Exploring the Relationship Between School Meal Sugar Content and Student Behavioral Incidents

This blind mixed methods study examined the effects of sugar consumption on both minor and major behaviors in elementary aged students, as well as sugar’s impact on teacher perceptions of behavior. The sample population consisted of 199 students in grades second, third, fourth, and fifth. Sugar quantities in school meals, student food selection, student behavioral incidents, teacher questionnaire responses, and teacher perceptions of behavior were documented over the course of 100 school days. No significant relationships were determined, suggesting that sugar consumption does not impact student behavior or teacher perception of student behavior.