Functional properties of sugar

Sugar comes in many varieties and can therefore be used in many different food products. Sugar has a range of unique properties that, either individually or in combination, makes it an important ingredient in modern food production.
Read more about The functional properties of sugar.

Sugar consumption in industry and households

Private households consume increasingly less sugar. Nevertheless, sugar consumption has been fairly stable in the past decades, with a decreasing tendency in recent years. This is because although baking and jam-making at home have declined, we buy more pastries, jam, semi-prepared and ready meals. In 1960 private households accounted for 65% of sugar consumption, whereas today the figure is 20%. This change in lifestyle means that the food industry represents almost 80% of sugar consumption. Read more about sugar consumption under Facts & figures.