Let’s discover the countries that consume the most soft drinks in the world today! There has been a lot of talks about the harmful effects of soft drinks lately but let’s face it, not the best of us can resist the inviting refreshments from time to time. And, with the summer temperatures soaring, it just gets harder than ever.
Soft drinks generally refer to beverages that contain carbonated water, sweeteners, and some flavoring, and include soda, fizzy drinks, canned juices, sports drinks and energy drinks. So why do the health freaks love to hate on the carbonated sweet waters? Well, the reasons are unending. Sodas and soft drinks have been a major cause of obesity in today’s generation due to its high sugar content. And, that precisely is evident in the health statistics of the countries that consume the most soft drinks in the world. With most of these countries’ data looking somber and indicating at major obesity tendencies, a link between their soda consumption habits and health issues can be rightly established. Some of our top contenders, for instance are US and Mexico, both of whom have an alarmingly rising obesity rate of over 30%.
But, besides obesity the health conscious have also raised a few flags at too much soft drinks consumption because of other health hazards such as diabetes, dental decay and loss of bone density leading to weakened bones and osteoporosis. The carbon dioxide intake is known to kill healthy cells.
Even then, the most appealing factor about soft drinks is probably the carbon dioxide content which adds the freshness or the fizz to it. Most of the drinks also contain caffeine which might be appealing to the coffee lovers and caffeine junkies. Here’s a list of the 11 Countries that Consume the Most Coffee, which can give you a rundown of the coffee-loving countries of the world.
Once in a while though, soft drinks can add a little fizz to our lives on a hot sultry day and when consumed carefully and within limits the effects of it can also be minimized. So let’s take a little time and appreciate the lifestyle choices of these countries that consume the most soft drinks in the world because we do relate to their love for the drinks to some extent. And after all, you live only once!
11. Canada,
Canadian’s are increasingly trying to cut down on their soft drink intake and looking out for options with less sugar content lately. The per capita consumption has stagnated around 259 servings of 8 fluid ounces of beverage and while this has been a cause of concern for big names like Coca-Cola, other niche brands like Haskap Juice has captured the market with their juices with high anti-oxidant content.
10. South Africa,
South Africa has managed to maintain a steady increase in soft drink consumption though the demands for healthier drinks are on the rise also. Coca-Cola remains the top most consumed carbonated drink in the country with almost 50% of it’s total soft drink consumption being attributed to the brand.
9. Bolivia,
Bolivia has been one of the countries whose transition into becoming one of the countries which consume the most soft drinks in the world has been rapid. From a 55 servings of 8 fluid ounce drinks per capita consumption in 2008, the current per capita consumption stands at more than 263 servings in a year.
8. Spain,
Among all non-alcoholic beverages, Spain’s consumption of soft drinks is the most, coming to almost 50%, followed by mineral water at 21%. Even though consumption is as high as 283 servings, it has actually decreased from the 287 servings in 2011.
7. Australia,
Results show almost 59% of the population of Australia has been consuming soft drink with the highest consumption being among teenager aged 14-18 years. Consumption was weekly among almost half of the young residents of the country.
6. Belgium,
Soft drink consumers in Belgium have been growing averse to carbonated drinks because of the ill effects and the great price disparity. More of them are opting for substitutes lately such as fruit juices and vegetable juices. Though international brands especially Coca-Cola has remained popular, private labels have been gaining attention.
5. Argentina,
The soda industry has been forever booming in the country and has shown less decrease in rates over the years compared to other countries. Energy drinks are big and popular while there are some traditional options such as ‘Armagos’ which have widespread consumption.
4. United States,
America has been successful to reduce its soda consumption by 20% since 2008. Even though it has been one of the major consuming countries in the past, more and more Americans are even giving diet sodas a pass these days with over 63% people avoiding them. The current consumption hovers around 42.2 gallons per capita.
3. Panama,
Panama’s soda intake has increased manifold since 2008. It has made a giant leap from 80 servings per head to over 416 servings. And, it seems with every passing year Panama’s love for soft drinks gets refreshed.
2. Chile,
Another country that seems to be hopelessly in love with Coca-Cola! There have been enough talks around the health hazards, but the market leader has been prompt to react to the consumer demands and is actively trying to incorporate health elements into its product. The efforts have led to the launch of Coca-Cola Life – a healthier variant of the traditional drink.
1. Mexico,
And Mexico seems to be unperturbed by all the negative propaganda around soft drinks. It’s already high consumption is constantly on a rise and even the alarming obesity rates and a soft drink tax has been unable to bring it into bounds. It leaves behind all the other countries that consume the most soft drinks in the world with an undefeated per capita consumption of 745 servings.
