Why are ants attracted to sweet things?

Researchers at the Arizona State University School of Life Sciences have theorized that ants are attracted to sweet things because the sugar in sweets provides them with a great deal of energy. Sugar is a carbohydrate made of fructose and glucose. The ants are able to break down the sugar molecules into glucose and fructose quickly, providing the ants with a burst of energy.

Although ants do like sugary foods, this is not the only component of their diet. Ants like to eat dead insects and seeds from plants to provide their bodies with needed nutrients. Appropriate nutrition is vital for ants to maintain their bodily structures. They also need water in order to survive.