ABS Data Confirms Australians are Drinking Less Sugar-Sweetened Beverages
Date: Friday, 27 March 2026
ABS DATA CONFIRMS AUSTRALIANS ARE DRINKING LESS SUGAR-SWEETENED BEVERAGES
Australian Bureau of Statistics data reinforces a clear long-term trend: Australians are drinking fewer sugar-sweetened beverages
The latest ABS apparent consumption data shows a 6.6 per cent decline (2018/19 – 2023/24) in consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages, validated by the independent research commissioned by the non-alcoholic beverages industry.
CEO of the Australian Beverages Council Mr Geoff Parker said the evidence clearly shows a trend among Australian consumers.
“Our industry has responded to changing consumer preferences and today offers a broad range of low- and no-sugar varieties,” said Mr Parker.
“Industry-led initiatives have demonstrated our role in providing consumers with options and the information to make informed choices about their drink. The result is fewer sugar-sweetened beverages being consumed today than in previous years.”
The non-alcoholic beverages industry remains committed to providing consumers with a range of beverage options and supporting them to make informed decisions about their choice of drink.
- Data from the Apparent Consumption of Selected Foodstuffs released by the ABS in March 2025 showed a 6.6 per cent decline in sugar-sweetened soft drinks (2018/19 – 2023/24).
- The ABS National Nutrition and Physical Activity Survey, published in September 2025, found that 20.9 per cent of Australians reported consuming a sugar-sweetened beverage in 2023, down from 43.2 per cent in 1995.
- This is further validated by independent analysis of sales data across a 22-year period (1997-2018) similarly showing a 27 per cent decline in sales of sugar-sweetened beverages over this time resulting in a 30 per cent reduction in per capita sugar consumption from non-alcoholic water-based beverages.
For media enquiries, please get in touch with lauren@ausbev.org