Types Of Sugar-sweetened Beverages Research Articles

Own price elasticities of the demand for sugar-sweetened beverages in Bangladesh

BackgroundConsumption of sugar-sweetened beverages (SSB) is a major global public health problem. Increasing the price of SSBs through taxation is an effective tool to reduce SSB consumption. Price-elasticity estimates are useful in measuring the effect of taxation on consumption. We estimated the own price elasticities of demand for SSBs in Bangladesh, which will inform how SSB taxes could affect behaviour.MethodsWe used Household Income and Expenditure Survey (HIES) 2016 data, which is a nationally representative dataset at the household level across the country and is conducted using stratified random sampling method. Deaton’s method was used to estimate the price elasticities for SSBs in Bangladesh.ResultsWe found that the own price elasticity for SSBs varied between − 0.53% to -1.17% by types of SSBs in Bangladesh. The price elasticity for soft drinks was − 1.17, indicating that if the price of soft drinks increases by 10% via taxes, the quantity consumed of these beverages would reduce by 11.7%.ConclusionThis is the first study that estimates the own price elasticities of demand for SSBs in Bangladesh. Our results suggest to raise SSB prices through increased taxation in order to reduce SSB consumption and ensure public health gains in Bangladesh.

The crowding-out effect of sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs) on household expenditure patterns in Bangladesh

BackgroundConsumption of sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs) or sugary drinks may reduce or even eliminate the household income allocation for other essential commodities. Reducing expenditure for consumption of other household commodities is known as the crowding-out effect of SSB. We aimed to determine the crowding-out effect of SSB expenditure on other household commodities. In addition, we also identified the factors influencing the household's decision to purchase of SSBs.MethodsWe used the logistic regression (logit and multinomial logit models) and the Seemingly Unrelated Regression (SUR) models. In order to find the probability of a given change in the socio-demographic variables, we also estimated the average marginal effects from the logistic regression. In addition, we regressed the SUR model by gender differences. We used Household Income and Expenditure Survey (HIES) 2016 data to estimate our chosen econometric models. HIES is nationally representative data on the household level across the country and is conducted using a multistage random sampling method by covering 46,075 households.ResultsThe findings from the logit model describe that the greater proportion of male members, larger household size, household heads with higher education, profession, having a refrigerator, members living outside of the house, and households with higher income positively affect the decision of purchasing SSB. However, the determinants vary with the various types of SSB. The unadjusted crowding out effect shows that expenditure on SSB or sugar-added drinks crowds out the household expenditure on food, clothing, housing, and energy items. On the other hand, the adjusted crowding out effect crowds out the spending on housing, education, transportation, and social and state responsibilities.ConclusionAlthough the household expenditure on beverages and sugar-added drinks is still moderate (around 2% of monthly household expenditure), the increased spending on beverages and sugar-added drinks is a concern due to the displacement of household expenditure for basic commodities such as food, clothing, housing, education, and energy. Therefore, evidence-based policies to regulate the sale and consumption of SSB are required for a healthy nation.

Development and Validation of FFQ for Assessing Sugar-Sweetened Beverages (SSB) and High-Energy Dense Foods Intake among Malaysian Adolescents

Introduction: Increased consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs) is strongly associated with weight gain, dental cavities, and a higher risk of chronic diseases among adolescents. However, there is no available FFQ for the Malaysian population individually to evaluate and assess the consumption of SSBs and high-energy dense (HED) foods among adolescents. Method: A 24-hour diet recall with 30 adolescents were performed via Google Meet to identify the most common and frequent types of SSBs and HEDs foods consumed nowadays. The food checklist of SSBs and HED foods from literature review search was also provided to the participants. Experts critically reviewed each food item and provide a score for its relevancy and essentiality. Face validity were conducted among 10 adolescents to validate the developed FFQ. Results: The final FFQ consisted of 63 food items with ten categories. This FFQ showed high content validity for individual items with I-CVI ranging from 0.67 to 1.00 and overall questionnaires with S-CVI/Ave valued at 0.97. The calculation of Kappa statistic showed that this newly developed FFQ has excellent inter-rater reliability at the item level with K > 0.74 for 55 items and K = 0.57 only for 4 items. Most of the items were marked as relevant with a CVR score of 1.00. Conclusion: The findings of this study imply that the newly developed FFQ could be utilised to estimate the intake of SSB and HED foods of Malaysian adolescents.

