Mexico Launches New Campaign to Curb Soda Consumption

More than a decade after Mexico first taxed sugary sodas, the Health Ministry is launching a new campaign to discourage people from drinking them. It’s a push for better health, focusing on prevention.

President Claudia Sheinbaum announced the campaign on Tuesday. She explained that health isn’t just about treatment when you’re sick. It’s about care, prevention, and especially reducing sugary drink intake.

The 2014 soda tax hasn’t been enough. Mexicans still drink a lot of soda. Actually, they consume an average of 166 liters per year, making Mexico one of the world’s highest consumers. Health Minister David Kershenobich shared this concerning statistic.

The problem isn’t just with adults. Seven out of ten children and teens drink soda every day, even with breakfast! Kershenobich emphasized that this high consumption links to diabetes and heart disease. A single 600 ml soda can contain 12 to 15 teaspoons of sugar.

The numbers are stark. In 2024, 190,000 deaths in Mexico were linked to heart disease, and 112,000 to diabetes.

“One wonders if we have a way to treat these people as we continue to have such a high mortality rate,” Kershenobich said. “And that’s where preventive programs come in.” This new campaign aims to be one such program.