New Trends in Beverage Consumption

Trends in Beverage Consumption: Children and Adults 2003-2014

Many adults and children in the U.S. consume a sugar sweetened beverage (SSB) on any given day. Although the amount of SSB’s is declining, it is still a considerable source of added sugars in the diet and is linked to obesity. Legislation is beginning to address ways to curb SSB sales and consumption. This study used NHANES data from 2003-2014, utilizing 24-hour food recalls from 2-19 years old children and adults 20 years and older.

 Results found a significant decline in SSB consumption by children and adults from 2003 to 2014. Children of all age groups were drinking more water and children age 12-19 were drinking less 100% fruit juice. For adults, water was being consumed more often across all age groups. Young adults (20-30 years old) and older adults were drinking less milk, and 100% fruit juice and coffee and tea all decreased in the age group of 60 years and older. Diet beverage consumption decreased in 20 to 59 years old participants. Fruit drink intake decreased among all children and adults, while soda consumption decreased among all children and only some adult age groups. Intake of low calorie SSBs increased in the 12-19 years old population and other SSB consumption increased in 6 to 11 years old population.

Calories from various beverages changed, too, across age groups. Children’s calories from milk and SSBs decreased overall, and adults decreased calories milk, SSBs, and 100% juice in varying age groups. Overall per capita calories from SSBs decreased by 92.3 calories and 50.1 calories for children and adults respectively. When looking at racial groups and age categories, Mexican Americans, non-Mexican Hispanics, and black participants did not have as much decrease in SSB consumption as white participants. This is key to identifying the health disparities in minorities where prevalence of obesity and chronic illnesses is still high. Although there were significant declines in SSB intake and calories, many age groups are still consuming more than recommended. Many programs, initiatives, and media sources have been focusing on lower energy intake and these messages may have impacted the way people are buying and consuming beverages. Two new trends that seem to be emerging are increases in water intake among all ages and increases of milk intake among young children.

-AC

Bleich, S. N., Vercammen, K. A., Koma, J. W., & Li, Z. (2017). Trends in Beverage Consumption Among Children and Adults, 2003‐2014. Obesity.