Foodwatch: Germans consume nearly 26 grams of sugar daily through drinks - Germany's sugar habit remains Europe's worst despite industry cuts
Germany remains the top consumer of sugary drinks in Western Europe, with daily intake far above its neighbours. A new analysis shows Germans drink nearly 26 grams of sugar from beverages each day—more than double the amount in some countries. Campaigners are now pushing for a sugar tax, pointing to the UK's success in cutting consumption after introducing similar measures in 2018.
The latest data from market research firm Euromonitor reveals stark differences across Europe. Germany leads with 26 grams of sugar per person daily from drinks, followed by Austria at 23 grams and the Netherlands at 20 grams. Southern European nations fare better, with Italy at the bottom of the list, consuming just 9.5 grams per day.
In the UK, a sugar tax introduced in 2018 has already reduced sugar levels in soft drinks by 35%. Fanta, for example, now contains 4.5 grams of sugar per 100 millilitres there, compared to 7.6 grams in Germany. This shift has helped lower the UK's daily per capita sugar intake from drinks to 16 grams.
German manufacturers have made some changes since the UK's tax took effect. Industry reports show that sugar content in popular drinks like Coca-Cola, Fanta and Sprite has dropped from around 10-11 grams per 100 millilitres in 2018 to roughly 7-9 grams by 2025. Companies such as Coca-Cola Europacific Partners have reformulated products voluntarily, partly to avoid future regulations.
Pressure is growing on German policymakers to follow the UK's example. Last year, Schleswig-Holstein's Minister-President Daniel Günther (CDU) proposed a federal sugar tax through the Bundesrat. However, the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) has so far resisted the idea. Foodwatch, a consumer rights group, has criticised the delay, calling Germany's sugar consumption a 'depressing first place' that strains public health and healthcare costs.
Luise Molling of Foodwatch warned that without action, the country will continue to face high obesity rates and rising medical expenses. The group has urged the CDU to drop its opposition ahead of its upcoming federal party conference, arguing that a tax would push manufacturers to cut sugar further and reduce consumption.
The debate over a sugar tax in Germany comes as voluntary reductions by drink producers show limited impact. While sugar levels in some soft drinks have fallen, daily intake remains the highest in Western Europe. Campaigners insist stronger measures are needed to match the progress seen in the UK.
