Sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs) are a major source of added sugar in the diet. They include cordials, soft drinks, energy drinks, sports drinks, fruit and vegetable drinks, and flavoured waters. Consumption of SSBs is associated with obesity, type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, bone density problems, tooth erosion and tooth decay.
SSBs are discretionary as they do not contribute significantly to essential nutritional requirements and can be substituted with water, making preventive health interventions to reduce their consumption ideal. Obesity is an Australian health priority, and the disproportionate consumption of SSBs in vulnerable populations requires urgent action.
