Apples Are the Top Source of Sugar Intake Among Koreans
Carbonated Beverages Rank Second
On average, people in Korea consume the most sugar through apples. Carbonated beverages ranked second. However, experts advise that more attention should be paid to the intake of refined carbohydrates or processed foods, which cause abnormal blood sugar spikes (a rapid increase in blood sugar after eating), rather than apples.
According to the latest National Health Statistics released on January 15 by the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency, which surveyed 6,802 individuals aged one year and older, apples were the top source of sugar intake in Korea as of 2024.
The daily sugar intake from apples was 3.93 grams, accounting for 6.9% of total daily sugar intake. Carbonated beverages ranked second, and milk ranked third. The sugar intake from these sources was 3.55 grams and 3.40 grams, respectively, with their shares of daily sugar intake at 6.2% and 5.9%.
Rice is the Top Energy Source; Pork is the Main Source of Protein and Fat
For Koreans, the primary source of energy was non-glutinous rice. The daily energy intake from non-glutinous rice was 428.5 kcal, accounting for 23.2% of total energy intake. Pork (101.9 kcal, 5.5%) and bread (68.6 kcal, 3.7%) followed.
Pork was the top source of protein, with a daily intake of 8.82 grams and a share of 12.3%. Non-glutinous rice ranked second (8.02 grams, 11.2%), and chicken ranked third (6.99 grams, 9.7%).
Pork was also the top source of fat, with a daily fat intake of 6.75 grams and a share of 12.9%. Beef (5.20 grams, 9.9%) and soybean oil (4.00 grams, 7.6%) followed.
The main source of sodium was salt. The daily sodium intake from salt was 490.4 mg, accounting for 15.6% of total daily sodium intake. Kimchi ranked second with 357.5 mg (11.4%), and soy sauce ranked third with 325.8 mg (10.4%).
Apples Have a Low Glycemic Index... Caution Advised with Bread and Carbonated Beverages
Experts say that food intake should be adjusted by considering not only simple sugar intake but also the glycemic index (GI) and glycemic load (GL). Oh Seungwon, Professor of Family Medicine at Seoul National University Hospital, stated, "It is difficult to compare fruits, bread, and carbonated beverages on the same level as sources of sugar."
Professor Oh said, "Apples have a relatively low GI and GL, and are rich in fiber and other antioxidants, so they are less harmful to health than carbonated beverages."
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