Sugar Content and Warning Criteria Evaluation for Popular Sugar-Sweetened Beverages in Taipei, Taiwan.

Sugar intake may increase the risk of obesity, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and dental caries. In Taiwan, people frequently consume sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs). This study explored the energy and sugar content of Taiwanese SSBs and evaluated them using the Chilean warning label system (>70 kcal/100 mL and >5 g sugar/100 mL) and the World Health Organization (WHO) sugar guideline (≤25 g sugar). A total of 341 SSBs with volumes ≤600 mL were analyzed. No significant differences were observed in sugar per serving among different types of SSBs, but a great variation in portion size (i.e., package size for individual consumption) was noted. The energy and sugar ratios per serving were lower in soft drinks and coffee and tea containing >1 serving than in those containing only one serving. The calorie and sugar ratios per portion were higher in all types of SSBs containing >1 serving per portion than in those containing exactly one serving. Approximately 70.0% of Taiwanese SSBs were classified as high sugar according to the Chilean criteria, and 41.6% of SSBs exceeded the WHO guideline. Moreover, 40.8% of SSBs that were not considered as high sugar according to the Chilean criteria contained >25 g sugar per portion. For individual consumption, it is more clear that nutrition labeling is based on portion rather than serving. Evaluating SSBs on sugar/portion rather than sugar/100 mL will help consumers make better choices.

Sugar Is the Key Cause of Overweight/Obesity in Sugar-Sweetened Beverages (SSB).

To evaluate association between overweight/obesity and sugar-sweetened beverages (SSB) types, SSB sugar, among children and adolescents. A total of 1,068 children and 751 adolescents were identified from a provincial survey conducted in Shandong, China. χ2 tests, logistic regression, restricted cubic spline (RCS), mediation analysis, pathway analysis, and ordinary least square (OLS) regression were applied to test association among overweight/obesity, SSB sugar, SSB types, and a set of factors. The mean daily SSB intake for children and adolescents was 210.7 and 208 ml, respectively. The threshold of SSB sugar consumption causing overweight/obesity was around 25 g/day and verified by RCS based on logistic regression. Approximately, 44.8% of the study subjects consumed more than 25 g/day of SSB sugar. SSB sugar intake above 25 g/day resulted in higher risk of overweight/obesity (OR = 1.391, 95% CI, 1.115–1.734). The effects of all types of SSBs on overweight/obesity were fully mediated by SSB sugar (p < 0.05), except for milk. Consumption of any types of SSBs had a positive impact on SSB sugar intake in both children and adolescents. Any type of SSB intake was a risk factor in excessive intake of SSB sugar (OR > 1, p < 0.05). In particular, milk powder, tea, and tea-flavored drinks, and carbonated have greater ORs for excessive intake of SSB sugar (OR = 76.08, 8.879, 4.355, p < 0.05, respectively). It was found that the effect of SSB on overweight/obesity was mediated by the intake of SSB sugar, and the effects of various SSBs were different according to multiple linear regression and pathway analysis (p < 0.05, respectively).

Longer Family Participation in WIC is Associated With Lower Childhood Sugar-Sweetened Beverage Intake

ObjectiveTo evaluate if children of families with a longer duration of participation in the Special Supplementation Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) consume fewer sugar-sweetened beverages (SSB) and more water. DesignA repeated cross-sectional study. SettingConducted among representative samples of WIC-participating families in Los Angeles County, California, in 2014, 2017, and 2020. ParticipantsChildren aged 4–59 months participating in WIC. Main Outcome MeasuresDaily servings of total SSBs, daily servings of specific types of SSBs, and daily servings of water. AnalysisMultivariable count regression models were used to estimate incidence rate ratios (IRR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) for associations of the duration of family WIC participation with daily servings of total SSBs, water, and specific types of SSBs. Zero-inflated negative binomial regression models were used for total SSBs and specific types of SSBs, and Poisson regression was used for water. ResultsChildren of families with 2 years of WIC participation consumed significantly fewer daily servings of total SSBs (IRR, 0.95; 95% CI, 0.93–0.98; P = 0.002), fruit-flavored SSBs (IRR, 0.95; 95% CI, 0.91–0.99; P = 0.02), soda (IRR, 0.86; 95% CI, 0.76–0.98; P = 0.02), and water (IRR, 0.99; 95% CI, 0.98 to < 1.00; P = 0.03) than children of families with 1 year of WIC participation. Protective associations for total SSBs, fruit-flavored SSBs, and soda remained statistically significant and increased in magnitude through 10 years of family WIC participation. Conclusions and ImplicationsDuration of WIC participation was associated with decreased SSB intake by young children. Given the role that increasing water intake in lieu of SSBs plays in child obesity, improving the effectiveness of WIC nutrition education on parental perceptions and provision of fruit-flavored SSBs and water to their children merits detailed evaluation.

