Trends in consumption of energy and total sugars from sugar-sweetened beverages in the United States among youth and adults, NHANES 2003-March 2020 and August 2021-August 2023.

BackgroundSugar-sweetened beverages (SSB) are a key source of energy and sugars in the American diet.AimThis assessment examined trends in SSB and sugar-sweetened carbonated soft drink (ssCSD) consumption.MethodsIntake estimates were generated using NHANES 2003-2020 and August 2021-August 2023 and temporal trends were examined using linear and logistic regression.SummaryThe percentage of individuals ≥2 years consuming SSB or ssCSD declined significantly from 2003 to 2023. The percentage of youth consuming SSB or ssCSD dropped from 2003 to 2023 (76%-44% and 56% to 22%, respectively), as did the percentage of adults consuming SSB or ssCSD (52%-32% and 42%-22%, respectively). Per capita energy intake from SSB or ssCSD declined among youth (-135 and -96 kcal/day, respectively) and adults (-89 and -75 kcal/day, respectively). The downward trends in SSB or ssCSD consumption among the US population suggest trends consistent with dietary recommendations.