New peer-reviewed research on 22 years of consumer purchasing data has revealed a long-term shift in Australians’ drinks choices with a significant increase in the consumption of no-sugar drinks.
An Australian research first, the study published in the journal Nutrients, found a significant 30 per cent 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! Nice work, Australia!
The research looked at data from the end of the 1990s and includes analysis on what the nation was drinking in 1997 through to 2018.
‘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 Mr Geoff Parker, Chief Executive Officer, 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 per cent of water-based drinks purchased are low- or no- sugar, compared to just 36 per cent in 1997’ added Mr Parker.
‘Volume sales of still and sparkling unflavoured water are particularly interesting as they have increased by 4.5 times, from 12 litres per person, per year in 1997 to 54 litres per person, per year in 2018. This shows the drinks industry is driving change in consumption that is aligned with public health goals by offering additional healthier options, more of the time,’ said Mr Parker.
’64 per cent of drinks in the fridge in 1997 were sugar-sweetened drinks with the remaining 36 per cent made up by non-sugar options. Today, 59 per cent of drinks are non-sugar drinks and 41 per cent are sugar-sweetened.
The peer reviewed study demonstrates an important shift in consumer behaviour which is in line with the industry’s efforts to encourage healthier lifestyles, including to reduce sugar across the portfolio by 20 per cent by 2025.
Key research findings include:
- Non-sugar drinks have outsold sugar-sweetened drinks since 2015
- 64% of drinks in the fridge in 1997 were sugar-sweetened drinks with the remaining 36% made up of non-sugar options
- In 2018, 59% of drinks are non-sugar drinks and 41% sugar-sweetened
- There has been a 30% decrease in per capita sugar contribution from non-alcoholic water-based beverages since 1997
- Still and sparkling unflavoured water volume sales have increased from 12 litres per person a year in 1997 to 54 litres per person a year in 2018.
Need some food for thought? Read our article on why sugar has become the most detrimental dietary ingredient to our waistlines, health and general wellbeing.
