USDA limits added sugars in school meals for first time

The US Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced new nutrition standards for school meals, limiting added sugars nationwide for the first time.

The 2025 school year will see
Added sugars in breakfast cereals will be limited to 6 grams per dry ounce, yogurt will have 2 grams per ounce, while flavored milk can have up to 10 grams of sugar per 8 fluid ounces.

A second rule requires that from July 2027, added sugars be less than 10% of a child’s weekly calorie intake for school meals. Childcare operators will also limit added sugars in cereals and yogurts by 2025.

Why?
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, children under 2 years of age should not consume food with added sugars. For those older than 2, added sugars should make up less than 10% of their daily calories.

Excess added sugars, found in processed foods, desserts and sweetened beverages, cause obesity, type 2 diabetes, tooth decay and heart disease.

Not just sugar,  sodium in kids’ meals will also be reduced according to the USDA. From the 2027 school year, cafeteria lunches will see a 15% reduction in sodium, while breakfast meals will see a 10% reduction.

USDA says these limits are put in place to improve nutrition in the federal program that serves over 15 million breakfasts and nearly 30 million lunches each day, costing $22.6 billion yearly.

The announcement comes amid increased scrutiny on sodium and sugar levels in school meals.