Action on Sugar recommends that the daily sugar intake should not be more than 5% of our total energy intake, in other words, 30g or 7 teaspoons. 

The National Diet and Nutrition Survey reveals that Britons are consuming far too much sugar - this is particularly bad in children aged 11 to 18 years where 15% of their energy intake comes from sugar. The survey highlights some of the main sources of sugar in our diet: 

1. Sugar, preserves and confectionery - 27% of our daily intake of added sugar. 
2. Soft drinks and fruit juice - 25% of our daily intake of added sugar. 
3. Biscuits, buns, cakes - 20% of our daily intake of added sugar. 
4. Alcoholic drinks - 11% of our daily intake of added sugar. 
5. Dairy products - 6% of our daily intake of added sugar. N.B. the added sugar does not come from the dairy itself, which we consider to be natural sugar, rather it comes from the flavoured milks, yoghurts (particularly low fat yoghurts) or ice cream containing added sugar. 
6. Savoury food - 5% of our daily intake of added sugar. Examples of savoury foods containing sugar are condiments, salad cream, ready meals, chutneys and crisps. 

For more information on the top sources of added sugar in the diet, take a look at the NHS website here.