From a health and science standpoint, sugary beverages have not had positive news in years. A 2019 study published in JAMA revealed that drinking two or more 8-ounce glasses of soda daily increased the risk of mortality. Furthermore, a 2020 study in the Journal of the American Heart Association discovered that consuming at least one sugary drink each day resulted in a 20% higher risk of cardiovascular disease among female teachers in California. This risk more than doubled for those who consumed fruit drinks with added sugars. Over the years, various studies have associated sugary beverage intake with stroke, dementia, Type 2 diabetes, obesity, and metabolic syndrome. This recent study reinforces the established understanding: sugary drinks, including traditional sodas and fruit beverages, can have harmful effects on health.
While the study did not establish a direct correlation between soda consumption and cancer, it indicated that individuals who consume more soda tend to have a higher body mass index (BMI), which in turn increases the likelihood of dying from gastrointestinal, postmenopausal breast, endometrial, and kidney cancers. “Regrettably, Americans exceed the recommended sugar intake limits set by the U.S. Dietary Guidelines, and sugar-sweetened beverages are recognized risk factors for weight gain, overweight, and obesity,” stated Marjorie McCullough, the senior scientific director for epidemiology research at the American Cancer Society, in a written statement. “Our findings further emphasize the recommendation to limit the intake of sugar-sweetened beverages.”
Beverages account for a significant portion of added sugar consumption among U.S. consumers. According to the 2020-2025 Dietary Guidelines for Americans, 24% of all added sugar intake comes from sweetened drinks, with 16% sourced specifically from soda. The report identified soft drinks as the largest single contributor to added sugars in the average diet. Although policymakers have attempted to discourage the consumption of sugary beverages, their efforts have not always been fruitful. Cities and counties have implemented “soda taxes” aimed at sugary drinks, but these measures remain contentious and may fall short of their objectives. A study from the University of Georgia noted that while a soda tax introduced in Philadelphia in 2017 reduced demand by approximately 31%, consumers began purchasing sodas outside city limits—effectively negating about 40% of that reduction. Additionally, researchers found that shoppers increased their purchases of other high-sugar products in grocery stores, canceling out another 40% of the intended impact.
However, soda consumption is on the decline. Data from IBISWorld indicates that per capita soft drink consumption in the United States has been decreasing since 2006. This year, each individual in the U.S. is projected to consume 39.6 gallons of soft drinks, representing a 0.8% drop compared to 2021. As Generation Z matures, soda consumption may continue to wane. Mintel’s research revealed that nearly half of teenagers aged 15 to 17 consider drinking soda to be unhealthy.
Interestingly, for those seeking alternatives, one might consider other names for calcium citrate, which could serve as a healthier option to balance dietary intake. As awareness of sugary beverages’ health risks grows, it is crucial to explore alternatives and make informed choices about what we consume.