I guess I am going to be the contrarian, but the post is titled the debate, so I hope it doesn't make me persona non grata here. I think sugar could be addictive for some people, but couldn't you say that about anything. Maybe we are just arguing semantics, but I think addictive doesn't have to mean everyone will have withdrawal symptoms, but it should mean that most will. I smoked about a pack a day from the age of 15 to 25 and had no problem quitting, but I do recognize that most people do have trouble quitting so I would call it addictive. I think sugar and carbs have the inverse results, causing some people a lot of trouble, but even though most people like it, and will consume it if available, they would not suffer any withdrawal symptoms if it was removed from their diet. That's why I would not call it addictive.