Study finds thirsty Aussies sipping more no-sugar drinks

A peer-reviewed study published in Nutrients has revealed a long-term shift in Australians’ drinks choices, with a significant increase in the consumption of no-sugar drinks. The study found a 30% decrease in per capita sugar contribution from non-alcoholic water-based beverages over the 22-year period from 1997 to 2018, which is equivalent to a reduction in 32 teaspoons or 127 grams of sugar per person, per year.

“It’s clear from the research that the drinks fridge today, when compared to 1997, is very different with Australians now purchasing many more no- and low-sugar beverages in a range of categories and flavours, which is testament to the industry’s dynamic innovation agenda,” said Geoff Parker, Chief Executive Officer of the Australian Beverages Council.

In 1997, Australians consumed 83 litres of sugar-sweetened drinks per person compared to 61 litres per person per year in 2018. In contrast, 88 litres of no- and low-sugar choices, such as plain and sparkling water and sugar-free soft drink, were consumed per capita in 2018.

“Evidence of a major change in what we’re drinking can also be found in bottled and packaged water, which now outsells sugar-sweetened carbonated soft drinks, and 59% of water-based drinks purchased are low- or no- sugar, compared to just 36% in 1997,” Parker said.

Sales of still and sparkling unflavoured water have increased 4.5 times, from 12 litres per person per year in 1997 to 54 litres per person per year in 2018. This indicates that the drinks industry is driving change in consumption that is aligned with public health goals by offering additional healthier options.

“64% of drinks in the fridge in 1997 were sugar-sweetened drinks with the remaining 36% made up by non-sugar options. Today, 59% of drinks are non-sugar drinks and 41% are sugar-sweetened. Anyone visiting the local service station, supermarket or convenience store will notice that the incredible choice of drinks available has never been greater, including most of their favourite brands which are available in a low-sugar or no-sugar option,” Parker said.

The research demonstrates a shift in consumer behaviour that is in line with Australian Dietary Guidelines and the industry’s efforts to encourage healthier lifestyles, including the Sugar Reduction Pledge to reduce sugar across the industry’s portfolio by 20% by 2025.

“The causes of obesity are complex and multi-factorial. This latest research shows the drinks industry is playing its role in providing readily available healthier choices to all Australians,” Parker said.

Image credit: ©stock.adobe.com/au/Brent Hofacker