Cross-sectional analysis of soft drinks consumption patterns post-taxation in Saudi Arabia

Sweetened soft drinks consumption contributes to the increasing prevalence of obesity in Saudi Arabia. In 2017, Saudi Arabia began imposing tax on sugar-sweetened drinks to combat obesity.

To investigate the determinants of soft drinks consumption patterns among adults in Saudi Arabia 5 years after consumer tax implementation.

This cross-sectional study was conducted among 1935 adults in Saudi Arabia, aged 20-60 years, predominantly female (80.4%). Data were collected using an online questionnaire that focused on the sociodemographic and anthropometric characteristics and consumption patterns of participants, as well as their attitudes towards soft drink consumption. Spearman's correlation and principal component analysis were used to evaluate the factors influencing soft drink consumption. Statistical significance was set at P < 0.05.

A significant majority of the participants (82.9%, n = 1605) reported consuming sweetened soft drinks 1-3 times per month. Habitual consumption was the most cited reason (27.1%), followed by consumption at social gatherings (12.9%) and while eating at restaurants (12.4%). Advertising was the least (7.1%) consumption influencing factor. Correlation analysis revealed that availability (0.358, P < 0.05), social gatherings (0.357, P < 0.05) and affordability (0.336, P < 0.05) were significantly associated with consumption frequency.

Despite increased taxes on soft drinks in Saudi Arabia, consumption remains largely habitual among adults. The minimal impact of advertising and normalized price perceptions suggest that alternative strategies are required to effectively reduce soft drink consumption among this population.