Soft drinks, juice and sweet drinks – limit intake (2024)

The Australian dietary guidelines recommends that all Australians limit their intake of drinks containing added sugar, including sugar-sweetened soft drinks and cordials, fruit drinks, vitamin-style waters, flavoured mineral waters, energy and sports drinks.

Sugary drinks are not required for good health and frequent drinking of large amounts can increase the risk of health problems.

Consumption of sugary drinks provides additional energy (kilojoules) to the diet, but no other essential nutrients such as protein, minerals, vitamins or dietary fibre.

There is strong evidence of the association between the consumption of sugary dinks and excess weight gain in both children and adults, as well as reduced bone strength, and tooth decay.

Artificially sweetened drinks are chemical additives that are sweeter than sugar but add very little energy (kilojoules) to the diet and therefore do not contribute directly to weight gain. However, artificially sweetened drinks still maintain the ‘habit’ of drinking sweet drinks and there is some evidence that consumption of all soft drinks, both diet and sugar sweetened, may lead to decreased bone density as people may drink less milk.

Whether sweetened with sugar or artificial sweeteners these drinks are acidic. Frequent consumption can contribute to the erosion of tooth enamel, a major factor in tooth decay.

For good oral health, tap water has an advantage over many commercially available drinks as it has the beneficial effects of added fluoride. Tap water is also the best choice of drink for hydration (replacing the fluids you lose).

Drinking reduced fat milk helps people to meet their target for the food group ‘milk, yoghurt, cheese and/or their alternatives’.

The Australian guide to healthy eating provides people of different sex, age and life stage with a recommended eating plan that includes all the nutrients you need to grow and develop, and to live a healthy life.

A variety of foods from the 5 food groups provide valuable nutrients for the body, while discretionary (‘sometimes’ or ‘extra’) foods and particularly drinks provide additional energy (kilojoules), but do not generally satisfy hunger.

For adults, sugary drinks do not usually contribute to feeling full, people tend to eat their usual meal – leading to excess energy intake and weight gain over time.

Discretionary foods and drink, including sugary drinks, are not an essential or necessary part of our dietary patterns. If chosen, they should be included only occasionally and in small amounts.