As the world is getting hotter due to climate change, Americans are turning more to sugary drinks and ice cream, amounting to 100 million pounds (358 million kilograms) more of added sugar consumed each year compared to 15 years ago, according to a new study published September 8 in Nature Climate Change.
This surprising side effect of global warming can have dramatic effects on population health, contributing to the already alarming ongoing obesity epidemic.
For some nations, eating treats begins first thing in the morning with a pastry and coffee. For others, sugar barely makes it into their diet. Either way, across the world, sugar consumption is on the rise.
Just in 2025, an estimated 177.33 million metric tons of sugar are projected to be consumed by humans. This amounts to a nearly 15% rise since 2011, with numbers set to increase even further.
Does your country make it onto the list of biggest consumers? Check out this gallery to find out.