Thailand slashes sugar in drinks to reshape consumer habits and health
The Thai government has rolled out a new campaign to cut sugar in popular drinks. Nine major coffee and beverage chains have agreed to halve the sugar in their standard offerings, promoting health equity by making healthier choices the default option. The move follows years of rising health concerns linked to excessive sugar consumption, which contributes to obesity, diabetes, and other non-communicable diseases. The policy builds on a 2017 sugar tax, which pushed manufacturers to reduce sweetness levels, and now shifts the focus to changing consumer habits at the point of sale. Thailand's latest public health drive targets drinks served in cafés and chain stores, with 'normal' sweetness now containing half the sugar previously used, aiming to gradually lower intake and improve long-term health outcomes. Reactions have varied among consumers and small vendors, with some welcoming the shift as a positive change and others worrying about altered tastes. The policy also complements other initiatives, including better food labelling and efforts to encourage physical activity. The government's approach follows earlier measures like the 2017 sugar tax, which incentivised producers to reformulate products, and this time focuses on normalising lower sweetness in everyday drinks, making healthier choices the default option. The campaign marks a significant step in Thailand's fight against sugar-related illnesses, with major chains on board, potentially influencing millions of daily drink purchases and helping to lower overall consumption and improve public health.
