Drinking donuts? A viral tweet floating online is bringing up health claims about how much sugar we're consuming in soda and other drinks
ATLANTA — Drinking donuts? A viral tweet floating online is bringing up health claims about how much sugar we're consuming in soda and other drinks, giving us food for thought.
Six donuts in a soda...does the math add up?
To verify, we started with the first image, indicating 65 grams of sugar in a 20 oz. soda. According to published nutrition data, that's the verified sugar content in a 20 oz. classic Coca-Cola.
Based off of the tweeted photo, we turned to a popular donut chain for reference.
A Krispy Kreme strawberry iced donut with sprinkles equals 11 grams of sugar. If you multiply that by six, that accounts for 66 grams of sugar, and give or take a gram six of those donuts do equal a 20 oz. classic co*ke.
However, those metrics are based on two specific brands so 11Alive reached out to Dr. Emma Laing, Clinical Associate Professor at the University of Georgia's Department of Foods and Nutrition, for clarification.
"The graphic posted on Twitter was meant to show that one 20-oz bottle of soda contains about the same sugar content as 6 average-sized doughnuts. Calling attention to the fact that Americans tend to over-consume added sugars might be effective; however, the message in the infographic is oversimplified," Dr. Laing said. "The calorie and nutrient content of doughnuts can vary widely and so does the nutritional content of fruit juices and sugar-sweetened beverages."
While the graphic can be verified with select drinks and donuts, it's not one size fits all, and if you're looking to skip the drink and down donuts instead. Dr. Laing says this should not be considered an equal exchange because of factors like saturated fat and sodium.
"The bottom line is that though the sugar content might be similar, eating donuts is not technically healthier than drinking a bottle of soda," Dr. Laing said.
"A key message from the Dietary Guidelines for Americans is that everything we eat and drink over time matters. This does not mean that you can't enjoy an occasional doughnut or soda if you eat an overall balanced diet that is appropriate for your calorie needs, which are primarily based on your age and physical activity level. If you choose to consume foods and drinks with added sugars, opt for smaller portions or consume them less often. What is most important is that your typical eating pattern focuses on consuming nutrient-dense foods, such as whole fruits and vegetables, whole grains, low-fat or non-fat dairy, and lean proteins.
The federal Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommends "limiting calories from added sugars to no more than 10% each day." That percentage accounts for 200 calories for a 2,000 calorie diet, according to the guidelines.
11Alive reached out to Coca-Cola and Krispy Kreme for the companies' response regarding the viral post.
"We agree too much sugar isn't good for anyone, and that is why we are taking actions around the world to help people drink less sugar from our beverages," a Coca-Cola spokesperson responded in an email.
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As a nutrition expert with a deep understanding of dietary patterns and their impact on health, I bring valuable insights to the discussion surrounding the viral tweet about the sugar content in soda and donuts. My expertise is grounded in academic knowledge, practical experience, and a commitment to staying abreast of the latest research in the field.
Let's dissect the key concepts addressed in the article:
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Viral Tweet and Health Claims: The article begins by referencing a viral tweet that raises concerns about the amount of sugar consumed in soda and other drinks. Viral content often sparks discussions, but it's crucial to scrutinize the claims made to ensure accuracy.
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Sugar Content in Soda: The investigation starts with an image indicating 65 grams of sugar in a 20 oz. classic Coca-Cola. This information is validated using published nutrition data, highlighting the importance of relying on credible sources when assessing nutritional content.
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Comparison with Donuts: To further explore the viral tweet's claim, the article multiplies the sugar content of a Krispy Kreme strawberry iced donut (11 grams) by six, revealing a total of 66 grams of sugar—roughly equivalent to the sugar content in the 20 oz. Coca-Cola. However, it is emphasized that this comparison is based on specific brands.
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Expert Opinion - Dr. Emma Laing: Seeking clarification on the oversimplified message presented in the infographic, the article consults Dr. Emma Laing, a Clinical Associate Professor at the University of Georgia's Department of Foods and Nutrition. Dr. Laing points out the variability in the nutritional content of donuts, fruit juices, and sugar-sweetened beverages. She cautions against considering donuts as a healthier alternative due to factors like saturated fat and sodium.
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Dietary Guidelines for Americans: Dr. Laing emphasizes the importance of considering overall dietary patterns. The article introduces the federal Dietary Guidelines for Americans, recommending a limit of added sugars to no more than 10% of daily calories. This guideline underscores the significance of moderation in sugar consumption.
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Corporate Responses: The article concludes by reaching out to Coca-Cola and Krispy Kreme for their responses to the viral post. Coca-Cola acknowledges the concern over excessive sugar consumption and asserts their commitment to promoting reduced sugar intake.
In summary, this analysis demonstrates that while the viral tweet's comparison of sugar content in soda and donuts may hold true for specific brands, the broader message is nuanced. Expert input underscores the need for a comprehensive approach to dietary choices, considering factors beyond just sugar content, such as saturated fat and sodium. The inclusion of dietary guidelines and corporate responses adds context to the broader conversation on sugar consumption and its impact on health.
