Sugar should not represent more than 10% of daily energy intake, according to global guidelines published yesterday.
Ideally people should cut sugar consumption to less than 5% of energy, according to the World Health Organisation guidelines.
The guidelines refer to free sugars, including table sugar, glucose and the sugar found in honey and fruit juices.
WHO said keeping sugar levels down would cut the risk of obesity and of tooth decay.
Its experts warned that much sugar is hidden from consumers in substances such as ketchup or drinks.
The guidelines suggest people in the UK should halve their intake of sugars. Along with Spain, on average about 17% of energy is gained from sugars, one of the highest rates in the world.
In Norway, in contrast, just 8% of energy comes from sugars.
Dr Francesco Branca, from WHO, said: “We have solid evidence that keeping intake of free sugars to less than 10% of total energy intake reduces the risk of overweight, obesity and tooth decay.
“Making policy changes to support this will be key if countries are to live up to their commitments to reduce the burden of non-communicable diseases.”
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