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Cut down on sugar

Sugar contains no useful nutrients apart from energy and we can get all the energy we need from healthier sources.

Sugars occur naturally in food such as fruit and milk, but we don't need to cut down on those types of sugars. It is food containing added sugars that we should be cutting down on.

Cut down on the amount of sugar added to hot drinks or breakfast cereals until you cut it out completely.
Cut down on cakes, sweets and chocolates.
Cut down on sugary drinks. Try unsweetened fruit juices instead.
Have fresh fruit instead of puddings. Cut down on the amount of sugar used to sweeten stewed fruit.
Choose foods with less or no added sugar. For example, tinned fruit in natural juices and low-sugar drinks. Try sugar-free jellies or diet yoghurt.

Content last reviewed: 1 December 2009

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Macmillan Cancer Support, registered charity in England and Wales (261017), Scotland (SC039907) and the Isle of Man (604). A company limited by guarantee, registered in England and Wales company number 2400969. Isle of Man company number 4694F. Registered office: 89 Albert Embankment, London SE1 7UQ.