studies show reduced consumption and positive health outcomes, sugar taxes face opposition regarding their potential regressive impact on lower-income households and debates about their overall effectiveness. Continued evaluation of existing taxes and further implementation in new jurisdictions could mark future progress.
Stricter definitions for "healthy" claims on packaging are also on the horizon. The FDA has proposed updating the definition of "healthy" to align with current dietary guidelines, which would require foods to meet specific criteria for saturated fat, sodium, and added sugars, as well as contain a certain amount of beneficial food groups. This would prevent products high in added sugar from being labeled as "healthy," significantly reducing misleading marketing.
Finally, further regulation of marketing to children, particularly concerning products high in added sugars, is a continuous area of advocacy. Limiting advertising exposure for unhealthy foods to young, impressionable audiences remains a priority for public health advocates.
Industry Innovation and Reformulation
The food industry is not monolithic, and many companies are responding to consumer demand and regulatory pressure by investing in innovation and reformulation.
Sugar Reduction Technologies: This includes developing ingredients that provide sweetness with fewer calories or using advanced processing techniques to enhance the perception of sweetness. Companies are exploring alternative non-nutritive sweeteners (e.g., stevia, monk fruit, erythritol) and novel sugar reduction technologies that modify existing sugars or ingredients to reduce their caloric impact while maintaining palatability.
* Development of Truly Healthier Options: Beyond simply reducing sugar, some companies are focusing on creating entirely new product lines that prioritize whole, minimally processed ingredients and genuinely align with healthy dietary patterns. This includes snacks, beverages, and ready meals designed with lower added sugar, higher fiber, and beneficial nutrients.
* Transparency Initiatives: Some forward-thinking companies are moving beyond mandated labeling to adopt more comprehensive transparency practices, such as publishing detailed ingredient sourcing information or offering online tools for consumers to analyze product nutrition. Such initiatives can help rebuild trust and differentiate brands committed to health.
These industry efforts, driven by both consumer demand and a sense of corporate social responsibility, will be crucial in shaping a healthier food environment.
Empowering Consumers through Education
Even with improved labeling and product reformulation, consumer education remains paramount. Individuals need the knowledge and skills to navigate complex food choices effectively.
Public Health Campaigns: Ongoing and robust public health campaigns are essential to educate the public about the importance of reading nutrition labels, understanding the various names for added sugars, and recognizing misleading marketing buzzwords. These campaigns can utilize diverse media channels and community outreach programs to reach broad audiences.
* Role of Healthcare Providers: Dietitians, nutritionists, and other healthcare professionals play a critical role in guiding individuals. They can provide personalized advice, help patients interpret food labels, and develop strategies for reducing added sugar intake in their daily lives. Integrating nutrition education into routine medical care is a key area for improvement.
* Digital Tools and Apps: The proliferation of digital technology offers new avenues for consumer empowerment. Mobile applications that allow users to scan barcodes and instantly receive detailed nutritional information, including clear indicators of added sugar content, can be powerful tools. These apps can help demystify complex labels and provide practical guidance in real-time at the grocery store.
Shifting Dietary Patterns
Ultimately, the long-term solution involves a broader shift in societal dietary patterns towards healthier, more sustainable eating.
Demand for Whole, Unprocessed Foods: There is a growing consumer demand for whole, unprocessed, or minimally processed foods. This trend, fueled by increased awareness of the benefits of nutrient-dense diets, encourages the food industry to produce more items that are inherently low in added sugars.
* Increased Home Cooking: A resurgence of interest in home cooking and meal preparation allows individuals greater control over the ingredients in their food, including the amount of added sugar. Cooking from scratch provides an opportunity to choose fresh, whole ingredients and avoid the hidden sugars common in pre-made meals.
* Evolution of the "Wellness" Trend: The "wellness" trend is evolving from superficial marketing hype towards a deeper understanding of genuine nutritional value. Consumers are increasingly scrutinizing ingredients lists and seeking out products that offer true health benefits rather than just buzzwords. This shift puts pressure on brands to deliver on their health promises.
Global Perspectives and Collaboration
The challenge of hidden sugars is a global one, and international collaboration is vital for effective solutions.
International Efforts: Organizations like the World Health Organization (WHO) continue to play a leading role in setting global dietary guidelines, monitoring sugar consumption trends, and advocating for policies that reduce free sugar intake. Their recommendations serve as a benchmark for national health policies.
* Sharing Best Practices: Countries that have successfully implemented policies like FOP labeling or sugar taxes can share their experiences and data, providing valuable lessons for others. International conferences and research collaborations facilitate the exchange of knowledge on effective labeling, regulation, and public