
Global sugar consumption 2021/2022, by leading country
Sugar - additional information
Sugar, a sweet crystalline substance obtained from sugar cane or sugar beet, is used as a sweetener in food and beverages. Although sugar is a source of carbohydrates and energy, it is packed with empty calories since it does not provide vitamins or minerals. Consuming a lot of sugar can fill one up without supplying any needed nutrients. Varieties of sugar include white, brown and confectioner’s sugar.
In 2014/2015, Asia accounted for more than 41 percent of the global sugar consumption, followed by Europe with roughly 16 percent. In contrast, sugar consumption in Oceania amounted to 1.72 million metric tons, or about 0.88 percent. The global sugar consumption exceeded 176 million metric tons that period.
As of 2016, the United States had the highest per capita consumption of sugar, amounting to approximately 126.4 grams. Total U.S. sugar consumption amounted to about 11.3 million metric tons between 2021 and 2022. During the same period, approximately 181 million metric tons of sugar were produced worldwide. Brazil was the top sugar producer in the world, as well as the principal sugar-exporting country in 2021/2022.