Parental perspectives towards sugar-sweetened beverages and polices: a qualitative study.

This qualitative study aimed to understand parental perception of (1) sugar-sweetened beverages (SSB) and implications of SSB on health; (2) their role in shaping their children's consumption of SSB; (3) the influences on SSB consumption of their children; and (4) potential government policies targeted at controlling SSB consumption. English-speaking parents of pre-schoolers aged 2-6years were recruited. Semi-structured interviews based on the knowledge, attitude, practice framework were conducted, and transcripts were subjected to thematic analysis based on inductive approaches. Recruitment continued until data saturation was reached. Twenty parents participated in the study and themes addressing the objectives identified. (1) There were misconceptions regarding the healthfulness of certain non-packaged SSB such as traditional remedies and juices. Some were unaware about the association between SSB and dental caries. (2) The need to reduce and restrict sugar consumption for overall and oral health reasons was well-recognised, but the extent of control varied. (3) Multiple stakeholders including pre-schools, grandparents and domestic helpers were involved in shaping children's diet. Children's sugar intake was also influenced by environmental factors, such as the ubiquitously available SSB, targeted marketing and high cost of healthy alternatives. (4) Participants were less accepting towards SSB taxation than the ban of SSB sales. Despite the awareness of the types of SSBs and the general/oral health implications of sugar consumption, misconceptions exist. Although most parents possessed the knowledge and attitude, this did not translate into the practice of reducing sugar consumption in their children. There was no SSB reduction policy that had overwhelming acceptability.

PAM1 Willingness to Pay for Sugar-Sweetened Beverages Tax in an Affluent Setting of ASIA: A Preliminary Finding

To assess the tax rates that an individual will change their consumption frequency for sugar-sweetened beverages (SSB) products i.e. Willingness to pay (WTP) We conducted a cross-sectional study via a random telephone survey for adult residents in Hong Kong from May to June, 2020. SSBs products were referred to all non-alcoholic water based beverages with added sugar. WTP of a respondent was defined as the accepted price that he is willing to pay for the SSB products without a reduction of purchase given a taxation scenario, and the maximum WTP (WTPM) was defined as the highest accepted price that a respondent consuming SSB products. The questionnaire was designed consisting of socio-demographics, physical conditions, SSB consumption frequency, perception about SSB products, and WTP for each types of SSBs. A total of 1,000 subjects were successfully interviewed and the response rate was 59.1%. We found the local population had a high consumption behavior of SSB products and even though a half of them perceived that a consumption of SSB products could contribute a risk of getting chronic diseases, only a moderate proportion of WTP (>60%) at a typical range of taxation (i.e. 5%-10%) was reported. Among the SSB products, we found a comparatively higher proportion of WTP in sweetened tea/coffee and the WTPM was less sensitive when the price was increased, primarily due to a regular consumption in the daily lives of local population. Compared with the adults, the proportions of WTP in children were relatively lower indicating a higher effect of SSB tax. This is the very first study in the Chinese society to identify determinants for individuals’ WTP and evaluate the acceptability of taxation policy on SSB products. The findings thus help with designing SSB tax policy especially in the Chinese population.

Correlates of sugar-sweetened beverages consumption among adolescents.

To identify correlates and underlying beliefs regarding the adolescents' intention to abstain from consuming sugar-sweetened beverages (SSB) and the consumption of ≤1 daily portion of SSB. Correlational study. Region of Chaudière-Appalaches in the province of Quebec, Canada. 311 adolescents aged 13-18 years completed a self-administrated online questionnaire based on the Reasoned Action Approach. Frequency and quantity of different types of SSB within the past month were measured. Total mean SSB intake was 882·6 ml/d (654·0 kJ/d ). Only 11·3 % abstained from SSB within the last month. Intention to abstain from SSB was explained by identification as SSB abstainers (β = 0·47), perceived norm (β = 0·32), attitude (β = 0·30), age 13-14 years (β = -0·27) and perception of the school environment (β = 0·14), which explained 66 % of the variance. Consumption of ≤1 daily portion of SSB was explained by the intention to abstain (OR = 1·55; 95 % CI 1·14, 2·11), perceived behavioural control to abstain (OR = 1·80; 95 % CI 1·29, 2·52), sex (girls v. boys: OR = 2·34; 95 % CI 1·37, 3·98) and socio-economic status (advantaged v. disadvantaged school: OR = 2·08; 95 % CI 1·21, 3·56). Underlying beliefs (i.e. more energy, decreased risk of addiction and friends' approval) associated with intention as well as perceived barriers (e.g. access to SSB, after an activity that makes you thirsty), and facilitating factors (e.g. access to water) linked to SSB consumption were identified. The results can inform public health interventions to decrease SSB consumption and their associated health problems among adolescents.

