After a 2008 study reported that refined sugar could be addictive, it sparked a slew of buzzy headlines and the infamous claim that “sugar is as addictive as cocaine.” This has since created a certain stigma around sugar and led to shifts in diet culture.
The claim itself is easy enough to believe. How often does someone only have one piece of candy? Or only indulge in one Oreo? We may not eat a lot of sweets at home, but when a box of donuts or a tray of cookies is left at the office, it almost feels like a primal instinct takes over, and a desire for sweets skyrockets.
When we try to cut sugar out of our diets, we may get headaches or feel fatigued. Having too much sugar could do the same thing. So what’s the deal with sugar? Is it addictive? Or is there more nuance ...
