Highlighted in bright orange are countries that have implemented a levy on sugary products. Highlighted in light orange are countries that will be implementing a levy on sugary products within the next year.
The World Health Organization recommends limiting the intake of free sugars to maximum 10% of total energy intake, and even better, to less than 5%. In most countries average consumption is significantly higher. Intake of sugar-sweetened beverages is associated with an increased risk of obesity, diabetes, dental caries and cardiovascular disease. Excessive consumption therefore also imparts a substantial burden on health systems.
Levies on sugary products work, and can either act as a price signal to consumers, or incentivise industry to reformulate products to avoid paying the levy. Studies suggest that a most effective levy rate would result in a 20% price difference. Few countries seem to attain this level, however. Levies, as they generate revenues, can be earmarked for specific public investments. Such levies also have the potential to reduce health inequities.
Countries with a levy on sugary products
Belgium – sugary drinks
Croatia – sugary drinks
Denmark – sugar products and chocolate
Estonia – sugar drinks
Finland – sugary drinks
France – sugary drinks
Hungary – sugary drinks and certain other sugary products
Ireland – sugary drinks
Latvia – sugary drinks
Poland – sugar drinks
Portugal – sugary drinks
Spain – sugar drinks
United Kingdom – sugary drinks
In progress
Italy – adopted, but postponed to 2023 due to COVID-19, will be implemented on sugary drinks
Data source & further reading
Data source:
Global Food Research Program (2021) Sugary drink taxes around the world
NOURISHING Database, World Cancer Research Fund International
Tax Foundation – Soda Taxes in Europe
Further reading:
WHO (2018) Healthy Diet Fact sheet
Cashing et al. (2017) Earmarking for health. From theory to practice. WHO
WHO (2016) Fiscal policies for diet and the prevention of noncommunicable diseases
Policies for healthy living environments
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Latest update: December 10, 2021