New sugar limits for kids: How much candy is too much?

Guidance on sugar intake for children has been clarified by experts at Moscow's Pirogov University. Their recommendations follow Russian federal health rules and align with WHO standards. These limits suggest added sugars should make up less than 10% of a child's daily calories.

The university advises clear limits on sweets for different age groups. Children aged three to six should have no more than one small candy or cookie per day. When possible, this should come after a main meal.

For those aged seven to ten, the advice is stricter: one or two small candies at most, but not daily. Older children, over ten, may have two or three candies per day—though this remains an upper limit, not a target. Experts also stress that candy should only be given two or three times a week, not every day.

The guidelines warn against industrial sweets for children under three. After eating treats, rinsing the mouth with water is recommended to reduce sugar's impact on teeth. The university has not changed its public advice on sugar in the past five years.

These figures represent absolute maximums, not daily targets. The focus remains on mindful choices and understanding the effects of sugar on health.

Pirogov University's advice matches federal and WHO sugar limits. The rules set clear boundaries for sweets, depending on a child's age. Parents are encouraged to treat candy as an occasional option, not a regular part of a child's diet.