Sugar-sweetened beverage consumption frequency in Korean adolescents: based on the 2015 Youth Risk Behavior Web-Based Survey

The purpose of the present study was to investigate current sugar-sweetened beverage consumption habits in Korean adolescents in conjunction with their demo-socioeconomic characteristics, and to identify variables that affect such behaviours. The study was conducted via secondary analysis of data from the 2015 Youth Risk Behavior Web-Based Survey (the 11th survey). The dependent variable in the current study was the combined consumption frequency of three types of sugar-sweetened beverages (carbonated beverages, highly-caffeinated beverages, sugary beverages), and demographic (gender, academic grade, residence), sociological (father's education level, mother's education level, having experienced depression within the last 12 months) and economic (subjective economic status, weekly allowance) factors constituted the independent variables. Our results showed that the amount of weekly allowance had the greatest impact on adolescents' beverage consumption of more than seven times a week. Increases in experiencing a depressed mood and allowance were associated with an increased tendency to consume ≥ 7 sugar-sweetened beverages per week. The results of the current study suggest that families and society should work collectively to motivate adolescents to consciously choose and buy healthy snacks. Furthermore, society should reach a consensus and invest effort to resolve this issue continuously and gradually, such as by presenting a standard for consumption of sugar-added drinks and implementing regulations to ban sales to adolescents.

Acquisition of Sugar-Sweetened Beverages Among United States Households (OR16-03-19)

ObjectivesFrequent consumption of sugar sweetened beverages (SSB) impacts diet quality and has been associated with obesity and type 2 diabetes. The purpose of this study was to assess SSB purchased or acquired for free by US households. This includes both SSB obtained and brought home (FAH) and SSB obtained for immediate consumption away from home (FAFH). MethodsWe used data from the USDA Food Acquisition and Purchasing Survey (FoodAPS), which collected 7 days of data on all foods purchased or obtained for free in a nationally representative sample of 4826 households during 2012. Data was collected using food record books and bar code scanners. We assessed the prevalence of acquiring SSB during a given week, the amount of SSB calories acquired, money spent on SSB, and types of SSB acquired. We also examined differences in mean weekly household SSB calories by household size, region, and rural status using linear regression models with F tests to assess statistical significance. ResultsDuring the one week study period, 77% of households acquired any SSB; 47% acquired SSB to bring home and 65% acquired SSB to consume away from home. Households had mean size of 2.4 members; they acquired an average of 1979 kcal of SSB per week and spent an average of $6.28 on SSB. More SSB calories were acquired to bring home (1223 kcal) than for away from home consumption (756 kcal). Soda was the leading type of SSB for at home (678 kcal) and away from home (472 kcal). Household SSB calories differed significantly by household size (P < 0.001) with each additional household member associated with a 735 kcal increase in household SSB kcal. Household SSB kcal differed by region (P = 0.02) and ranged from 1691 kcal in the Northeast to 2148 kcal in the South. Rural households had higher weekly SSB kcal compared to non-rural households (2255 kcal vs. 1838 kcal, P = 0.03). ConclusionsThis preliminary analyses suggests that U.S. households acquire nearly 2000 kcal of SSB per week. As more than 60% of SSB calories are acquired to bring home, efforts to improve diet quality among Americans could aim to reduce SSB acquisition for home consumption. Funding SourcesFunding is solely for staff time from internal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention funds.

Perceptions of water and sugar-sweetened beverage consumption habits among teens, parents and teachers in the rural south-western USA.

