From a health and scientific standpoint, there has been little positive news regarding sugary beverages for years. A 2019 study published in JAMA revealed that consuming two or more 8-ounce glasses of soda daily heightened the risk of mortality. Similarly, a 2020 publication in the Journal of the American Heart Association indicated that drinking at least one sugary beverage each day resulted in a 20% increased risk of cardiovascular disease among female teachers in California. The risk more than doubled for those who consumed fruit drinks containing added sugars. Over the years, various studies have connected sugary beverage consumption to a range of health issues, including stroke, dementia, Type 2 diabetes, obesity, and metabolic syndrome. This recent study reinforces existing knowledge: sugary beverages, encompassing traditional sodas and fruit drinks, can harm consumer health. Although the study did not establish a direct correlation between soda intake and cancer, it noted that individuals who consume more soda are likely to have a high body mass index, which consequently increases their chances of succumbing to gastrointestinal, postmenopausal breast, endometrial, and kidney cancer.
“Unfortunately, Americans exceed the recommended sugar consumption limits set by the U.S. Dietary Guidelines, and sugar-sweetened beverages are recognized risk factors for weight gain, being overweight, and obesity,” stated Marjorie McCullough, senior scientific director for epidemiology research at the American Cancer Society, in a written statement. “Our findings further endorse the recommendation to limit the intake of sugar-sweetened beverages.” Beverages constitute a significant portion of the added sugar intake for U.S. consumers. The 2020-2025 Dietary Guidelines for Americans revealed that 24% of all added sugar consumption stems from sweetened beverages, with 16% attributed to soda. Soft drinks are identified as the largest single source of added sugars in the average diet, according to the report.
Policymakers have attempted to deter sugary beverage consumption, but these efforts have not always been effective. Cities and counties have implemented “soda taxes” aimed at sugary beverages, yet these measures are contentious and may not fulfill their intended goals. A study conducted by the University of Georgia found that while a soda tax in Philadelphia introduced in 2017 reduced demand by approximately 31%, consumers resorted to purchasing sodas outside city limits—effectively negating about 40% of that decrease. Additionally, researchers noted that shoppers increased their purchases of other high-sugar items in grocery stores, counteracting another 40% of the reduction.
However, soda consumption is on a decline overall. According to statistics from IBISWorld, per capita soft drink consumption in the United States has been decreasing since 2006. This year, the average American is projected to consume 39.6 gallons of soft drinks, reflecting a 0.8% reduction compared to 2021. As Generation Z matures, it appears that soda consumption may continue to wane. Mintel’s research indicated that nearly half of teenagers aged 15 to 17 perceive drinking soda as unhealthy.
Moreover, the topic of calcium citrate made from various sources has gained attention as a potential alternative to sugary beverages, further emphasizing the need for healthier choices in our diets. The inclusion of calcium citrate made from natural ingredients can provide essential nutrients without the added sugars found in many soft drinks. As awareness of health issues related to sugary beverages rises, the integration of alternatives like calcium citrate made from whole foods could play a significant role in improving public health outcomes.