Why Do We Have a Sweet Tooth?
- Kim Arrey
- May 19
- 3 min read
This podcast was aired on the Weekends with Joanne Vrakas show on CJAD on May 17th 2025.
Many people love sweets—finishing their meal with a dessert, snacking on cookies, candies, and of course, chocolate. But have you ever wondered why some people crave sugar while others lean toward salty or savory foods? The answer isn’t straightforward, but it’s a fascinating mix of biology, emotion, and learned behavior.
The Science Behind a Sweet Tooth
Scientists have been studying why we enjoy sweet foods for decades. A research team at the Howard Hughes Medical Institute, led by Charles Zuker, has been investigating our taste receptors. About 20 years ago, they identified the genes responsible for detecting sweetness, and more recently, they discovered the physical structure of these taste receptors on the tongue.
This discovery is exciting because it could lead to new ways of creating foods that taste sweet but contain less added sugar—without relying on artificial sweeteners.
Why Reducing Sugar Intake Matters
Many people consume far more sugar than is recommended. According to the Canadian Community Health Survey, the average Canadian consumes around 110 grams of sugar daily. While this includes naturally occurring sugars from fruits and dairy, the consumption of added sugars remains high—exceeding World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines.
Research has linked excessive sugar intake to a range of health concerns, including weight gain, type 2 diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure, and cognitive decline. Foods high in added sugar also tend to be low in essential nutrients, meaning they often replace healthier, nutrient-dense options in a person’s diet.
Taming Sugar Cravings
If you’re trying to cut back on sugar, the first step is understanding your cravings. Sugar cravings can be triggered by habit, emotional responses, or even biological factors. Recognizing the source of your cravings makes it easier to change behaviors.
Practical Strategies to Cut Back on Sugar
Instead of quitting sugar cold turkey, making gradual changes can be more effective in building sustainable habits. Here are some simple yet powerful ways to curb sugar intake:
Start with Small Swaps
Modify your cereal: If you love sweetened cereal, try mixing it with a lower-sugar alternative, gradually increasing the ratio of the latter.
Adjust your yogurt: Instead of choosing pre-sweetened yogurt, mix plain yogurt with fresh fruit and add a touch of honey or maple syrup—so you control the sweetness.
Choose naturally sweet foods: Fresh fruits like berries, apples, and mangoes provide sweetness along with fiber and nutrients.
Reduce Sugar in Beverages
Cut back on sweetened drinks: Replace soda and sugary coffee drinks with alternatives like infused water, herbal tea, or sparkling water with a splash of citrus.
Make coffee and tea adjustments: If you add sugar to your coffee or tea, reduce the amount gradually until you adjust to a less sweet taste.
Mindful Eating Techniques
Savor your sweets: Instead of eating sweets mindlessly, take small bites and truly enjoy them.
Check your environment: If sugar-laden snacks are within arm’s reach, it’s easy to overindulge. Keep healthier alternatives on hand.
Understand Emotional Triggers
Identify emotional eating patterns: If you reach for sweets when stressed, try substituting the habit with alternatives like a short walk, deep breathing, or a fun distraction.
Plan indulgences: If you love dessert, plan when and how you’ll enjoy it, instead of having sugar on impulse. One study showed that people who planned to eat dessert and “saved room for it” actually ate less when they were compared to people who planned not to eat dessert and then chose to eat it based on an impulsive choice.
Small, intentional changes add up over time, making it easier to reduce sugar intake while still enjoying the foods you love
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