The Centre for Food Safety has called on the food trade to reduce the sugar content of non-prepackaged items.
Releasing the findings of a study on the issue today, the centre said some beverages, even those with less sweet versions, and desserts and bakery products contained high levels of sugar.
A total of 334 samples of 35 products were analysed.
Of the 11 drinks examined, red bean icy drinks, pineapple icy drinks and hot citron tea were found to contain sugars at a mean content of more than 7.5g per 100 ml, equivalent to about 1.5 sugar cubes.
Of the 10 dessert products, three contained sugars at a mean content of more than 15g per 100g, or about three sugar cubes. They were macarons, molten chocolate cakes, and a souffle.
Of the 14 bakery products checked, six were found to contain sugars at a mean content of more than 15g per 100g, or about three sugar cubes. They were a plain cake, a spongy cake, a coconut tart, a muffin, biscuits and a Swiss roll.
The centre called on the trade to reduce sugar content and consider providing smaller dishes for consumers to choose from. It also urged consumers to make careful food choices.
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