As the Fiji government takes steps to revive the sugar industry, a report from the Fiji STEPS Survey 2025 has raised concerns about sugar consumption in the country.
The survey states that free sugar consumption in Fiji remains high, especially among young adults, raising fresh concerns about obesity, diabetes, and tooth decay, The Fiji Times reported.
The survey measured free sugar intake through two main indicators: the number of sugar-sweetened beverages consumed daily and the amount of sugar added to drinks such as tea, coffee, and chocolate beverages.
Results show that Fijians drink an average of 1.1 sugar-sweetened beverages per person each day. Men consume more than women, averaging 1.2 drinks daily compared to 0.9 for women.
Younger adults recorded the highest intake. Those aged 18 to 29 consumed an average of 1.4 sugary drinks per day. Consumption gradually declined with age, falling to 1.1 drinks among those aged 30 to 44, 0.8 among those aged 45 to 59, and 0.5 among those aged 60 to 69.
The survey also found that people are adding significant amounts of sugar to their beverages. On average, 4.9 teaspoons of sugar were added per person each day. Again, young adults had the highest intake, adding 5.3 teaspoons daily in the 18 to 29 age group. This dropped to 5.0 teaspoons for those aged 30 to 44, 4.6 for ages 45 to 59, and 3.7 teaspoons for those aged 60 to 69.
Men added more sugar per drink, averaging 2.2 teaspoons, compared to 1.9 teaspoons for women.
More than half of those surveyed тАФ 52.9 per cent тАФ said a health professional had advised them within the past year to cut back on sugary drinks. However, younger adults were less likely to receive such advice. Only 38.2 per cent of those aged 18 to 29 reported being told to reduce their intake, compared to 63.3 per cent of those aged 60 to 69.
Agriculture Minister Tomasi Tunabuna recently announced a series of reforms aimed at resolving long-standing challenges and improving productivity across the sugar industry.
