Swiss residents consume, on average, twice the recommended amount of sugar, according to health organizations involved in a nationwide awareness campaign launching this month. The initiative, called MAYbe Less Sugar, aims to educate the public about added sugar intake and encourage reduction through practical tools and guidance.
Running throughout May 2025, the campaign is led by diabètevaud in collaboration with diabetesswiss and supported by groups including the Alliance for Nutrition and Health and the Swiss Society of Dentistry (SSO). A central feature of the effort is a free online sugar calculator available at maybelesssugar.ch, which allows individuals to track their daily added sugar consumption over time and receive personalized tips for lowering intake.
Organizers note that hidden sugars in processed foods often make it difficult for people to gauge their true consumption, with many products failing to clearly label added sugar content. The campaign emphasizes self-prepared meals as a way to gain control over ingredients, offering advice on cooking with little or no added sugar while maintaining flavor and nutritional balance.
While acknowledging the body’s need for energy—particularly for brain function—the initiative highlights that healthier alternatives like nuts and potatoes can provide fuel along with essential nutrients, unlike refined sugars which offer little beyond calories. By promoting awareness and simple behavioral shifts, MAYbe Less Sugar seeks to address what organizers describe as a widespread public health concern linked to excessive sugar consumption.
