Sodas should contain less sugar: A new study on liquid calories and sugar

A new study looked at how making soda drinks have less sugar and smaller packages can affect the soda companies and consumers. 

When companies reduce the sugar in their sodas, it doesn't necessarily mean they make more money because people often switch to the sugar-free versions of the same brand. 

However, making the soda packages smaller does boost the sales of the brand as a whole. 

More about the research

This research was done by Jonne Guyt and Kristopher Keller based on data from the United States.

Too much sugar is a problem because it can lead to health issues like diabetes and heart problems. 

Soda companies, like PepsiCo, have been trying to lower the sugar in their drinks and selling them in smaller packages. 

This helps reduce the amount of sugar people consume, even if it doesn't always make the companies more money.

The study found that when sodas have less sugar, they sell better if they are marketed as enjoyable, like "sweetened with sugar," instead of "healthy," like "no sugar." Also, they do better when they are sold under the main brand rather than a different one. 

Making smaller packages helps too, especially when they are marketed as fun and high-quality options, not just healthy ones.

Why it's important

It's important to note that the package sizes in the US are bigger than those in some other places, like the Netherlands, so the findings may not be the same everywhere. 

Nevertheless, the study can help both consumers and companies make better choices when it comes to soda.
 

• Related news:
• research
• sugar
• health
• 29 September 2023

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