In Sorsele, Sweden, local authorities are focusing on providing sugar-free meals in schools and elder care facilities. Agneta Hörnell, a professor at Umeå University, emphasizes that the younger children are, the less sugar they should consume. She suggests that sweet foods should not be commonplace in preschools, arguing that while parents should celebrate special occasions with treats like ice cream and candy, alternatives to sugary celebrations should be available. This initiative recognizes the need to reduce sugar intake among young children across educational settings.

Hörnell points out the absence of laws regulating sugar consumption in Sweden, stating that, although there are dietary guidelines and recommendations, ultimately, parents have the freedom to decide what their children eat. She highlights the concern that children cannot consume excessive amounts of sugar without facing health consequences, such as inadequate nutrient intake or obesity. The professor argues that sugar does not provide any essential nutrients, and warns that habitual sugar consumption can create a reliance similar to that observed with salt, leading to increased cravings.

As children grow older, Hörnell stresses that the dangers of high sugar intake become even more pronounced, particularly in the school environment where children may have more access to sugary snacks. Her insights reflect a growing concern among health professionals regarding the links between high sugar diets and health issues in childhood, and the need for more structured dietary regulations in schools to promote better eating habits for future generations.