The generation raised on sugar rations – and what their health reveals 70 years later

The Guardian Health Wednesday 07 October 2026, 05:00 UTC By Linda Geddes 1 min read

Key Points

From blood pressure to ageing, research suggests the first 1,000 days of sugar exposure could leave a decades-long mark on healthThey were born into a Britain still recovering from the hardships of war. Though the air-raid sirens had fallen silent, many everyday foods remained rationed, including sugar. Adults were restricted to about 3 tablespoons (40g) a day to stretch between cups of tea, baking and desserts; children were limited to less than a tablespoon.

From blood pressure to ageing, research suggests the first 1,000 days of sugar exposure could leave a decades-long mark on health

They were born into a Britain still recovering from the hardships of war. Though the air-raid sirens had fallen silent, many everyday foods remained rationed, including sugar. Adults were restricted to about 3 tablespoons (40g) a day to stretch between cups of tea, baking and desserts; children were limited to less than a tablespoon. Babies and very young children were expected to have little or no added sugar.

Then, in 1953, the brakes came off. Separate restrictions on sweets and chocolate were lifted in February, followed by sugar in September. By the second half of 1954, average sugar consumption had almost doubled.

Britain (LOCATION)

Originally published by The Guardian Health Read original →

The generation raised on sugar rations – and what their health reveals 70 years later

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