The present research aimed to describe perceptions and behaviours around the consumption of water and sugar-sweetened beverages (SSB) by youths. A formative, qualitative study which conducted four focus groups. Transcripts were analysed and themes related to reasons youths drink SSB and water, and conversely do not drink SSB and water, were analysed to reveal thematic clusters around sensory factors, environment and policy, access, marketing and role model influences, and health risks. A rural, tri-ethnic community in New Mexico, USA.ParticipantsMiddle- and high-school students, parents and teachers. Although youths and adults were aware of the health risks of soda, they did not translate this information to other SSB, including sports drinks and sweetened tea. Moreover, their perceptions of risks of dyes outweighed their concern with sugar. Youths and adults were aware of water's health benefits, but they focused on short-term benefits. Youths and adults perceived water as unappealing. Adults were also concerned with water safety and access. This formative research has implications for decreasing SSB consumption and simultaneously increasing water intake among youths in rural communities. Addressing unique access and safety concerns related to water in rural communities, as well as increasing awareness of the risks of all types of SSB, can work together in a positive feedback loop to change perceptions and behaviours with long-term health consequences. Specific policy suggestions include strengthening school policies to restrict all types of SSB and water promotion efforts that address access, safety and health benefits.

Sugar Sweetened Beverage Consumption Among Adults With Children in the Home.

Introduction: Consumption of sugar sweetened beverages (SSB)s has been linked with adult and childhood obesity, an increasing health burden in the United States. The aim of this study was to examine factors associated with the consumption of SSBs among Oklahoma adults with children in the home.Methods: A random sample of 1,118 Oklahoma adults with children in the home participated in a survey about their SSB consumption between August and October, 2015. We calculated weighted prevalence estimates and examined the relationship between types of SSBs consumed and covariates of interest using logistic regression techniques appropriate for survey data. Outcome variables included three categories of SSB consumption: consuming ≥1 sugar-sweetened sodas daily, consuming ≥1 other SSBs daily, and total daily SSB consumption, defined as ≥1 SSB of any kind. Heavy consumers were those who drank ≥3 SSBs per day.Results: Almost half (44%) of adults with children in the home consumed ≥1 total SSBs daily; 29% consumed ≥1 sugar-sweetened sodas and 28% consumed ≥1 other SSBs not including soda daily. The odds of consuming ≥1 SSBs daily was four times higher among those with a high school education or less (AOR = 4.06, 95% CI = 2.34, 7.04); almost three times higher for those who perceived their diet as somewhat healthy, or not very healthy (AOR = 2.72, 95% CI = 1.27, 5.82), more than double among those aged 18–34 years (AOR = 2.41, 95% CI = 1.08, 5.40), and almost double among those who consume <8 cups of water daily (AOR = 1.78, 95% CI = 1.06, 2.99).Conclusion: Because SSBs have been linked with obesity, understanding factors associated with consumption is important, especially among parents and caregivers of children. These findings have implications for developing and targeting messages to prevent SSB consumption among those most at risk.

Association between adolescents’ consumption of total and different types of sugar‐sweetened beverages with oral health impacts and weight status

Objective:To examine the associations between adolescents’ intake of sugar‐sweetened beverages (SSBs) with oral health impacts (OHI) and weight status. Methods:Cross‐sectional health survey with anthropometry and self‐report OHI (toothache and avoiding some foods because of oral problems) and SSB intake (fruit juice, flavoured water, soft, diet, sports and energy drinks) collected in 2015. Results:A total of 3,671 adolescents participated (50% girls; mean age 13.2 years ±1.7). Drinking ≥1cup/day of SSBs was consistently associated with higher odds of OHI compared with drinking <1cup/day: diet soft drinks (AOR, 5.21 95%CI 2.67, 10.18); sports drinks (AOR 3.60 95%CI 1.93, 6.73); flavoured water (AOR 3.07 95%CI 1.55, 6.06); and energy drinks (AOR 2.14 95%CI 1.44, 3.19). Daily SSB intake was not consistently associated with weight status. The odds of overweight/obesity (AOR 1.27 95%CI 1.01, 1.59) and obesity (AOR 1.61 95%CI 1.01, 2.57) were higher for energy drink consumption, compared with not drinking energy drinks; and the odds of abdominal obesity were twice as high among adolescents who drank ≥1cup/day of sports drinks, compared with <1cup/day intake. Conclusions:Daily consumption of SSBs is prevalent among adolescents and is consistently associated with higher odds of OHI. The most popular SSBs among adolescents were energy drinks. Different types of SSB were differentially associated with OHI and weight status. Implications for public health:Different types of SSBs were differentially associated with OHI and weight status in adolescents. Diet soft drinks and new generation SSBs such as energy and sport drinks and flavoured water had a greater impact on adolescents’ OHI compared with soft drinks and fruit juice.

