Nonalcoholic Beverage Consumption Among Youth and Adults: United States, August 2021-August 2023

This report shows the contribution of beverage types to total nonalcoholic beverage consumption (in grams) for U.S. youth ages 2-19 years and adults age 20 and older during August 2021-August 2023, by age group and over the past decade.

National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey data from 2013-2014 through August 2021-August 2023 were used for these analyses. Beverage types included water, milk, 100% fruit juice, coffee and tea, sweetened beverages, and diet beverages based on the U.S. Department of Agriculture's What We Eat in America food categories. Differences between groups were tested using a univariate t statistic. Tests for trends by age group were evaluated using orthogonal polynomials, and for trends over time using polynomial regression models, accounting for the unequal spacing and lengths of survey cycles. Statistical significance was set at p less than 0.05. Day 1 dietary sample weights were used to account for the differential probabilities of selection, nonresponse, and noncoverage.

During August 2021-August 2023, water contributed 57.2% to total beverage consumption in youth and 57.3% in adults on a given day. Among youth, the contributions from water, coffee and tea, sweetened beverages, and diet beverages increased with age, while the contributions from milk and 100% fruit juice decreased. Among adults, the contributions from milk, coffee and tea, and diet beverages increased with age, while the contributions from water and sweetened beverages decreased. Between 2013-2014 and August 2021-August 2023, the contribution of water to total beverage consumption on a given day increased and the contributions form milk, 100% fruit juice, and sweetened beverages decreased in both youth and adults.