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“Exploring the sugary Underbelly: Case Studies on Foods Laden with Hidden Sugars”
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CASE STUDY RESEARCH PAPER
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Presented to:
Erwin Alonzo, STS
Western Mindanao State University
Baliwasan Normal Road, Zamboanga City
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In Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements
for Science Technology and Society
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Presented by:
Gabo, Sweetness Faith B.
Obenza, Christel
Jawali, Dzulhajjmin
Lavina, Loraine
Oxcina, Queen Anjean
Lao, Asian Pearl
Labacanacruz, Sheryl
Kahal, Warjana
Jimeno, Jhon Vincent
Mirabuena, Jeth

APRIL 5,2024
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INTRODUCTION

Global per-capita sugar consumption is expected to rise during the next ten years, mostly
due to rising incomes in low- and middle-income Asian and African nations. The total increase in
sugar intake is anticipated to be lessened by a little decrease in per capita consumption in high-
income nations, which reflects growing consumer health concerns and national sugar-
discouragement initiatives. Sugar is projected to remain the most consumed caloric sweetener
still accounting for 80% of the global sweetener utilization despite general efforts to find
substitutes. The main alternative caloric sweetener, High Fructose Corn Syrup (HFCS), is
anticipated to, at best, maintain its share at around 8% of total consumption, while the remaining
balance is accounted for by low-caloric High Intensive Sweeteners (HIS), including saccharin,
sucralose and aspartame. Brazilian production is expected to increase as a result of both area
expansion and yield improvements, driven by remunerative prices. Productivity gains, including
varietal improvements and higher extraction rates, will drive sugar production growth in India
and Thailand, with acreage projected to remain relatively stable. In Africa, sugarcane production
in the key producer, South Africa, is anticipated to expand on account of government support
measures to the sector. Production of sugar beet, which grows mainly in the Northern
Hemisphere, is foreseen to remain quite stable in the European Union, while increasing in Egypt,
boosted by rising regional and industrial demand. The increase in sugar beet production in Egypt
is projected to consolidate its position as the continent’s largest sugar producer by 2032.

In Asia, population and income growth as well as higher sugar-containing product

consumption for industrial purposes, including sugar-rich confectionery products and soft drinks
will drive sugar consumption. It is expected that India, followed by Indonesia and China, will
provide the largest contribution to the overall increase in sugar consumption. In India and
Indonesia, population growth, although slower than in the past decade, and income growth
associated with stronger demand for processed food and beverage products is expected to sustain
the increase in overall sugar consumption over the next decade.
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In the Philippines technological innovations were introduced at a much slower pace and
limited to a number of factories, while a large number of mills stuck to traditional methods.
Increase in production was achieved by extensification, viz., extending the area of cane
cultivation, and increasing the number of small mills. Sugar production was spread out over
many provinces. In the Philippine sugar aieas, the precipitation varies markedly both in amount
and in seasonal distribution. At many stations the rainfall in any given year may vary
significantly from the annual mean. In most districts there is some crop loss that reflects either
the length of the dry season or inadequate total precipitation, or both.

1.1 KEY ISSUES OR PROBLEM

Low Awareness Levels:

A primary factor behind excessive sugar intake is the general lack of knowledge about the
harmful consequences of sugar on one's health. The presence of hidden sugars in many processed
meals, including drinks, snacks, and even ostensibly healthy options like granola bars and yogurt,
is something that many people are unaware of. Individuals tend to underestimate their
consumption of sugar and its associated health risks due to deceptive marketing strategies and a
lack of nutritional understanding.

Huge Daily Consumption Rate:

The astounding daily rate of sugar consumption in the modern diet is marked by a
significant overabundance of sugar compared to suggested limits. In addition to making people
gain weight and become obese, high-sugar diets raise their chance of developing chronic illnesses
like type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and dental issues. The convenience and addictive
quality of sugary foods encourage excessive consumption patterns, putting people at risk of major
health problems even in the face of mounting warnings about the health effects.
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Common Sugary Food Items:

From processed snacks and sweets to sugary drinks, sugary food items have permeated
every aspect of daily life. Due to their often low cost, easy accessibility, and strong marketing,
these meals are often hard for many customers to refuse. Sugar's addictive qualities can also
result in dependency and cravings, which encourage overindulgence and the maintenance of bad
eating habits. The market's pervasive influence of sugary foods must be diminished in order to
break free from this cycle of promotion of unhealthy substitutes.

The Need to Regulate Production and Consumption of Sugar

An integrated strategy involving supply-side as well as demand-side actions is needed to

address the issue of excessive sugar consumption. Policies pertaining to the manufacture,
marketing, and distribution of sugar-filled foods are primarily implemented by governments and
regulatory agencies. The aforementioned steps encompass obligatory labeling of sugar content on
food packaging, limitations on advertising directed towards children, and sugar levies. Restrictive
measures can lessen the negative effects of sugar-related diseases on public health by fostering
conditions that encourage healthier choices and discourage excessive sugar consumption.

Impact of Overconsumption on the Pursuit of Happiness:

Overindulging in sugar not only puts one's physical health in danger but also impedes
one's ability to pursue happiness in general. Chronic health issues brought on by an excessive
sugar intake can impair mobility, lower quality of life, and cause depressing and frustrating
emotions. Furthermore, controlling sugar-related illnesses is a social and financial burden that
puts a lot of strain on people and healthcare systems, which lowers happiness and general well-
being.

1.2 ASSUMPTIONS
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1.3 DATA ANALYSIS

This chapter contains detailed presentation and discussion on the “Exploring the sugary
Underbelly: Case Studies on Foods Laden with Hidden Sugars”. The findings are presented under
the following major headings: Extent of overconsumption of sugar, Awareness of hidden sugar
content on food items, Food items that contain hidden sugars, Agreement or disagreement on the
need to regulate the production and consumption of sugar, Awareness on the impact of the
overconsumption of sugar-based products on the pursuit of human happiness.

Extent of overconsumption of sugar

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Awareness of hidden sugar content on food items

Food items that contain hidden sugars

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Agreement or disagreement on the need to regulate the production and consumption of

sugar

Awareness on the impact of the overconsumption of sugar-based products on the pursuit of

human happiness.
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1.4 PROPOSED ALTERNATIVES

1.5 IMPACT OF PROPOSAL ON THE PURSUIT OF HAPPINESS

CONCLUSION

REFERENCES