The FDA’s Plan to Reduce Added Sugar in Food Industry by 2026
In response to the growing concern over the health impacts of added sugar, the FDA is gearing up to implement a new strategy aimed at urging the food industry to decrease the amount of added sugar in their products by the year 2026. This initiative is a key focus for Health and Human Services Secretary Robert Kennedy Jr. and aligns with the goals of the “Make America Healthy Again” movement.
One of the primary components of this plan is the development of guidelines that will define the criteria for using the label “low added sugar” on food products. Additionally, the FDA will explore alternative sweeteners that do not raise blood glucose levels as a way to reduce overall sugar consumption.
The FDA’s Human Foods Program policy agenda for 2026 includes a comprehensive approach to addressing the issue of added sugar in the food supply. In addition to labeling guidelines, the agency plans to launch consumer education campaigns on the dangers of excessive sugar consumption, review ingredient labeling requirements, and assess the use of low-calorie and non-nutritive sweeteners.
The Trump Administration’s Stance on Added Sugar
Secretary Robert Kennedy Jr. has been a vocal advocate for reducing sugar consumption in the U.S., citing the role of sugar in driving chronic diseases such as obesity and diabetes. He has described sugar as “poison” and has criticized sweeteners like high-fructose corn syrup for their negative health impacts.
The Trump administration’s updated dietary guidelines emphasize the importance of limiting sugar intake and promoting foods like meat and dairy products. Kennedy has gone so far as to declare that the government is waging a war on added sugar, urging Americans to avoid processed foods with high sugar content.
While the FDA’s approach to reducing sugar in the food industry is currently voluntary rather than regulatory, the agency has a track record of successfully encouraging industry changes through voluntary initiatives. For example, the administration’s call to end the use of synthetic colors by 2027 led to widespread reformulation efforts by major food manufacturers.
Trends in Sugar Reduction
Many food and beverage companies have already taken steps to reduce the sugar content of their products in response to consumer demand for healthier options. The market for “no added sugar” products has seen steady growth, with brands like Oreo, Gatorade, and BodyArmor introducing lower or zero-sugar alternatives.
As the Trump administration moves forward with its 2026 agenda, which includes expanding the criteria for foods eligible to bear a “healthy” label based on dietary guidelines, the focus on reducing sugar aligns with broader efforts to promote healthier eating habits among Americans. This initiative may open the door for whole milk and other traditionally high-fat products to be labeled as “healthy.”
Overall, the FDA’s efforts to address the issue of added sugar in the food supply are part of a broader push to improve the nutritional quality of food products and align with evolving dietary guidelines. By promoting lower sugar options and encouraging industry reformulation, the agency aims to support healthier choices for consumers and reduce the prevalence of diet-related chronic diseases.