Tag: Ssb tax

According to UNICEF, a 20% tax on sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs) has been demonstrated to reduce the prevalence of overweight by 1–3% and the prevalence of obesity by 1–4%. These findings highlight the significant and multifaceted effects or consequences to the implementation of a sweetened beverage tax, which extend across public health, consumer behavior, and economic factors.

Studies reveal that introducing a tax equivalent to a 10% increase on sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs) has consistently led to an average decline in SSB purchases and dietary intake of 10.0%, according to a systematic review. This evidence demonstrates the effectiveness of such fiscal policies in influencing consumer behavior.

As of 2024, more than 100 jurisdictions worldwide have implemented taxes targeting unhealthy foods and beverages, often referred to as a junk food tax or sugar tax. These fiscal policies are a growing global trend aimed at improving public health by discouraging the consumption of products high in sugar, fat, and salt.

According to Faostat data, Mexico's per capita sugar consumption was 34.6 kg in 2021, a slight decrease from previous years. The question of how much sugar do Mexicans consume is complex, as it involves significant historical dietary shifts, high consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages, and public health campaigns.