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By Matthew Rees

Food and Health Fact #62: Americans' consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages

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Sugar-sweetened beverages – sodas, “energy” drinks, fruit juice concentrates, ready-to-drink teas, etc. – are key contributors to obesity. In 2015, Americans' per-capita consumption of these beverages exceeded 236 liters, which was significantly higher than consumption levels in any other country, according to a 2019 study. Following the United States was Mexico (167 liters), Chile (161.6), Argentina (157.4), Belgium (155.7), Canada (154.5), and Germany (150.6). The study also found that sugar-sweetened beverages in the United States were priced lower – as a share of gross national income – than in any country.