Self-reported knowledge, attitude and consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages among undergraduate oral health students at a university in South Africa

Aims and Objectives:This study assessed the knowledge, attitude and consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs) and its association with body mass index (BMI) among undergraduate oral health students.Materials and Methods:A cross-sectional design was used and the study was conducted at a South African dental university. Undergraduate dental and oral hygiene students (n = 344) registered in 2015 were invited to participate. A self-administered questionnaire was used to elicit the necessary information. Data analysis included frequencies and correlations using Chi-square tests. Statistical significance was set at P < 0.05.Results:The response rate was 88% (301) and the mean age was 22.3 years (range: 17–42; standard deviation ±3.2). The majority were female (72%) and 70% of respondents had an acceptable level of knowledge on the types of SSBs and possible health conditions if consumed excessively. Almost half (46%) had a positive attitude toward the consumption of SSBs. Clinical students had a significantly higher level of knowledge compared to nonclinical students (P = 0.03). Participants consumed an average of six teaspoons (±9.5) of sugar from SSBs daily. Those with poor knowledge and attitude consumed significantly more SSBs (P < 0.01) than those with higher levels of knowledge and attitude. Males were significantly more obese and overweight than females (P < 0.01). There was no association between the amount of sugar consumed from SSBs and the BMI.Conclusions:The knowledge and attitude toward SSBs was acceptable. Although sugar consumption from SSBs was relatively high, there was no significant correlation between the consumption of SSBs and the BMI.

Prevalence of Sugar-Sweetened Beverage Intake Among Adults--23 States and the District of Columbia, 2013.

The 2015-2020 Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommend that the daily intake of calories from added sugars not exceed 10% of total calories. Sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs) are significant sources of added sugars in the diet of U.S. adults and account for approximately one third of added sugar consumption. Among adults, frequent (i.e., at least once a day) SSB intake is associated with adverse health consequences, including obesity, type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular disease. According to the 2009-2010 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES), an in-person and phone follow-up survey, 50.6% of U.S. adults consumed at least one SSB on a given day. In addition, SSB intake varies by geographical regions: the prevalence of daily SSB intake was higher among U.S. adults living in the Northeast (68.4%) and South (66.7%) than among persons living in the Midwest (58.8%). In 2013, the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS), a telephone survey, revised the SSB two-item optional module to retain the first question on regular soda and expand the second question to include more types of SSBs than just fruit drinks. Using 2013 BRFSS data, self-reported SSB (i.e., regular soda, fruit drinks, sweet tea, and sports or energy drinks) intake among adults (aged ≥18 years) was assessed in 23 states and the District of Columbia (DC). The overall age-adjusted prevalence of SSB intake ≥1 time per day was 30.1% and ranged from 18.0% in Vermont to 47.5% in Mississippi. Overall, at least once daily SSB intake was most prevalent among adults aged 18-24 years (43.3%), men (34.1%), non-Hispanic blacks (blacks) (39.9%), unemployed adults (34.4%), and persons with less than a high school education (42.4%). States can use the data for program evaluation and monitoring trends, and information on disparities in SSB consumption could be used to create targeted intervention efforts to reduce SSB consumption.

The effects of taxing sugar-sweetened beverages across different income groups.

This paper investigates the impact of sugar-sweetened beverages (SSB) taxes on consumption, bodyweight and tax burden for low-income, middle-income and high-income groups using an Almost Ideal Demand System and 2011 Household level scanner data. A significant contribution of our paper is that we compare two types of SSB taxes recently advocated by policy makers: A 20% flat rate sales (valoric) tax and a 20 cent/L volumetric tax. Censored demand is accounted for using a two-step procedure. We find that the volumetric tax would result in a greater per capita weight loss than the valoric tax (0.41 kg vs. 0.29 kg). The difference between the change in weight is substantial for the target group of heavy purchasers of SSBs in low-income households, with a weight reduction of up to 3.20 kg for the volumetric and 2.06 kg for the valoric tax. The average yearly per capita tax burden on low-income households is $17.87 (0.21% of income) compared with $15.17 for high-income households (0.07% of income) for the valoric tax, and $13.80 (0.15%) and $10.10 (0.04%) for the volumetric tax. Thus, the tax burden is lower, and weight reduction is higher under a volumetric tax.