Russians are increasingly choosing products high in “empty calories” — specifically, sugars, salt, and saturated fats — as stated by Russian Healthcare Minister Mikhail Murashko at the National Healthcare Congress, quoted by RIA Novosti.
According to the minister, sugar consumption in Russia exceeds health norms by almost 300%, salt intake is 2.5 times higher, while the proportion of fish and vegetables in the diet, conversely, remains below recommended levels.
Data from the World Health Organization (WHO) indicates that the recommended intake of free sugars should not exceed 10% of total daily energy intake, which is equivalent to approximately 50 grams of sugar per day for an adult (roughly two Snickers bars). In Russia, however, this figure can reach up to 200 grams daily. According to the Federal Service for Oversight of Consumer Protection and Welfare (Rospotrebnadzor), over the past 30 years, the average sugar consumption in the country has increased by nearly 20% while the share of energy-dense foods in the diet has grown by one-third.
Experts note that the rise in empty calorie consumption is linked to lifestyle changes and the aggressive marketing of “unhealthy” products. Fast food and sugar-sweetened beverages have become more readily available, particularly to younger demographics, while habits formed in childhood reinforce a dependency on sweet and salty tastes. According to Mikhail Murashko, people today are “fighting against a biologically ingrained preference for fatty and sweet foods,” a craving that is only exacerbated by advertising.
In response, the Healthcare Ministry is preparing measures to restrict the promotion of products with excessive sugar and salt content, particularly in children’s environments.