New Added Sugars Warning
Rule Goes Into Effect in NYC

NYC leads the nation in establishing the country’s first added sugars warning policy in chain restaurants.

October 9, 2025 — On October 4, the New York City Health Department (NYC Health Department) implemented a rule requiring chain restaurants to identify menu items high in added sugars. New York City chain restaurants must now post an icon on their menus next to any prepackaged food or drink or non-packaged equivalent that contains 50 grams (g) or more of added sugars, the daily recommended limit for a 2,000 calorie diet. The rule also requires chain restaurants to warn consumers of the health dangers associated with eating and drinking too many added sugars over time, such as an increased risk of type 2 diabetes, weight gain, and tooth decay. The law applies to almost 4,000 restaurants in New York City that are part of chains that have 15 or more locations nationwide.

“Every New Yorker deserves access to delicious, healthy food that they feel good about eating,” said Acting Health Commissioner Dr. Michelle Morse. “As the first in the nation to add a warning icon for added sugars, this rule underlines our longstanding work to ensure New Yorkers have information about the food they eat. Just one large sugary drink can exceed the daily recommended amount of added sugars. Through this rule, we aim for New Yorkers to have more insight into the amount of sugar in certain products to make more informed choices.”

In 2023, the New York City Council passed this legislation to protect New Yorkers from the health risks of excessive sugar consumption. The law applies only to prepackaged food items — those with a Nutrition Facts label, and equivalent non-packaged items, meaning non-packaged items presented as the same products as a packaged item (such as a fountain soda). 

"This law empowers diners to make informed choices about what they’re eating and drinking. I’m proud that New York City is the first in the nation to introduce added sugar warnings at chain restaurants,” said Manhattan Borough President Mark Levine. “Thank you to my co-sponsors and the advocates who got this across the finish line, and to the NYC Department of Health for implementing the law thoroughly.”

“As Chair of the City Council’s Health Committee, I was proud to co-sponsor this very important legislation to improve the health of all New Yorkers,” said Council Member Lynn Schulman. “By clearly labeling products that exceed the daily recommended limit for added sugars, we are giving everyone the tools they need to make informed dietary choices and reduce their risk of chronic health issues like diabetes and heart disease. Combining public education with strong policy action is the path to better health outcomes.”

“Transparency is crucial for New Yorkers to make decisions about what they eat,” said Council Member Keith Powers. “Research shows that a high sugar intake can lead to life-threatening health issues. Consumers need all the information they can get about their food, and the rule going into effect today will ensure that restaurants are transparent about sugar content, allowing patrons to make smart decisions about their diets.”

New York City is the first in the nation to implement a warning icon for added sugars. Calorie information and sodium warnings are already found on menus and menu boards across New York City chain restaurants, and initial studies show that added sugars icons and health warnings improve consumers’ ability to recognize high-sugar items and may reduce the amount of added sugars ordered. The added sugars warning icon allows consumers to quickly identify pre-packaged and non-packaged equivalent products that exceed nationally recommended limits for daily added sugars consumption. The aim is to help consumers make more informed choices about the foods and beverages they are purchasing. Most added sugars consumed in U.S. diets come from processed and packaged foods.

The 2020-2025 Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommends limiting consumption of added sugars, starting at age 2, to less than 10% of daily caloric intake, the equivalent of 200 calories (50 g per day) in a 2,000-calorie daily diet, and not giving any added sugars to children under 2 years old. However, Americans on average consume much more added sugars than recommended (more than 67 g). For example, a 20-ounce bottle of popular sodas, energy drinks, and ice teas can contain more than 60 grams of added sugars. A 2020 study found that more than 20% of fast-food or quick-service restaurant customers purchased sugary drinks containing at least 200 calories (50 g of added sugars) during their visit.

Evidence shows that high added sugars intake from foods and/or beverages is associated with increased body mass index in children and excess body weight in adults and increased risk of type 2 diabetes, and contributes to development of dental cavities, also known as tooth decay. In fact, tooth decay is the most common noncommunicable disease worldwide, and some types of cancer are more common in people who have a higher body mass index.

Many complex factors, some within and some outside of an individual’s control, contribute to how much someone weighs and their chronic disease risk. These factors include availability of economic resources, access to healthy foods, safe spaces for physical activity, and individual genetics. In addition, New Yorkers must navigate a food environment that features heavily marketed, unhealthy foods every day. The added sugars warning provides greater transparency about potential health risks in restaurant foods and beverages and is a starting point for empowering consumers to make informed decisions when ordering food. 

Now that the rule is in effect, the NYC Health Department is working to educate restaurants on this change. Beginning in January 2026, chain restaurants that do not comply may receive a summons subject to a $200 fine. 

For more information on the sugar warning rule, call 311 or visit nyc.gov/health