The average smoothie sold in Seoul contains as much sugar as 17 cubes. (Image courtesy of Seoul City)
SEOUL, Jul. 9 (Korea Bizwire) – A new study has revealed that the average smoothie sold in Seoul contains as much sugar as 17 cubes, raising concerns about the health implications of these popular beverages.
The Seoul Research Institute of Public Health and Environment announced on July 8 the results of its analysis of 93 different smoothies from small to medium-sized coffee and beverage shops, where nutritional information is typically not readily available. The study was conducted from April to June.
The findings show that a single smoothie contains an average of 52.2 grams of sugar, equivalent to about 17 sugar cubes. This amount represents more than half of the daily recommended sugar intake for Korean adults, based on national nutritional guidelines.
Even more alarming, some smoothies were found to contain up to 94.6 grams of sugar, nearly double the average.
The researchers also investigated how much sugar content could be reduced when customers request lower sweetness levels. They examined three sweetness levels: standard, “less sweet,” and “half sweet.” The results showed that choosing “less sweet” reduced sugar content by an average of 15%, while “half sweet” cut sugar by an average of 40%.
Park Joo-sung, the director of the Seoul Research Institute of Public Health and Environment, emphasized the need for a consumer environment that allows for choosing less sweet options. “To reduce sugar intake from high-sugar beverages like smoothies, we need to create an environment where consumers can easily opt for ‘less sweet’ flavors,” he said.
This study comes amid growing global concerns about excessive sugar consumption and its link to various health issues, including obesity and diabetes. Many health experts recommend limiting added sugars to less than 10% of daily caloric intake.
The findings underscore the importance of consumer awareness and the potential need for clearer nutritional labeling on beverages, especially in smaller establishments where such information is often not provided.
Park added that the institute plans to continue investigating and providing diverse nutritional information to help consumers make informed choices about their beverage consumption.
Lina Jang (linajang@koreabizwire.com)
