Dutch Teenagers Consume Worrying Amounts of Sugary Drinks, Research Finds

Amsterdam, Netherlands – A new study from researchers at the GGD Amsterdam and Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam reveals that Dutch teenagers aged 12 to 16 are consuming alarmingly high levels of sugary drinks, raising concerns about potential health consequences like obesity and type 2 diabetes. The research highlights the influence of social norms, marketing, and affordability on these consumption patterns.

High Consumption Levels

On average, Dutch teenagers consume 9.5 glasses of sugary soft drinks per week. A significant portion, nearly half, consume 16.5 glasses weekly, equivalent to approximately ninety sugar cubes. Researchers express surprise at these findings, emphasizing the increased risk of obesity and type 2 diabetes associated with high sugar intake.

What Constitutes a Sugary Drink?

The study defines “soft drinks” broadly, encompassing not only traditional sodas but also fruit juices, lemonades, iced tea, sports drinks, and energy drinks – essentially any sugary beverage with limited nutritional value. Rian Pepping, a food scientist at Vrije Universiteit and GGD Amsterdam, clarifies this definition.

Factors Influencing Consumption

Several factors contribute to this high consumption. The study identifies social norms, with drinking sugary beverages considered “normal” among teenagers. Intense marketing efforts by the beverage industry and the simple availability and affordability of these drinks also play a significant role. Research indicates that teenagers are often aware of the negative health effects but still find sugary drinks the easier choice due to their accessibility and perceived palatability compared to healthier alternatives.

Supermarket Purchases and Price Sensitivity

The majority of sugary drink purchases occur in supermarkets. The research suggests that many teenagers would cease buying these drinks if a 330 milliliter can cost more than 3 euros. The presence of soft drinks at home also encourages consumption.

Calls for a Sugar Tax

Researchers are advocating for the implementation of a “smart” sugar tax, where the tax amount is proportional to the sugar content of the beverage. This approach aims to incentivize manufacturers to reduce sugar levels and encourage consumers to opt for healthier choices. The current Jetten cabinet plans to introduce a sugar tax by 2030, but researchers are urging for earlier action. Pepping notes that in 2050, two-thirds of the Dutch population is projected to be overweight, with significant consequences for public health.

The Broader Context

This study builds on previous research, including qualitative work exploring teenagers’ lived experiences with sugary drinks. Researchers used a context-mapping approach to understand teenagers’ perspectives, beliefs, barriers, and triggers related to SSB consumption, finding that population-level interventions like taxation would be well-received.

Rian Pepping is an investigator at GGD Amsterdam and affiliated with Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam. View Rian Pepping’s profile on LinkedIn.