Seoul program cuts children's sugary snack habit, survey finds

A Seoul Metropolitan Government program to curb excessive sugar consumption among children has produced measurable changes in eating behavior, including a reduction in high-sugar snack intake, according to the city.

Pre- and post-participation surveys of 13,491 children who took part last year — conducted by the city and the Seoul Institute — found that high-sugar snack consumption fell 19 percent, from 3.87 times per week before participation to 3.15 times after. Children's knowledge scores on sugar-related topics rose about 21 percent, from 3.43 to 4.16 out of a possible 5 points.

The share of children who said they like sweet foods dropped from 71.8 percent to 63.1 percent, while those who described themselves as generally preferring sweet-tasting food fell from 43.3 percent to 34.4 percent. The proportion who said they check sugar content when choosing food rose from 20.9 percent to 39 percent. Those who said they try to avoid high-sugar snacks climbed sharply, from 27 percent to 51.6 percent.

The city launched the program in July last year after a 2024 National Health and Nutrition Survey found that teenagers aged 12 to 18 in Seoul consumed an average of 65.5 grams of sugar per day through processed foods — exceeding both the national average of 49.9 grams and the World Health Organization's recommended daily limit of 50 grams. The program operates through Sonmok Doctor 9988, the city's smart health management platform.

The initiative aims to help children develop habits of moderating sugar intake from elementary school age, when dietary patterns are formed. This year, 13,403 children are participating.

The program is open to elementary school students in Seoul. Parents or grandparents registered with Sonmok Doctor 9988 can enroll their children by adding the child's information to their account.

Participants log into the Sonmok Doctor 9988 app over 90 days and complete missions such as checking the sugar content of snacks, finding healthier snack options and practicing a low-sugar lifestyle. They can earn up to 20,000 points based on their activity, redeemable for gift cards or donatable to charity.

"The goal is not to make children simply resist sweets, but to help them check sugar content themselves and make better choices," said Jo Yeong-chang, director of the Seoul Metropolitan Government's Bureau of Citizen Health.