The World Health Organization (WHO) has issued some of the most widely cited global guidance on sugar. Its recommendations line up closely with U.S. guidelines and help put the daily numbers in context.
The 10% guideline
The WHO's central recommendation is that both adults and children keep their intake of 'free sugars' to less than 10% of total daily calories. On a 2,000-calorie diet, 10% is about 200 calories, or roughly 50 grams of sugar — matching the FDA's Daily Value.
The 5% 'conditional' target
The WHO goes further, suggesting that reducing free sugars below 5% of calories — about 25 grams a day, or 6 teaspoons — would provide additional health benefits, particularly for dental health. This tighter target aligns with the American Heart Association's recommendations for women and children.
What 'free sugars' means
The WHO uses the term 'free sugars,' which is slightly broader than the U.S. 'added sugars.' Free sugars include all added sugars plus the sugars naturally present in honey, syrups, and fruit juices. It does not include the sugars in whole fruit and milk. So a glass of orange juice counts toward free sugars even though it's '100% fruit,' consistent with why juice behaves like a sugary drink.
Why the guidance exists
The WHO's recommendations are driven by strong evidence linking free sugars to obesity, type 2 diabetes, and tooth decay — the same concerns behind soda taxes and label changes worldwide. See nutrition labeling around the world for how countries have responded.