On reviews for the album, the song received a mixed reception from critics, who criticized the use of the interpolation of "
Blue (Da Ba Dee)" and lyrical content, but praised Wynter's vocal performance.
Billboard magazine reviewed the single positively, said "'Sugar', rides an unlikely interpolation of 'Blue (Da Ba Dee)' by
Eiffel 65", but consider it one of the highlights of the album. However,
AllMusic said that the song is "shameless enough to incorporate elements of Eiffel 65's Euro-trash earworm 'Blue (Da Ba Dee)'", but chose it as a track pick.
Rap-Up said, "Hate him or love him, you gotta hand it to Flo Rida for mastering the hit-making formula. His second single off R.O.O.T.S., “Sugar,” samples Eiffel 65's “Blue (Da Ba Dee).” Flo's Atlantic Records labelmate Wynter Gordon gets her first major feature singing the hook. This has top 10 written all over it." Meanwhile, in the UK, noted urban writer Pete Lewis of the award-winning
Blues & Soul stated "Flo Rida finally proves once-and-for-all that he's no one-trick-pony, with the melodic uptempo single 'Sugar' effectively relying on a familiar Euro-dance sample to bring the party". ==Music video==