Questions over whether your favourite sweet treat is an addictive substance

A new study will look at how Kiwis who consume more than 10 percent of their daily energy through added sugars react to their intake being reduced.

It'll see whether they experience withdrawal symptoms -- similar to substances such as nicotine or alcohol.

Auckland University's Dr Simone Rodda says the research is key to finding out the effects of too much sugar.

Rodda says while a lot of people believe they have an addiction to sugar, there's currently very little evidence demonstrating those claims.