How Big Soda Companies are Pushing Sugar

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By now, it is well known that regularly drinking soda is harmful to our health. Studies have linked soda with a higher prevalence of obesity, type-2-diabetes, heart disease, and tooth decay. For these reasons, companies have seen significant drops in sales, but according to Marion Nestle, a professor in the Department of Nutrition, Food Studies, and Public Health at New York University, big soda companies are fighting back. In an interview published in the November, 2015 issue of Nutrition Action Magazine, Nestle explains some of the tactics being used by big soda.
 Like cigarette companies, soda companies have moved a lot of their business overseas. In the United States, they have been using other strategies to deflect negativity. For example, Coca-Cola and the American Beverage Association have funded their own research. Coincidentally, 85% of the studies funded by industry find soda to be harmless to health. Instead of facing the facts, companies are drawing attention to other issues like physical activity, hydration, and personal responsibility. Their marketing strategies include depictions of happiness and emotional connections that are relatable and desirable to consumers.
Other tactics are less obvious. For example, soda companies have fought caps on soda sizes, soda taxes, and public health measures. At the same time, they fund health organizations, community organizations, and city organizations. When cities consider adopting soda taxes, Coke offers them millions of dollars instead. Companies go to these measures to defeat soda taxes because their products are price-sensitive. While soda companies do offer water, diet drinks, and smaller can sizes, the main issue is that they are still fighting against public health.
As dietitians, it is important that we see through the tactics being used by big soda companies and understand current conflicts of interest. With today's statistics for obesity, heart disease, diabetes, and fatty liver disease, we need to keep educating on the effects of drinking sugar-filled beverages. If Americans continue to ignore the data and believe the big industries, our health will continue to suffer the consequences.

JW


Nestle, M. (2015, November). Not So Happy. Nutrition Action, 3-5.

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