South Africa’s Sweet Tooth Is Fuelling A Health Crisis

Johannesburg,  25 April 2025 – Gloot, a proudly South African women’s wellness brand, today announced the launch of SweetKick, a new dietary supplement designed to curb sugar cravings through a blend of hydration salts and metabolic support. The launch comes as South Africa confronts alarmingly high sugar consumption and obesity rates, fuelling what is being called a sugar craving epidemic.

South Africans consume up to 24 teaspoons of sugar per day, roughly double the World Health Organisation’s recommended limit of about six teaspoons​ (wits.ac.za). This excessive intake has contributed to the nation having one of the highest obesity rates in sub-Saharan Africa.

Nearly 68% of South African women (and 31% of men) are now overweight or obese. Health researchers have linked high sugar consumption – particularly from sugar-sweetened beverages and snacks – to rapid weight gain, diabetes, and multiple metabolic disorders. Obesity, in turn, dramatically increases the risk of type 2 diabetes, heart disease, hypertension, and other life-threatening conditions. It’s a vicious cycle: frequent sugar spikes and crashes can leave people craving even more sweets, perpetuating unhealthy eating patterns and energy fluctuations.

Public health measures like the 2018 Health Promotion Levy (a tax on sugary drinks) have attempted to curb sugar intake, but cravings remain a formidable challenge. Nutrition experts note that dehydration and mineral imbalances are often mistaken for hunger, triggering the urge for sugary snacks. Many people find it difficult to resist these cravings, undermining their efforts to maintain a balanced diet and healthy weight. This is the context in which Gloot is introducing SweetKick, which aims to help break the cycle of overconsumption by addressing cravings at their root cause.

A Science-Backed Solution

SweetKick is a hydration + craving control blend that leverages the latest nutritional science to help individuals reduce sugar cravings, stabilise energy, and take control of their health. Formulated as a sugar-free hydration supplement (a powder mixed with water), SweetKick combines electrolytes with proven nutraceutical ingredients to keep cravings in check:

• Effective Craving Control: SweetKick contains key functional ingredients like chromium picolinate and alpha-lipoic acid, which studies show can help balance blood sugar levels and reduce appetite for sweet foods. By supporting healthy glucose metabolism, these ingredients address the biological drivers of cravings, helping to curb the desire for sugary snacks.
• Hydration and Energy Support: Each serving is packed with hydration salts (electrolytes) to combat dehydration – a common hidden cause of food cravings – and to keep you energised throughout the day. By maintaining proper hydration, SweetKick helps prevent the energy dips that often lead to reaching for a quick sugar fix. Users get sustained, steady energy without the spikes and crashes associated with high-sugar drinks.
• Guilt-Free Sweetness: SweetKick satisfies the sweet tooth with natural berry and citrus flavours without added sugar. The formula is entirely sugar-free, so women can enjoy a refreshing, delicious drink that quells sweet cravings without derailing their diet. It’s a sweet treat without the guilt, containing zero sugar and no unnecessary calories.

SweetKick is positioned as a tool for empowerment for those who are seeking to improve their health in a convenient way. By simply mixing the powder with water, users can turn ordinary hydration into an opportunity to control their appetite and support their metabolism. This innovative approach – using “hydration with a purpose” – is what sets it apart in a market crowded with generic electrolyte drinks. It’s not just about quenching thirst; it’s about proactively fighting cravings and making healthier choices easier.

Gloot’s CEO and founder, Greg Tinkler, emphasises that SweetKick was developed to support South African women in their wellness journey. In his words:

“At Gloot, we aim to empower women with effective, accessible health tools. Most people don’t realise that sugar cravings are often caused by dehydration, not true hunger. With SweetKick, we’ve created a science-backed, sugar-free solution that tastes great and helps women hydrate smarter, curb those cravings, and take control of their health.”

Tinkler points out that by addressing the underlying causes of cravings – from blood sugar swings to thirst mistaken as hunger – SweetKick enables women to break free from the “sugar rollercoaster.” The product reflects Gloot’s broader commitment to innovative health solutions tailored to women’s needs, helping to tackle prevalent issues like mid-afternoon energy slumps, late-night sweet temptations, and weight management struggles in a practical, enjoyable way.

Sources: Recent studies and health reports on South African sugar consumption and obesity​wits.ac.za have informed this press release. Gloot SweetKick product details are based on the company’s official launch information and CEO statements.

About Gloot

Gloot is a female health, wellness, and beauty brand dedicated to providing high-quality health and beauty products designed to meet women's unique needs. Our mission is to empower women to achieve optimal health and well-being through natural and effective solutions.

Gloot products are available on Gloot's official website, www.glootnu.com, Clicks, Takealot.com, Bash.com, and selected Foschini stores nationwide. For more information about the product and to stay updated on the latest news and promotions, visit www.glootnu.com and follow us on social media.

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