"Sugar Sweet" received generally positive reviews from music critics. Writing for
ThisisRnB, the editorial team described the track as "a dreamy, effortless collaboration that feels like summer in slow motion," praising its "airy production, warm tones, and just the right touch of sweetness."
Billboard highlighted the collaboration's summery feel and vocal chemistry, while
Rolling Stone praised the song’s nostalgic R&B influence and the seamless blend of styles between Carey, Kehlani, and Shenseea. Writing for
The Arts Desk, Joe Mugg was favorable to Carey's "smooth R&B, modern in production style and ultra slick in musicianship," calling it a "respectable hit" alongside "
Type Dangerous". Similarly, Tim Chan of
Rolling Stone called them "the most radio-friendly hits on the album." Reid Sperisen from newspaper
Daily Bruin applauded the pairing of the three singers, saying it was "a high point", "as the three artists’ crisp vocals skate over a beat so smooth that it enhances the track’s repetitive chorus," he continued. Describing it as a "laid back, coy confection", Mark Chappelle wrote for
Albumism that "disliking this second single’s balmy dancehall afrobeats may indicate a critical flaw in you." Rich Juzwiak, in his
Pitchfork analysis, positively described it as a "lovely Caribbean-kissed single." Meanwhile, Andy Steiner of
Paste declared the song "has a freshness and ease distinct from the rest of the record, in its buoyant, dancehall application." Ranking it as the third best song on the album,
Billboard critic Heran Mamo picked the "sticky hook", the sensuality of Kehlani and Shenseea, and "a dash of dancehall flair" as the elements that make the song "a real treat". In a less favorable review,
NME's Puah Ziwei considered to be a "bland dancehall", criticizing it for lacking her usual vocal nuances and clever lyricism. == Live performances ==