Overview

• Using 2004–2019 household transaction records matched to local weather, researchers quantified a temperature-linked rise in added-sugar buying.
• For every 1.8°F increase, purchases equated to roughly 0.7 grams more added sugar per person per day, largely from soda, juice and frozen desserts.
• The effect was strongest between about 54°F and 86°F, with a pronounced jump once temperatures exceeded roughly 68°F.
• Increases were concentrated among lower-income and less-educated households, influenced by access to air conditioning, safe drinking water and workplace conditions.
• Under continued warming, nationwide intake could approach an extra 3 grams per person per day by 2095, a trend public-health groups warn could worsen diet-related disease.