What young Australians think about a tax on sugar-sweetened beverages

To determine support for a tax on sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs) among young Australian adults and the potential impact on SSB consumption if a tax is introduced.

Cross-sectional convenience survey of Australians aged 18-30 years sampled in the City of Greater Geelong, Australia, in November-December 2017.

A total of 1,793 responses were recorded. Overall, 48% supported a tax on SSBs, which increased to 74% and 72% if tax revenue was allocated to subsidising fruit and vegetables or funding community exercise facilities, respectively. If a tax of $0.40/100g of sugar were introduced, 53% of participants would reduce their SSB consumption and most of this group (63%) reported that they would consume more water instead. Participants who consumed SSBs more frequently were less likely to support a tax or reduce their consumption. Gender, obesity and SES were not associated with support for a tax.

Most young adults supported the idea of a tax on SSBs if tax revenue would be used to support healthy eating or physical activity. If a tax was introduced, most indicated that they would reduce their SSB consumption and substitute water for SSBs. Implications for public health: Policymakers can expect support from young people should an SSB tax be introduced in Australia.