Sugar Drinks - What the US Thinks

Are sugar drinks your choice for thirst-quenching refreshment? If you answered yes, you're certainly not alone.

Recently, the National Center for Health Statistics revealed sugar drink consumption data, compiled between 2005-2008, showing that the consumption of sugar-sweetened drinks in the US has increased over the last 30 years. The results are categorized by age, sex, income, race and ethnicity, and availability.

The following set of selected statistics are interesting from both a marketing and personal standpoint.

The data states:

• About one-half of the population (ages 2 and up) consumes sugar drinks.
• Males consume more than females
  
  • 70% of boys (aged 2–19) consume sugar drinks.
  • Average consumption of sugar drinks is higher in males than females at almost all ages.
• Teenagers and young adults consume more than other age groups.
  
  • Consumption increases until the teenage years and then decreases with age.
• Low-income individuals consume more sugar drinks in relation to their total diet than higher-income individuals.
• 52% of sugar-drink calories are consumed in the home.
• 48% of sugar drinks are consumed away from home
  
  • 43% purchased in stores
  • 35.5% in restaurants/fast-food establishments
  • 1.4% in schools and/or day-care settings.
  • Remaining 20% obtained in other places (i.e. vending machines, cafeterias, street vendors,etc.).

Other poignant results involve the range of sugar-drink consumption.

• About 50% of the population consumes no sugar drinks.
• 25% consumes some sugar drinks (about 1 can cola).
• 5% consumes at least more than four 12-oz cans of cola.

In summary, sugar-drink consumption differs by sex, age, race and ethnicity, and income.

Despite recommendations to limit the consumption of added sugars by the U.S. dietary guidelines in 2010, demand for sugar-sweetened drinks by the US population remains high.

But you don't really need to read about this to see the reality... just walk down any supermarket beverage isle.