Evolving Sweet Preferences: Temporal Trends in Australian Non-Alcoholic Beverage Sales from 1997 to 2024

Background/Objectives: Understanding the purchasing behaviour of sweetened beverages is important, as beverages have been highlighted as a key target for reducing sugar intake. This research aimed to provide a comprehensive understanding of trends in per capita volume sales of non-alcoholic water-based beverages (WBB) in Australia and their contribution to dietary sugars between 1997 and 2024. Methods: Volume sales data for the years 2018 to 2024 (Circana Connect) were integrated with three previously published datasets spanning 1997 to 2018, with adjustments to reflect the total market where applicable. Per capita volume sales were determined using national population data (Australian Bureau of Statistics) for each corresponding year. Linear regression analysis was performed to assess trends in per capita volume sales over time. Sugar contributions of each beverage category were modelled based on representative sugar content data. Results: Total WBB sales showed consistent growth over the 28-year period (1.68 L/person/year, 36.2%). Within this, sales of sugar-sweetened beverages (SSB) declined (-1.08 L/person/year), with a concurrent increase in non-sugar-sweetened and unsweetened beverage purchases (2.74 L/person/year). This transition became more pronounced from 2015 and coincided with a decreased contribution of WBB to dietary sugars (-0.13 kg/person/year, p < 0.001). There was variation in sales and sugar contribution trends by beverage category. Functional beverages (e.g., coconut water, protein water) showed increases in sales and sugar contribution. Conclusions: The last 28 years have seen a trend in beverage purchases away from sugar-sweetened to non-sugar-sweetened and unsweetened varieties. This comprehensive analysis of consumer beverage choices makes a valuable contribution to policy and health-focused food industry initiatives.