Sugar-Sweetened Beverages Consumption among Koreans: Differences across Age Groups and Beverage Types

The consumption of beverages has rapidly increased in Korea in recent years. However, such data on sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs), which are one of the major dietary risks for cardiometabolic diseases, are very limited. This study evaluated SSBs consumption by sex and age group as well as SSBs types among Koreans. We included 17,084 participants (≥3 years) from the 2020－2022 Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys. Based on 24 h dietary recall data, SSBs were assessed as daily consumption (g/d and servings/d) and categorized as soft drinks, fruit drinks and juices, sweetened coffees, and other sweetened beverages. These analyses were also conducted separately with only SSBs consumers (n=8,404). The mean daily consumption of SSBs in the total study population was 96.5 g/d [standard error (SE)=2.4; mean intake=0.9 servings/d]. Among SSBs consumers, the mean consumption was 192.7 g/d (SE=4.2; mean intake=1.7 servings/d). Adolescents and young adults consumed more SSBs compared to other age groups. SSBs consumption differed by age group and beverage type, with fruit drinks and juices being most popular among children; soft drinks and other sweetened beverages among adolescents and young adults, and sweetened coffee among adults. Energy intake from SSBs was 74.2 and 75.9 kcal/d in adolescents and young adults, respectively; ∼20% of total daily sugar and ∼4% of total daily energy intake was from SSBs. This study found that the types and amounts of SSBs consumed vary by age group, with adolescents and young adults showing particularly higher consumption, highlighting the need for age-specific intervention strategies.