February 10, 2017 (TORONTO) – Canadians’ per capita sugars intake from non-alcoholic refreshment beverages has decreased by 20% since 2004.[1] Within the total diet, liquid refreshment beverages make up only 7% of Canadians’ average daily calorie intake,[2] meaning that 93% of calories come from other sources.
While the beverage industry supports efforts to address serious diseases like obesity and diabetes, it is illogical to isolate one single ingredient or product as a unique contributor. Experts, including Health Canada, agree that the factors associated with these issues are complex,[3] and include overall health behaviours, and broader social, environmental and biological determinants.[4],[5]
Increases observed among smaller categories like energy drinks and sports drinks do not offset the total calorie and sugar decreases as a whole for non-alcoholic refreshment beverages. For example, while the volume of energy drinks consumed in Canada saw a small increase from 2014 to 2015, energy drinks remain an extremely niche product category, representing only 1% of the total non-alcoholic beverages consumed in Canada in 2015, including the no- and low-calorie options.[6]
Canada’s beverage industry is a leader in voluntary self-regulation, and has taken positive steps forward to diversify Canadians’ beverage options. Today 46% of refreshment beverages consumed in Canada are reduced- or zero-calorie.[7] Industry has also committed to further reduce Canadians per capita beverage calories by 20% by 2025 through the Balance Calories initiative.
Canadian Beverage Association members encourage continued dialogue and a collaborative effort between industry, health and public officials to develop holistic workable solutions to create lasting change for Canadians.
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[1] The Conference Board of Canada, Canadian Beverage Association Balance Calories Baseline Report, October 24, 2016 http://www.conferenceboard.ca/e-library/abstract.aspx?did=8379
[2] For liquid refreshment beverages, including 100% juice, based on 2,000 calories per day. Source for LRB calories/litre and consumption data: GlobalData (2015; based on data from GlobalData’s Industry Analyzer and Ingredients databases). www.GlobalData.com
[3] Hall KD, Sacks G, Chandramohan D, et al. Quantification of the effect of energy imbalance on bodyweight. Lancet 2011; 378(9793): 826-37.
[4] Prince SA, Kristjansson EA, Russell K, et al. Relationships between neighborhoods, physical activity, and obesity: A multilevel analysis of a large Canadian city. Obesity (Silver Spring) 2012; January 19 (epub ahead of print).
[5] Mozaffarian D, Hao T, Rimm EB, et al. Changes in diet and lifestyle and long-term weight gain in women and men. New England Journal of Medicine 2011; 364(25): 2392-2404.
[6] www.GlobalData.com; accessed Feb 10th 2017
[7] GlobalData www.GlobalData.com